We believe where we've been matters as much as where we're going.
No people can look forward who do not look
backward. The strongest guarantee of the
future is the past. Unless that which has been
built shall stand with an assured security, the
motive for further building is destroyed, and all
our structures will go down in ruins.—Calvin Coolidge.
Free speech does not live many hours after free
industry and free commerce die.—Herbert Hoover
Words without actions are the assassins of idealism.—Herbert Hoover
What we do
We celebrate Western culture and economic liberty by supporting the performing arts and organizations championing economic and political liberty. In today's increasingly hostile environment to Western values on America's campuses, we support colleges committed to preserving our cultural, civic, and economic heritage.
We support the organizations listed below through our charitable fund and with personal contributions. Our Initiative is not a public charity, and we do not seek or accept any donations. We urge you to contribute directly to the organizations or those with similar missions.
We support these exceptional programs
Atlas Network—Washington, DC
Atlas Network is a nonprofit organization connecting a global network of more than 400 free-market organizations in over 80 countries to the ideas and resources needed to advance the cause of liberty. Their shared vision is to create a free, prosperous, and peaceful world where limited governments defend the rule of law, private property, and free markets.
At a time when massive government responses and limitations on individual freedom are in place, we believe it is vital that our future liberty is restored. Atlas is working globally to promote responses to COVID-19's challenges based on evidence, proper public health measures, and sound economic principles. That includes defending free enterprise and wealth creation and restraining governments from exercising powers unrelated to the crisis.
Ave Maria University Shakespeare In Performance—Ave Maria, FL
Celebrating twelve years of theatrical excellence, Shakespeare In Performance investigates early modern acting styles, thrust stages practices, and how an acting troupe cooperates and functions in the preparation and performance of plays. Performances are unique because of how students collaborate and include contemporary music and dance. True to Elizabethan theatrical practices, students are responsible for not only producing and acting in plays, but all marketing and fund-raising. AMU is on Newsmax's list of 40 Best Colleges for Conservative Values.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy—Washington, DC
While we focus on cultural and free-market causes, the pandemic impacts everyone. We have chosen to donate to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, a US-based nonprofit that works to get money to hard-hit areas in various emergencies and conducts research to understand how funding can be used most effectively. Their COVID-19 response focuses on the areas with the most significant outbreaks to help increase the capacity for response. Importantly, they are a privately supported effort.
Florida Disaster Fund—Tallahassee, FL
Administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation, the organization is Florida’s private fund that was established to assist communities throughout disaster response and recovery. While we are located on the Atlantic Coast, we are cognizant of the needs of our friends and neighbors on the Gulf Coast as they contend with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Florida Shakespeare Theater—Coral Gables, FL
After 18 seasons, Florida Shakespeare Theater will no longer produce free Shakespeare in the Park productions. FST is actively exploring other options to continue its mission of offering vibrant programming for the many fans and supporters of Shakespeare. FST has finished shooting a feature-length film of A Midsummer Night's Dream which is now in post-production. We look forward to the world premiere.
Folger Shakespeare Theatre—Washington, DC
The Folger Shakespeare Library is the home of the world's most extensive Shakespeare collection. Folger Theatre performs a season of innovative productions designed to forge strong connections with modern audiences, continuing the lively legacy of William Shakespeare. The Folger has received 154 nominations and 30 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in acting, direction, design, and production.
Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba—Miami, FL
Socialism—and all its evil—is on display only 90 miles from the United States. The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba promotes a peaceful transition to a free and democratic Cuba with zero tolerance for human rights violations. FHRC empowers human rights defenders and activists working for change in Cuba through peaceful means. These include prisoners of conscience and their families, independent journalists and bloggers, cultural activists, as well as members of independent unions and marginalized sectors.
Friends of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín—Guatemala City, Guatemala
The mission of Universidad Francisco Marroquín is to teach and disseminate the ethical, legal, and economic principles of a society of free and responsible persons. In 2017, UFM was ranked number one in the world on the list of Top Fifty Places to Study Classical Economics by TheBestSchools.org.
GlobalGiving—Washington, DC
Ukraine remains at war. Once again, innocent civilians are cannon fodder for authoritarian invaders. While we strive to support small, less well-funded charities to maximize our impact, on this occasion, we believe it is prudent to support a larger organization with more resources. We have chosen to support the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund of GlobalGiving to support humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and surrounding regions where refugees have fled. Donations to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will provide shelter, food, clean water for refugees, health and psychosocial support, and access to education and economic assistance.
Golden Spike Foundation, Salt Lake City, UT
Continuing the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, the Golden Spike Foundation is erecting a 43' tall golden spike with reliefs depicting scenes of those who built the railroad, people impacted by the railroad, and those instrumental in completing this historic feat of human engineering and ingenuity. Visit the monument at the Golden Spike Park at Reeder Ranch, Brigham City, UT
Minding the Campus—New York, NY
We agree with President Hoover's quote above and President Eisenhower's quote below. Sadly, the First Amendment is under attack from many ideologies but no more so than in the Academy. Minding the Campus aims to bring intellectual diversity and fearless rigorous debate to today's private and public colleges at a time when speech codes and sensitivities are stifling free expression.
Seraphic Fire—Miami, FL
One of the preeminent professional vocal ensembles in the United States, GRAMMY®-nominated Seraphic Fire brings together professional vocal and instrumental artists from around the country to perform repertoire ranging from medieval chant and Baroque masterpieces to commissions by leading living composers. Seraphic Fire's mission is to present the highest quality performances of historically significant and underperformed music and advance art through the professional development, refinement, and documentation of its musicians’ talents while promoting community connectivity through educational programs.
Wisconsin Lutheran College's Friends of the Arts—Milwaukee, WI
As Wisconsin Lutheran College does, we believe in the power of the arts to change people, perspectives, and lives and support the college's performing and fine arts programming. WLU is on Young America's Foundation list of Top Conservative Colleges and was also named to Newsmax's list of 40 Best Colleges for Conservative Values.
World Central Kitchen—Washington, DC
We also support the World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés, which responds to disasters like the current crisis in Ukraine. At border crossings in southern Poland, WCK serves hot, nourishing meals to refugees. Additionally, they support local restaurants preparing meals in Odesa and Lviv.
Be inspired and take action
To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.—Theodore Roosevelt
Don't join the book burners. Don't think you are going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don't be afraid to go into your library and read every book.—Dwight D. Eisenhower
We must not abridge the freedom of speech, the freedom of press, or the freedom of assembly because there is no promise in repression.
—Warren Harding
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