SOFIES, an independent organisation was founded in 1968 to support the work of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies.

SOFIES raises funds for the Library and Museum. It acquires various cultural objects,documents, books, periodicals, etc., related to Ethiopia.

Recent purchases include a collection of over 200 photographs from the Haile Sellassie period, a dozen rare 18th and early 19th century manuscripts, and three late 15th or early 16th century icons.

The Society also encourages donations of documents and artifacts of historical or cultural interest, holds lectures, and organizes exhibitions.