The International Institute for Community Solutions is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization created by the Board of Directors of the Fund for the City of New York in 2002. Its purpose is to facilitate the ability of cities and communities in other countries to adapt the Fund's approach, applications, and expertise in improving quality of life and the performance of government and nonprofit organizations. During the 34 years of the Fund's existence, cities, states and community-based organizations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, among others, have approached the Fund for assistance in helping them adopt and adapt many of the Fund's initiatives, most of which were begun in New York City.

The work of the International Institute for Community Solutions includes initiatives that spring from the work of the Fund that are applicable elsewhere, as well as new initiatives that can be tested and applied abroad.