Democracy, Politics and Civil Discourse

DEMOCRACY,
POLITICS &
CIVIL DISCOURSE

SHAPING LEADERS. STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY.

A strong democracy needs informed leaders and active citizens. Sanford drives policy research, fosters bipartisan dialogue, and holds the media accountable. Programs like POLIS and Duke in DC prepare students and policymakers to build a more inclusive democracy.

Democracy, Politics & Civil Discourse

Research

Sanford faculty lead research that strengthens democracy, informs political decision-making, and promotes civil discourse. Their work—on issues like voting rights, polarization, media accountability, and institutional reform—is timely, impactful, and grounded in today’s policy challenges.

Located in North Carolina, a state that reflects many of the nation’s democratic tensions, Sanford is uniquely positioned to study and shape civic life. From its founding, Sanford has taken a multidisciplinary, real-world approach to research and teaching. Today, it continues to convene scholars, journalists, and policymakers through its centers—including the DeWitt Wallace Center, POLIS: Center for Politics, and the Hart Leadership Program.

Through public scholarship and nonpartisan research, Sanford helps drive democratic renewal at every level.

Researchers Mine Fact-Check Insights Data to Explore Many Facets of Misinfo

The Duke Reporters' Lab offers the free Fact-Check Insights dataset, used by researchers globally for studies ranging from AI benchmarking to online content moderation analysis

To lead in the future of democracy, Sanford must grow its faculty expertise and research capacity. Your investment will help recruit dynamic scholars, support emerging talent, and advance interdisciplinary research that strengthens democratic institutions and public trust.

Full Professorship – $3.5 million
Recruit senior scholars whose research shapes national conversations on democratic resilience, governance, and institutional trust.

Visiting Professorship – $2 million
Invite distinguished thought leaders to Sanford to collaborate on research, teach, and participate in public dialogue across the political spectrum.

Faculty Research Fund – $100,000+
Provide flexible support for policy-relevant research on polarization, civic trust, and democratic institutions.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.

Democracy, Politics & Civil Discourse

Teaching

Sanford equips students to think critically, communicate across divides, and pursue ethical, effective solutions to pressing public challenges. With a strong emphasis on civil discourse, ethical reasoning, and real-world engagement, students graduate ready to shape a more resilient and inclusive democracy.

Jon Stewart Visits Sanford: Heartfelt Hilarity Ensues

Sanford welcomed comedy icon Jon Stewart as a guest speaker in Eric Deggans’ “Race & Media” course. Stewart charmed the audience with his signature mixture of wit and wisdom.

Sanford’s model of education—rooted in public purpose and civic responsibility—requires sustained investment. Your support will ensure all students have access to the opportunities that turn policy education into public impact.

Undergraduate Scholarships – $100,000+
Provide need-based scholarships so that talented undergraduates from all backgrounds can access a Sanford education and pursue public service careers.

Internships – $300,000+
Ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue unpaid or underpaid public service internships that build experience and expand networks.

Student Experience Support $100,000+
Support civic engagement, simulations, and applied learning experiences that help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world impact.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.

Democracy, Politics & Civil Discourse

Engagement

Sanford brings people together to solve public problems. Through centers and initiatives like POLIS, the Hart Leadership Program, and the DeWitt Wallace Center, students and faculty connect with policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to advance bipartisan dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic renewal.

Bridging the Divide: Senators Maggie Hassan and Richard Burr Find Common Ground

Sanford's Polis hosted a two-part conversation with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and former U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in Duke’s Washington, DC office.

To strengthen Sanford’s role as a convener of ideas and leaders, we must invest in the platforms that turn scholarship into public impact. Your support helps scale partnerships, expand programming, and elevate voices that shape democracy.

Center Programming Fund – $300,000+
Sustain interdisciplinary programs that engage students and faculty with pressing civic issues through Sanford’s policy centers.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Fund – $100,000+
Advance innovative, cross-campus partnerships that address urgent challenges in media, politics, and public trust.

Public Impact Research Fund – $100,000+
Advance applied research that informs decision-making in public institutions and promotes good governance.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.

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