IGS Receives Major Financial Commitment from Darius and Sarah Anderson

The Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, is pleased to announce a major new financial commitment from Darius and Sarah Anderson, who have pledged $250,000 over the next five years.

"IGS plays a vital role in deepening our understanding of public policy and politics," said Darius Anderson, chairman of the Institute's National Advisory Council. "Sarah and I are proud that we can help advance all of the Institute's goals – education, research, and public service."

IGS Director Jack Citrin, who announced the gift, said it reflects Anderson's dedication to the Institute and the university. "Darius is deeply committed to the mission of IGS and his leadership of the Board has attracted an outstanding group of advisors who together with him are contributing significantly to our ability to contribute to the campus and beyond," Citrin said. "This wonderful gift from Darius and Sarah will enrich our programs in ways that will assist students, researchers and the public."

Citrin said he has decided that the bulk of the Andersons' contribution will fund the Cal-in-Sacramento Platinum Fellowship program, which has been generously supported in the past by the couple's previous donations.

Platinum Fellowships allow undergraduates to spend a summer working in Sacramento in the policymaking community, either in the Legislature, governor's office, the offices of other statewide elected officials, interest groups, state agencies, or even political journalism.

By providing the Fellows with housing and need-based living stipends, the Andersons' financial support means that the program is open to all Berkeley students, regardless of family financial background.

"Helping the next generation of young people engage the issues facing our society is one of my personal goals, and one of the things that is important about IGS," Darius Anderson said. "This gift will assist some of Berkeley's most promising students as they embark on careers of public service."

The donation, which will be divided into five annual installments of $50,000 each, will also benefit other IGS programs, such as the Institute's research initiatives, the training of graduate students, and public forums designed to increase awareness about public policy and politics. The Institute received the first of the five annual installments this fall.

Anderson has long been involved with IGS. Since becoming chairman of the National Advisory Council, he has played a crucial role in reshaping and revitalizing the board. Last spring the Andersons hosted the first annual IGS Salon Dinner at their ranch in Sonoma. Darius Anderson is the founder and CEO of three of California's most distinguished companies: Platinum Advisors, a government relations and public affairs firm; Kenwood Investments, a California private equity real estate development firm; and Gold Bridge Capital, a San Francisco-based pension fund advisory firm.

With a background that encompasses over twenty years of experience in business, real estate and politics, Anderson is an entrepreneurial leader whose influence and experience have impacted some of California's most important business ventures, acquisitions and developments.

An article in the Daily Californian highlights the Anderson gift to IGS: "Governmental Studies Plans to Use Funds for Internship Program."