Universities

Universities are rarely direct funders. In fact, they may see themselves primarily as recipients of Soros foundations' funding and programs. Universities can, however, make available or be encouraged to contribute useful resources to a partnership. Most universities have intellectual resources, an institutional infrastructure, and status within the country and even internationally. In a partnership, universities can provide expertise, academic legitimacy and accreditation, research, seminars, training, use of facilities, and access to networks of intellectuals.

In many countries, the Soros foundations have provided support to universities for many years. The trust, contacts, and credibility already established can be used to encourage universities to participate as partners. Some universities are elitist, bureaucratic, and insular institutions. Partnering with organizations like the Soros foundations can help universities open to cooperation with other actors in civil society.