Frequently Asked Questions

What is IRI?
Established in April 1983, the International Republican Institute (IRI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide by developing political parties, civic institutions, open elections, good governance and the rule of law.

What type of work does IRI do?
For 25 years, IRI has been helping to spread democracy through trainings by volunteer experts from all over the world on political party and candidate development, good governance practices, civil society development, civic education, women’s and youth leadership development, electoral reform and election monitoring, and political expression in closed societies.

How many countries does IRI work in?
IRI has conducted programs in more than 100 countries and is currently active in 67 countries. When IRI began programming in 1984, the year after it was established, the institute worked in five countries – Bolivia, Colombia, Grenada, Guatemala and Portugal.

Where does IRI get its funding?
The International Republican Institute (IRI) is a 501 (c)(3) and does not receive any money from the Republican Party. IRI is funded by U.S. tax dollars. The funding comes primarily from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. State Department, and the National Endowment for Democracy. IRI also receives grants and donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Donations to IRI are tax deductible.

Is IRI affiliated with the Republican Party?
No, IRI is a nonpartisan organization, not affiliated with any political party.

Who is the president of IRI?
Lorne Craner currently serves as IRI’s president. Craner previously worked for the State Department where he was Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. During his three years at the State Department, Craner helped conceive and implement the administration’s new Middle East democracy policy, initiated the first U.S. government-funded efforts to advance democracy in China, and sharpened the administration’s focus on human rights in Central Asia. Craner previously served as IRI’s president from 1995 to 2001.

Who is on the Board of Directors?
IRI’s board of directors is chaired by U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and includes former Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger, former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, former Presidential Envoy to Iraq L. Paul Bremer, III, current members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and individuals from the private sector with backgrounds in international relations, business and government.

How many people work for IRI?
IRI employs nearly 400 people worldwide. In addition, IRI organizes hundreds of volunteers for international training and election observer missions.