To help bridge the gap in global understanding, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and the Meridian International Center are jointly leading an initiative to create a Foundation for International Understanding (FIU). CSP-Meridian Partnership
Mission
The Foundation for International Understanding will support educational, entertainment, and interactive media that promotes respect and understanding across borders, cultures, and religions. To advance common goals for a better life, the FIU will also support media productions that advance positive social aims, such as:
- Public health;
- Social and economic development;
- Childhood and adult education; and
- Good governance and civic engagement.
Strategy
The Foundation for International Understanding will award grants to marshal expertise from the media and entertainment industries worldwide. Along with television and radio programming, the FIU will support Internet productions, mobile content, educational video games, and other innovative media tools. The FIU will remain flexible and responsive to global events that raise new challenges to understanding and tolerance. FIU Overview PowerPoint
A Public-Private Partnership
The Foundation for International Understanding will use a combination of public and private funding to underwrite its operating expenses and grant awards. Also, through matching grants and co-funding partnerships with other donors, the FIU will draw in additional resources to augment the grants it provides directly. FIU Schematic
For more information on the Foundation for International Understanding, contact Phyllis d'Hoop, Project Director, via e-mail or Jeffrey Thomas, Research Fellow, via e-mail. Both can also be reached at 202-872-9800.
