The program goal is to increase public understanding of and support for principles of human rights and civic activism in Russia. To this end, the Andrei Sakharov Foundation will undertake a series of complementary activities aimed at creating an independent public space for discussion and promotion of human rights, history, and democratic thought. These will include public discussions and debates focusing on key issues of rights protection and civic consciousness in contemporary Russia. A cinema club targeted at students will screen a variety of films on pertinent themes and provide an opportunity to promote further discussion with filmmakers and other experts. The foundation will use its exhibition space to curate public exhibits and events on issues of historical memory and contemporary human rights concerns. Founded in 1993, the Andrei Sakharov Foundation works to promote the democratic ideals of Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov and honor victims of totalitarian oppression.

The program goal is to strengthen philanthropy in Ukraine. The Center for Philanthropy will work to expand individual giving in Ukraine by (1) encouraging individuals to give through a public awareness campaign targeted at changing people's attitudes toward philanthropy; (2) researching giving habits and publishing key findings to support financial sustainability of civil society organizations; and (3) improving the capacity of Ukrainian civil society organizations, especially in rural areas, to solicit donations from individuals through an education and capacity-building program on appropriate fundraising techniques. In 2008-2009 the center co-organized the annual Philanthropist of the Year award, raising the profile of philanthropy across Ukraine. It also conducted important surveys on trends of individual giving and detailing the financial position of civil society organizations in Ukraine. The Center for Philanthropy was founded in 1997 with the mission of developing the culture of philanthropy in Ukraine by encouraging citizen participation and independent social action.