About the Leadership Institute

Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, LI provides training in campaigns, fundraising, grassroots organizing, youth politics, and communications. The Institute teaches conservatives of all ages how to succeed in politics, government, and the media.

The Institute offers more than 50 types of training schools, workshops, and seminars; a free employment placement service; and a national field program that trains conservative students to organize campus groups.

Since 1979, LI has trained more than 250,000 conservative activists, leaders, and students. The Institute’s unique college campus network has grown to more than 2,300 conservative campus groups and newspapers.

While many liberal organizations exist to increase the involvement of liberal activists, few similar organizations exist to serve conservatives. Because conservatism tends to focus on the power of ideas, most conservative organizations are think tanks that focus on policy or legislation.

The left excels at organizing and mobilizing large numbers of people – activating them in the public policy process. While philosophy is very important, the lack of widespread, active conservative participation is one of America’s greatest practical weaknesses.

LI increases the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the public policy process. The Institute doesn’t analyze policy; it teaches conservative Americans how to influence policy through direct participation, activism, and leadership.

About Christian Leaders Program

The Leadership Institute’s Christian Leadership Program activates a new generation of conservative Christians to engage meaningfully with the political process and contend for their principles, the very principles upon which America was founded.

The Leadership Institute identifies conservative Christian leaders on college campuses by building relationships through LI’s existing national network of more than 2,300 local-campus, conservative student groups. In addition, the Leadership Institute works with Christian professors to identify promising students.

The Leadership Institute then recruits those students into its training program and works to match their career goals and aspirations with the broad array of Leadership Institute resources.

Through training, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing support, the Leadership Institute helps young Christian leaders learn how to work in politics on behalf of their faith.  The Christian Leaders Program also connects students to networking, internship, and job opportunities throughout the conservative and Christian movements.

About the Grant

On March 20, 2023, Dao Feng and Angela Foundation (formerly known as Daofeng and Angela Foundation), Bedrock Foundation and the Leadership Institute held a signing ceremony at LI’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia (See images below). Dao Feng and Angela Foundation agrees to provide a grant in the total amount of US$ 100,000 to LI as a leading sponsor to support the staff’s salaries of the Christian Leaders Program. As Dao Feng and Angela Foundation’s strategic Co-granting Partner,  Bedrock Foundation agrees to provide US$ 41,174 to cover the rest of the budget of staff’s salaries for this project.