Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions
Building a more just, informed, and resilient democracy.
The Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions fosters dialogue, supports scholarship, and invests in the communities and ideas essential to democratic life.
Mission & Vision
The Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) is committed to advancing public health, education, democracy, and human rights through thoughtful dialogue, critical inquiry, and civic engagement. We foster public deliberation, support scholarship, and encourage innovative thinking to address the complex challenges facing democratic societies today. By contributing to youth education in the arts and music across Los Angeles County, and through our involvement in academic publications, public forums, and humanitarian initiatives, CSDI works to deepen public understanding and illuminate pathways to a more just, informed, and inclusive future.
What We Do
Four pillars of civic investment.
Intellectual Contributions
Through contributions to research institutes such as the Brookings Institution, InterAmerican Dialogue, Los Angeles World Affairs Council, New America, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the United States Institute of Peace, and others, CSDI aims to facilitate conversations and gatherings of both academic and social importance. CSDI goes on to leverage the insights of scholars shared during such conversations to inform CSDI’s areas of focus and support.
Academic Institutions
Over the years, CSDI has supported various academic institutions, including the University of California in Los Angeles, the Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy, the University of Southern California, and multiple projects at Johns Hopkins University. With this support, the Center furthers its mission to foster and encourage dialogues, discussions, and contributions to public health, democracy, and human rights.
Humanitarian & Public Health
CSDI offers significant support to humanitarian causes, both domestically and abroad. Focusing primarily on historically disenfranchised groups and humanitarian crises, CSDI is involved with groups like Human Rights Watch and The International Refugee Assistance Program. CSDI is also dedicated to supporting issues of public health and supports the work of the Los Angeles Free Clinic and the Venice Family Clinic to support this mission.
Commitment to the Arts
CSDI generously supports the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County and the The Music Center Foundation. Through our support, CSDI helps fund The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Theater, and Opera based out of the music center.
Join us in shaping democratic institutions for the next generation.
Your support fuels scholarship, public health, the arts, and the open dialogue that fuels democratic institutions.