The Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA (SPF-USA) was incorporated on September 24, 1990, in Washington, D.C., as a not-for-profit foundation under clause 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code with a ¥3 billion endowment from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan. The Foundation's initial mission, to promote understanding between the United States and Japan, was carried out by opening an art gallery and a library in December 1992.

In 1997 the Foundation decided to broaden its mission and focus on the Asia-Pacific region as well as Japan. The Foundation closed the art gallery and developed projects to increase awareness of the Asia-Pacific region in the United States.

Currently the Foundation maintains a library open to the public, sponsors seminars and conferences on the US-Asia relationship, and supports Asia-related projects.