The ASIL Endowment for International Law: Lasting Resource, Lasting Vision

The Need
International law's future promises to be more diverse, public, and complicated. Not only are visible issues like terrorism and civil and human rights of rising significance in international law, but so are a growing number of trade, intellectual property, electronic information, and crime issues. As international law’s reach expands, and as more citizens and policy-makers interact with it, better education about international law becomes imperative.

The Response
The American Society of International Law has been conducting education programs in international law since 1906. Its tradition of excellence has placed its publications, meetings, and information services at the forefront of international law education. ASIL recently considered the future of international law in the 21st century, and we determined that the long-term need for improved education not only required attention now but also merited a secure funding source: the Society in 2004 established the ASIL Endowment for International Law.

The Endowment
Begun with seed funding of $1 million from the Society and already supplemented by gifts from several donors, the ASIL Endowment for International Law will support the education program of the Society. Each year, the equivalent of 5% of the endowment’s value will be dedicated to support the ASIL programs described below.

Endowment-supported Programs
The ASIL Endowment for International Law supports education programs designed to increase awareness and understanding of international law, and thereby strengthen its use. Endowment-supported activity would include Society programs being conducted for judicial outreach, public education, and students. While presently focused on emerging audiences for international law, the endowment may also support programs that help international law professionals better understand the law’s impact on these newer constituencies.

Increasing the Endowment
To realize fully its goal of strengthening the use of international law, the endowment needs to grow. In addition to retaining the endowment's investment earnings that exceed the 5% level that will be spent on programs, ASIL accepts contributions to the endowment. For example, 100% of Patrons' contributions become part of the endowment. Donations of any size, from individuals or institutions, are welcome additions to this growing resource supporting international law's future.

Lasting Resource, Lasting Vision
As international law becomes a greater civic force in the lives of more individuals and groups, whether citizens of a state, agents in a cause, or employees of an internationally active enterprise, its contribution needs to be better understood. A secure, growing financial resource that will aid in increasing such understanding has never been more needed. We invite your interest in and support for the ASIL Endowment for International Law.

For more information or to make a gift
To find out more about the ASIL Endowment for International Law or to make a contribution to the endowment, please contact ASIL Deputy Director Richard LaRue at 202.939.5363 or rlarue@asil.org.

Or, you may mail your inquiry or check, payable to the ASIL Endowment, to the attention of Richard LaRue at the American Society of International Law, 2223 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008-2864.