Susan Berresford, then president of the Ford Foundation, explained that the endowment would enable much-needed recognition of numerous innovative government programs in the United States and worldwide.

Many past award winners have been replicated around the country including: In 2003, Harvard Kennedy School received a substantial gift from benefactors Roy and Lila Ash.

“The purpose of the Institute [now Ash Center] is to encourage thoughtful and focused attention to the nature, principles, functioning, and continued innovation and adaptations essential to a living and effective democracy.

The Center now hosts the Seminar Series, bringing distinguished speakers to Harvard Kennedy School throughout the academic year to address critical challenges facing democratic governance.

The new Institute is designed to bring together academics and practitioners from around the world to enhance research, teaching, and training on public policy and governance issues of critical importance in Asia.

In 2019, the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development joined the Ash Center, adding then nearly 33 years of research in determining what works for tribal nations in their pursuit of good governance, and why.