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Seeking a secure peace with freedom and justice, built on world citizenship and effective global governance.
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The Stanley Foundation and its work grow out of a Midwestern family’s philanthropic commitment to serve the common good by building a more peaceful and humane world. C. Maxwell and Elizabeth M. Stanley created the Stanley Foundation in 1956. Max Stanley was a professional engineer, businessman, and world citizen. His deep concerns about global security and international organizations in an increasingly interdependent world were reflected in his extensive writing and speaking. Betty Stanley shared her husband’s interest in world affairs. She supported the arts, encouraged environmental responsibility, and worked to improve education. The initial Board of Directors consisted of the two founders and their children. Max Stanley served as president until his death in 1984. Programming began modestly. Policy dialogue work started in 1960 with the Strategy for Peace Conference, and the first conference on the United Nations of the Next Decade was held in 1965. The foundation’s first paid staff member came on board in 1967. From very early days, outreach and communications activities were a part of programming. Community partnerships started in the late 1960s with Project Enrichment in the Muscatine schools. Over the years, programming has grown and expanded, with periodic reviews to assess priorities and sharpen focus. Foundation staff has increased in numbers and capabilities. Following Max Stanley’s death, Richard H. Stanley became president of the foundation. Like his father, Dick is a professional engineer, businessman, and world citizen. In the 1990s, the foundation governance structure was revised to facilitate foundation continuity and greater family involvement. A two-tier governance structure was established and the position of board chair was created. Many third-generation family members are now engaged in the work of the foundation. The board has become more active in setting strategic priorities and directions. Family heritage and participation in ongoing work are central foundation tenets. In 2007, Vladimir P. Sambaiew became foundation president, capping a distinguished 30-year career as a Foreign Service Officer in the US Department of State. Dick Stanley continues as board chair. Today, the Muscatine, Iowa-based Stanley Foundation focuses on advocating and advancing principled multilateralism in the conduct of world affairs. Drawing upon its strong Midwestern roots, the foundation supports an international system based on rules and norms that can meet pressing peace, security, and other global challenges. To this end, it continues active interactions with governments, international institutions, and nonstate actors. The Stanley Foundation maintains a long-term, independent and nonpartisan perspective while promoting collaborative approaches and multilateral solutions. It seeks a secure peace with freedom and justice, built on world citizenship and effective global governance. |
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