The Carter Center: Frequently Asked Questions

The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Atlanta-based Center has helped to improve the quality of life for people in more than 70 countries.

Led by the Carters and an independent board of trustees, the Center's staff wage peace, fight disease, and build hope by both engaging with those at the highest levels of government and working side by side with poor and often forgotten people.

In this way, the Center has strengthened democracies in Asia, Latin America, and Africa; helped farmers double or triple grain production in 15 African countries; mediated or worked to prevent civil and international conflicts; intervened to prevent unnecessary diseases in Latin America and Africa, including the near eradication of Guinea worm disease; and strived to diminish the stigma against mental illness. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center's work is supported by donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and countries.

Our Mission
The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. While the program agenda may change, The Carter Center is guided by five principles:

The Center emphasizes action and results. Based on careful research and analysis, it is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues.
The Center does not duplicate the effective efforts of others.
The Center addresses difficult problems and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk.
The Center is nonpartisan and acts as a neutral in dispute resolution activities.
The Center believes that people can improve their lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public or private, in carrying out its mission.

Top

About The Center