The Reynolds Foundation Partners with Cornell Brooks School to Advance Research, Democracy, and Global Leadership

The Reynolds Foundation has committed $1.25 million to launch a broad portfolio of initiatives at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, strengthening its role as a strategic partner in advancing research, leadership, and democratic resilience.

Far from a one-time donation, this collaboration reflects a long-term strategic partnership between the Brooks School and the Reynolds Foundation, established by Tim and Caroline Reynolds and led by Dr. Álvaro Salas-Castro (MPA ’14). Together, the Foundation and Cornell are working to align world-class academic research with the urgent challenges of freedom, governance, and human development.

The commitment includes:

• Research on Financial Freedom and Virtual Currency through the Brooks Tech Policy Institute (BTPI), led by Professor Sarah Kreps, examining how bitcoin and stablecoins are used in partially or fully authoritarian contexts.

• Unrestricted program support for the launch of the Center on Global Democracy, which will bring together Cornell’s leading experts to develop solutions that strengthen democratic institutions worldwide.

• The creation of the Reynolds Leadership Scholarships, supporting outstanding Master of Public Administration (MPA) students with a demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights.

Dean Colleen Barry of the Brooks School emphasized the value of this collaboration:

“It’s especially gratifying to begin this partnership as we expand into new areas of global research and engagement. The Reynolds Foundation’s vision and support come at a crucial moment in our history.”

For TRF, the partnership underscores its commitment to co-creating initiatives, not just financing them.

“As a graduate and lecturer of the MPA program, I know the unique role the Brooks School plays in preparing leaders who will strengthen democracy worldwide,” said Dr. Álvaro Salas-Castro, President and CEO of TRF. “This is not only about providing resources, but about building programs that align with our mission to defend freedom and expand opportunities globally.”

Through this partnership, the Reynolds Foundation acts as a strategic partner—helping shape research agendas, supporting emerging talent, and ensuring that innovative ideas move from the classroom to real-world impact.