Started by a group of concerned expats in the late 1980’s, at which time the organization had yet to adopt the name SANAD Foundation, held its first general meeting in the summer of 1990. Guided by the vision of a better future for the families and their children, SANAD started with a Saturday school, in 2006, as well as cultural awareness programs and activities to familiarize the children with their ancestral culture, language and religion, and to familiarize the general public with Sudan, its people and its culture and traditions.

As of 2007 the organization was recognized by State and Federal authorities, as a public charity non-profit 501(c) (3) organization under the name "The Sudanese American National Affairs and Development Foundation (SANAD Foundation) .