Eisenhower Foundation

Eisenhower Foundation. The Eisenhower Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established to honor the legacy and advance the principles of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and former Supreme Allied Commander Europe during World War II. Headquartered at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, it serves as the direct successor to the Eisenhower Institute and the People to People International foundation. The foundation's work focuses on fostering informed citizenship, ethical leadership, and thoughtful dialogue on critical national and international issues through a variety of educational and public engagement initiatives.

History

The foundation traces its origins to the original Eisenhower Foundation created in 1945 by citizens of Abilene to establish a lasting monument to Dwight D. Eisenhower following the Allied victory in World War II. This effort ultimately led to the construction of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, which is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. In 2018, a major consolidation occurred when the board of the Eisenhower Institute, founded in 1983 with campuses in Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, voted to merge with the Kansas-based foundation. This merger also incorporated the assets and mission of People to People International, a citizen diplomacy organization founded by President Eisenhower in 1956. The unified entity, operating under the historic Eisenhower Foundation name, is now the principal organization dedicated to perpetuating Eisenhower's comprehensive legacy, encompassing his military leadership, presidential tenure, and lifelong commitment to public service.

Mission and programs

The mission is to promote Eisenhower's core principles of effective leadership, informed civic participation, and the pursuit of peace through strength and diplomacy. Key programs include the Eisenhower Legacy Fellowship, which brings emerging leaders to Abilene and Washington, D.C. for intensive study; the Eisenhower Series, a national program of lectures and discussions featuring prominent figures from government, the military, academia, and journalism; and the stewardship of the People to People International program, which continues to foster global understanding through youth and professional exchanges. The foundation also collaborates closely with the Eisenhower Presidential Library to develop educational curricula, host teacher institutes, and support scholarly research on topics such as the Cold War, the Interstate Highway System, and the NASA space program, all key initiatives of the Eisenhower administration.

Leadership and governance

The foundation is governed by a national Board of Trustees comprising distinguished leaders from business, academia, the military, and public service. The board is chaired by Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, a great-grandson of President Eisenhower, who also serves as the organization's President. The board includes members of the Eisenhower family, retired senior military officers such as Generals and Admirals, former ambassadors, and prominent executives from corporations like FedEx and Hallmark Cards. An advisory council, which includes notable historians and former officials like David Eisenhower, provides additional counsel on programmatic and historical matters. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff based in Abilene and Washington, D.C., who oversee development, program management, and partnerships with institutions like the United States Army War College and the American Foreign Service Association.

Impact and recognition

The foundation has significantly influenced civic discourse and leadership development through its high-profile programs and partnerships. Its fellowship alumni hold influential positions in the United States Congress, the Department of Defense, major media outlets, and leading universities. The foundation's public programs, often held in venues like the National Press Club and the United States Institute of Peace, regularly feature speakers such as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and historian Jon Meacham, drawing national attention to issues of governance and international affairs. It has been recognized by the Congressional Record for its educational contributions and works in concert with entities like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum on joint initiatives. The revitalized People to People International program continues to connect thousands of students and professionals across continents, directly advancing Eisenhower's vision for citizen diplomacy.

Financial information

As a publicly supported 501(c)(3) organization, it is funded through a combination of private donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and endowment income. Major financial support has come from entities like the Koch Foundation, the Hall Family Foundation, and various veteran service organizations. The foundation's annual financial reports are publicly available, detailing revenue allocation across its core program areas, including educational fellowships, public symposiums, and the maintenance of outreach activities for People to People International. A significant portion of its resources is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The board's finance committee, which includes experts from the fields of investment and philanthropy, oversees the management of the endowment and ensures fiduciary responsibility in alignment with standards set by the Internal Revenue Service and watchdog groups like Charity Navigator.

Category:Organizations based in Kansas Category:Organizations established in 1945 Category:Presidential libraries and museums in the United States