Franciscans around the world run schools, hospitals, Justice and Peace offices, shelters, and specialise in many services for the poor.
A large part of the organization's funding comes from individuals who support Franciscan work for human rights, care for creation, and peacemaking.
Vision: A global community built on Franciscan values, in which the dignity of every person is respected; resources are shared equitably; the environment is sustained; and nations and peoples live in peace.
1984 - 1988: The idea quickly grows into a common project of the Franciscan Family (FF) and an interfamilial Preparatory Committee is organised in the US for this future ministry.
1989: The UN Department of Public Information (DPI) officially recognises Franciscans International as a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
1997: FI, with Dominicans for Justice and Peace, opens an office in Geneva, Switzerland, where the Human Rights Commission (HRC) of the UN is located.
2003: The CFF appoints a second international board of directors, at their first meeting in Maryknoll Seminary in New York Sr. Denise Boyle fmdm, is elected president.
2008: FI opens its third office in Bangkok, Thailand, under the direction of Ms Julie Morgan, the first Regional Director for the Asia Pacific Programme.
FI will simultaneously work with the regional arm of the UN, known as the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), located in Bangkok.
2008: Sr. Denise Boyle fmdm is appointed the new executive director by the IBD after an international employment search, with responsibility for the FI programme including the three regional offices in Bangkok, Geneva and New York.
FI begins preparatory work for its first 3-year strategic plan holding consultations with principle stakeholders, the Franciscan Family, funding agencies, donors and service providers.
Dionysius Mintoff OFM, Malta, for his significant role in encouraging Franciscans to get involved in the UN specifically for their international work on JPIC.
In New York Sr. Mary Teresa Plante and Sr. Bernadette Sullivan receive the first ‘Outstanding Achievement Awards’ for their service to FI from its very inception.
Elias Manuel OFM, Bangalore, India is appointed the new regional director for the Asia Pacific Programme after an international employment search.