The Chicago-based organization plans to distribute $3 million annually to individuals and groups, and to create local advisory panels to address social issues. A top priority will be given to environmental projects and health and population studies, said Elizabeth McKeon, the foundation's executive director in Moscow.
"We want to create a competitive system here", McKeon said. "We want to encourage a whole array of groups to become involved".
The Moscow office is the first overseas bureau of the foundation, a private, independent organization created in 1978 for charitable and public service purposes. Every year, the foundation awards "genius grants" to artists, writers, scientists, activists and others engaged in significant projects. The recipients can do as they choose with the money.
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