Soros FoundationsThe Stefan Batory Foundation was named after the 16th-century king of Poland who epitomizes the spirit of European solidarity and culture. The foundation’s key priorities are to support democracy, enhance the role and involvement of civil society, promote civil liberties and the rule of law, develop a market economy, and foster international cooperation and solidarity.
The foundation is guided by several principles: It is independent of all state and political institutions; responds to existing needs; initiates programs and fosters ideas that promote an open society; and maintains transparency in all grantmaking activities and finances.
The foundation has focused on issues such as EU accession; increasing political participation; protecting human rights; addressing distrust of professionals such as politicians, lawyers, journalists, doctors, and teachers; ensuring access to information; combating political corruption; and increasing accountability.
