Founded in 1993, the Open Society Institute is a private, grantmaking foundation that provides public policies to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal and social reforms. It also implements a range of programs to support the rule of law, education, public health and independent media, as well as builds alliances across borders and continents on combating corruption and rights against abuse. One of its offices focuses on addressing issues related to the violation of civil liberties in the United States and legal works in the areas of criminal and civil justice reforms. It also builds frameworks to influence debates over global economic policies, such as those involving international development assistance. Open Society Institute maintains one of its offices in Washington, D.C.