About Us

Seigle Hall

The Frick Initiatives

Ideas into Action.

About the Frick Initiatives

Established through a $22 million gift from Bob and Barbara Frick, the Frick Initiatives invest in ambitious ideas and the people working to put them into practice. We support projects centered on four core pillars: civil discourse, free speech, free and open markets and personal responsibility.
 
Our approach goes beyond traditional grantmaking. We identify promising ideas, help turn them into action and invest in their development. Across education, public engagement and community partnerships, we support work that tests new approaches, demonstrates measurable results and has the potential to grow at Washington University, across St. Louis and beyond.
 
The Frick Initiatives are administered by the Weidenbaum Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

 

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Our Four Pillars

Every project, partnership and opportunity supported by the Frick Initiatives connects to one or more of four core pillars that guide our mission and define our impact.

Civil Discourse

Civil discourse is essential to a healthy society. The Frick Initiatives support programs and projects that encourage meaningful dialogue, intellectual humility and constructive engagement across differing perspectives.

Free Speech

Free speech serves as the foundation of intellectual inquiry and democratic participation. The Frick Initiatives support efforts that promote open expression, viewpoint diversity and the exchange of ideas.

Free & Open Markets

Innovation creates opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The Frick Initiatives support projects that explore entrepreneurship, economic mobility and business creation.

Personal Responsibility

Strong communities depend on engaged individuals. The Frick Initiatives support projects that promote leadership and civic responsibility.