The Sargent Shriver Peace Institute focuses on the study of Peace Corps founder and mid-20^th century Democratic executive branch official Robert Sargent Shriver Jr.’s method of peacebuilding and leadership, and trains those who wish to follow his example, including policymakers, public servants, activists, and spiritual leaders. ¹

Background

Sargent Shriver, after whom the group was named, created the Peace Corps, served as its first director, led successful initiatives to integrate Chicago’s parochial and public school systems, and served as the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity in the Johnson administration. ² He was also the U.S. ambassador to France during the Vietnam War, and the Democratic Party nominated him in 1972 to be then-U.S. Sen. George McGovern’s (D-SD) running mate for president. ^{3 2}

The U.S. Congress appropriated funding to establish a peace institute named after Shriver in 2002. ⁴

Financials

In 2023, the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute reported revenue of $262,296, down from $547,483 in 2022. ⁵ It reported expenses of $418,465 that year for a total deficit of $156,160. ⁶

In 2022, the group received a $1 million grant from the Tides Foundation. ⁷

Leadership

Lucy Di Rosa is the executive director and Jamie Price is the founding director. ⁸

1. “Mission & Vision.” Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, 2025, www.sargentshriver.org/about-sspi/mission-vision.
2. “Sargent Shriver.” Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, www.sargentshriver.org/about-sspi/sargent-shriver.
3. “US Ambassador to France.” Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, 2017, www.sargentshriver.org/about-sargent-shriver/us-ambassador-to-france.
4. “History.” Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, 2022, www.sargentshriver.org/about-sspi/history.
5. Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2023,  https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521482680/202442229349301709/full Line 12.
6. Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2023,  https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521482680/202442229349301709/full Lines 18-19.
7. Tides Foundation, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2022, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/510198509/202400469349300305/IRS990ScheduleI
8. “Sargent Shriver Peace Institute Leadership.” Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, 2025, www.sargentshriver.org/about-sspi/leadership