Nusantara Foundation

Who We Are

Nusantara Foundation

Nusantara Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Jamaica, New York, dedicated to promoting interfaith harmony and cooperation. The foundation aims to foster a society where education, culture, and religious coexistence thrive.

Our mission is to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation, particularly between Muslims and other communities — creating an inclusive environment where diverse beliefs and cultures can flourish side by side.

Our Impact

For years, Nusantara Foundation has worked at the intersection of faith, education, and civic life — building meaningful relationships across communities in New York and beyond.

Core Programs

NYC

Based in Jamaica, NY

Boarding School Project

What We Do

Programs & Activities

From dialogue to development, our programs are designed to educate, unite, and empower communities across faith lines.

🕊

Interfaith Dialogue

Promoting meaningful dialogue between Muslims and other communities to enhance mutual understanding and lasting cooperation.

📚

Education

Providing educational programs to increase knowledge and awareness about Islam and other world religions.

🤝

Social Activities

Engaging in humanitarian aid and community development initiatives that uplift those in need.

🌟

Global Leadership Program

Developing leadership skills and civic capacity among young Muslims to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Grand Project

🏫

Islamic Boarding School — Connecticut

Nusantara is currently undertaking a landmark project to establish the first Islamic Boarding School in Connecticut, USA — a historic milestone for the Muslim community.

In Action

Moments of Engagement, Recognition, and Friendship

A curated visual collection highlighting civic outreach, interfaith dialogue, community recognition, public speaking, scholarship, and personal connections that reflect the spirit of Nusantara Foundation.

Featured Collection

Selected moments that tell the story beautifully

These photos present a strong mix of community warmth, public engagement, recognition, and interfaith relationship-building. They help visitors quickly see Nusantara Foundation’s presence in real-life settings.

Gallery Groups

Community Life • Public Presence • Honors

Community Moments Interfaith & Civic Engagement Recognition & Honors

Expanded Collection

Interfaith Engagement • Civic Relations • Education • Service

This expanded collection deepens the visual story of Nusantara Foundation through public advocacy, interfaith collaboration, diplomatic engagement, educational outreach, and acts of compassion in the community.

Interfaith & Diplomacy Public Advocacy Education & Youth Compassionate Service

Leadership

Profile of the Founder

Imam Shamsi Ali

Founder & President · Nusantara Foundation

Born1967

OriginKajang, Bulukumba, S. Sulawesi, Indonesia

Ph.D.Political Science, USC 2007

Based inNew York City

Ellis Island Medal of Honor

ICLI Interfaith Award

500 Most Influential Muslims

Imam Shamsi Ali is a prominent American Muslim scholar and activist in the United States and beyond. He is widely recognized for his moderate and progressive approach to Islam, particularly his decades-long work in New York City bridging communities across faiths.

Prior to his current role, Imam Shamsi Ali served as a lecturer at the Islamic Foundation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (1995–1996). He was then invited to lead the Muslim community in New York City, where he has played a significant role in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation — especially in the years following the 9/11 events.

He has been featured in major media outlets including CNN, NBC, and Al-Jazeera, and has authored several books, including "Sons of Abraham: A Candid Conversation about the Issues That Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims."

Imam Shamsi Ali resides in New York City with his wife and six children.

CNN NBC Al-Jazeera Author

Building BridgesAcross Faith & Culture