The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Polish American Congress (PAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing cooperation between two of the most historic European American ethnic organizations in the United States. The agreement was signed by NIAF President & CEO Robert Allegrini and PAC President Hubert Cioromski and takes effect immediately, with a three-year term subject to renewal.
Founded in 1975, NIAF is the preeminent national organization representing the Italian American community, dedicated to celebrating and advancing the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of Italian culture and presence in America, and to strengthening ties between the United States and Italy. The Polish American Congress, founded in 1944, is the national umbrella organization for Americans of Polish descent, advocating for Polish American interests and promoting Polish culture, heritage, and history across the country.
“This agreement with the Polish American Congress represents far more than a formal accord—it is a statement of shared values, shared history, and shared purpose,” said Robert Allegrini, NIAF President & CEO. “Italians and Poles both know what it means to fight for freedom, to build something lasting in a new land, and to carry a culture forward with pride. We look forward to everything we will accomplish together.”
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration across seven areas: charitable initiatives supporting the preservation of cultural heritage, including the arts, history, language, literature, music, and traditions of both communities; joint advocacy engaging U.S. policymakers on issues of shared concern; cultural exchange and heritage education programs; facilitation of academic and professional exchanges through participation in each organization’s events; youth engagement and leadership development, including educational programs, scholarships, and internships; mutual promotion of the civic contributions of both communities through shared networks and communications channels; and joint public events and awareness campaigns when collaboration advances both missions. It also commits both organizations to working toward the establishment of a broader council of European American ethnic organizations—a consultative body to share knowledge, coordinate efforts, and collectively advocate on behalf of European communities in the United States.
“The Polish American Congress is proud to join with the National Italian American Foundation in this new chapter of cooperation,” said Hubert Cioromski, PAC President. “Our communities share deep roots, enduring values, and a common commitment to strengthening the American fabric. Working together, we can do more for our communities and for our country.”
NIAF and PAC envision this agreement as a first step toward an American League of European Ethnic Organizations (ALEEO)—a unified coalition representing the full breadth of European heritage communities in America, from Italian and Polish to Greek, Irish, German, Ukrainian, Baltic, Balkan, Nordic, and beyond. Drawing inspiration from successful coalitions such as UnidosUS and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, LEEO would amplify the collective political voice of European American communities, support cultural preservation, facilitate crisis coordination, and create youth engagement opportunities across member communities. Both organizations intend to begin outreach to other European American groups in the months ahead. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to contact NIAF at [email protected].
Additional details on joint initiatives and programming will be announced in the coming months. For more information on NIAF, visit NIAF.org.
About the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded in 1975. NIAF is the largest representative of the more than 20 million Italian American citizens in the United States, dedicated to celebrating and advancing the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of Italian culture and presence in America, and to strengthening ties between the United States and Italy. For more information, visit NIAF.org.
About the Polish American Congress (PAC)
The Polish American Congress is the national umbrella organization representing Americans of Polish descent and Polish American organizations throughout the United States. Founded in 1944, PAC advocates for the interests of the Polish American community, promotes Polish culture, heritage, and history, and works to strengthen relations between the United States and Poland. For more information, visit pac1944.org.
