The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art (DDFIA) is to promote the study and understanding of Islamic arts and cultures. DDFIA plays a unique role in the growing dialogue among scholars, artists and the public about how to help cultivate mutual understanding.

DDFIA pursues its mission in two ways:

- Through Shangri La in Honolulu, which is owned and supported by DDFIA and undertakes a range of activities as a center for learning about Islamic arts and cultures; and

- Through the Building Bridges Program, which is based in New York and awards grants to promote the use of arts and media to improve Americans' understanding of Muslim societies.

Based in New York, DDFIA is one of three operating foundations supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.