NCF was founded in 1990 by the late Claud Morris to provide a forum for off-the-record discussion between Palestinians and Israelis. Founding members were businessmen, politicians, journalist and diplomats including:

• Lord Weinstock
• Lord Alliance CBE
• Mr Jaweed al-Ghussein
• Lord Goodman
• Mr Haim Zadok
• The Duke of Devonshire

The Foundation broadened its sphere of influence over the years. It worked on crises in Iraq, Kashmir, Kosova and Sudan as well as maintaining its original focus on the Middle East Peace Process. The nature of the Foundation's work has changed over the years. It now produces policy papers for submission to governments. Papers of this kind are produced by working groups set up for the purpose. As a registered charity, the Foundation itself holds no policy position. The Foundation talks to all without restriction. As an organisation it strives to make no judgement that involves allocation of blame. Its sole objective remains to foster rapprochement between nations.The NCF has been involved in many projects over the years. All is work is second track and behind the scenes. Examples are wide ranging. For instance the NCF has:

• Run missions into Iraq on behalf of the UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs prior to the Iraq war, to examine prospects for war avoidance.
• Established the new International Media Council to examine problems of bias and racism in the media.
• Provided the only forum for direct dialogue between Serbs and Albanians over Kosovo (The West only permitted proximity talks at the time).
• Produced seminal reports on shared sovereignty issues with regard to:
  • Kashmir
  • Jerusalem
• Worked assiduously on Mid East Peace Process issues including:
  • Democracy for Peace
  • A Resident Commissioner for Conciliation
  • A Comprehensive Peace Process (Abdallah/Arab Plan)

The NCF remains active on a wide range of issues. The present Secretary General is William Morris. The Co-ordinator is Maggie Tomkinson.