Our Mission
The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy brings people together to generate ideas and solutions that build a better democracy for all.
Democracy in the twenty-first century faces extraordinary challenges and opportunities. Polarization, geopolitical tension, technological change, disinformation, and declining public trust have strained civic life. Yet commitments to liberty and justice, along with creativity and collaboration, offer tools to build a more vibrant democratic future.
The Karsh Institute was launched in 2021 to meet this moment. Rooted in UVA’s founding mission to advance knowledge and prepare students for self-government, the Institute strengthens the essential link between education and democracy.
“Wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government.” — Thomas Jefferson
The Karsh Institute is a natural extension of UVA’s founding mission to advance knowledge and prepare student leaders for self-governance. As a leading public university with a deep connection to the nation’s bold democratic experiment, UVA is uniquely situated to serve as the Karsh Institute’s home.
As debates about democracy grow more urgent at home and abroad, the Karsh Institute is expanding its reach, building partnerships across UVA and beyond, and advancing a clear, compelling vision of democracy’s promise. Its nonpartisan work prepares students for civic leadership, builds trust in institutions, and generates ideas and programs that strengthen democratic culture at every level.
Meet the Benefactors
UVA Alumni Martha and Bruce Karsh
Long motivated to support education and civil debate on issues of national importance, Martha and Bruce Karsh have grown particularly interested in how higher education is uniquely able to address growing threats to democracy.
“For a healthy democracy to thrive, its core principles must be studied and understood, and also vigilantly protected.” — Martha and Bruce Karsh
Martha, who graduated from UVA’s College of Arts & Sciences in 1978 and UVA Law in 1981, is a leader in the nonprofit world and co-manages the Karsh Family Foundation. Bruce, a 1980 UVA Law graduate, is the co-founder and co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, a global asset management firm.
Led by Karsh Family Gift, UVA Plans $100 Million for Institute of Democracy
The Institute will build on UVA’s expertise in the study of democracy, public policy and leadership and fund construction of a new building for public forums, classes and research.
news.virginia.edu