Blavatnik Foundation Donated $15 Million to CFR

The funding will expand the Council on Foreign Relations internship program to include full-time summer opportunities.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Internships

Blavatnik Foundation Donated $15 Million to CFR

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The Blavatnik Family Foundation has donated $15 million to the Council on Foreign Relations. This gift is intended to expand the council's existing internship program and support a new full-time summer track.

Why it matters

The donation aims to increase access to paid internships for students and recent graduates while training the next generation of foreign policy leaders. By boosting support, the program seeks to better equip participants to navigate complex international challenges.

The Blavatnik Internship Program currently receives an average of 58,000 applicants annually for its 140 available spots. The foundation has contributed over $1.5 billion to more than 300 organizations to date.

The players

Blavatnik Family Foundation

This private charitable organization provides philanthropic support across the fields of science, arts, and education.

Council on Foreign Relations

This independent, nonpartisan think tank serves as a resource for information and analysis on international affairs and foreign policy.

The details

The funding uses a combination of endowment and current-use resources to cover program operating costs and facilitate full-time internship placements. Established in 2020, the initiative has supported more than 1,000 professional participants since its inception.

January 2020: The Blavatnik Internship Program was established.
October 12, 2026: The $15 million gift announcement was published.

Market Landscape

This donation continues the trend of private foundations providing substantial capital to expand professional development and early-career pathways in think tanks. It positions the organization to remain a primary destination for foreign policy talent amidst high applicant demand.

Students and recent graduates seeking to enter the field of international relations may find increased opportunities for paid, full-time positions through the expanded program. Applicants should monitor the council for updates on eligibility requirements as the new tracks are implemented.

The takeaway

Large-scale philanthropic investments are increasingly focused on professionalizing entry-level pathways in the policy sector. Aspiring professionals should track such foundation-backed initiatives as key indicators of accessibility and growth in competitive industries.