The University of Virginia has announced a $50 million gift from alumni Martha ('81) and Bruce ('80) Karsh to establish a nonpartisan institute dedicated to the study, teaching, and promotion of democracy.

The gift will launch the Karsh Institute of Democracy at UVA, a $100 million initiative aimed at fostering participation and civil debate on issues of national importance; supporting and amplifying research, study, and discussion of the underpinnings of democracy; and engaging in public outreach. To that end, the institute will bring together and augment the work of the Karsh Center for Law and Democracy — which the couple established with a $25 million gift in 2018 — and the Center for Politics, the Democracy Initiative in the College of Arts & Sciences, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the Miller Center of Public Affairs, the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. UVA is working to match the gift with additional philanthropic and university support.

The commitment also will help fund construction of a building that will serve as a hub for public forums, research, and classes when it opens in 2026. Martha and Bruce Karsh's previous support for UVA includes gifts totaling $50 million to the School of Law, of which both are alumni.

"For a healthy democracy to thrive, its core principles, institutions, and processes must not only be studied and understood, but also vigilantly protected and strengthened," the couple said in a statement. "We believe higher education is ideally suited for this responsibility, and we're delighted to support the University of Virginia's ambitious effort to lead in this work."

"From Congress to our public squares, the times demand vigorous efforts to sustain democracy and fully realize its aspirations," said Democracy Initiative co-director Melody C. Barnes, who will serve as the Karsh Institute's inaugural executive director. "With talented faculty, staff and students — who are also deeply committed to addressing the challenges facing our country — this is the moment to intensify our work across [campus] to have impact beyond the university."