About The Center

The Carter Center FAQs - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions  

The Carter Center has helped to improve the lives of people in more than 70 nations. To find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the organization and its work, see our list of FAQs.  

  
What is the mission of The Carter Center?   
The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. 

What principles guide the Carter Center's work?  
The Carter Center is guided by five principles:

1. The Center emphasizes action and results. Based on careful research and analysis, it is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues.
2. The Center does not duplicate the effective efforts of others.
3. The Center addresses difficult problems and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk.
4. The Center is nonpartisan and acts as a neutral in dispute resolution activities.
5. The Center believes that people can improve their lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public or private, in carrying out its mission.   


How is The Carter Center staffed?  
Programs are directed by resident experts or fellows, some of whom teach at Emory University. They design and implement activities in cooperation with President and Mrs. Carter, networks of world leaders, other nongovernmental organizations, and partners in the United States and abroad.
 
The Center is associated with Emory University and is governed by an independent board of trustees. The Center's Board of Councilors provides its programs with the advice and support of prominent regional and local figures.
 
Staff phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be accessed through the Emory University directory.    
  

Where is The Carter Center located?   
The Carter Center is located in a 35-acre park approximately two miles east of downtown Atlanta. Four circular interconnected pavilions house offices for the former president and first lady and most of the Center's program staff. The complex includes the nondenominational Cecil B. Day Chapel, other conference facilities, and staff offices. The Center also owns the nearby Kirbo Building.
 
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, which adjoins The Carter Center, is owned and operated by the National Archives and Records Administration of the federal government. The Center and Library are known collectively as The Carter Presidential Center. Click here for directions.
 
The gardens of The Carter Presidential Center, which includes both The Carter Center and The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, are open to the public. Click here for an illustrated brochure of the gardens (pdf).   
  

How is The Carter Center funded?   
Construction of the Center's facilities was financed by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. These donors, together with multilateral development assistance programs, also support the current annual operating budget of $87 million. 
 
Specific information about the Carter Center's finances is available on our Form 990, the information return that tax-exempt organizations file annually with the Internal Revenue Service, made available for public inspection. Click on the links below (all PDF) for independently verified information about the Carter Center's finances. 

Fiscal Year 2006-2007:  September 1, 2006 - August 31, 2007

Fiscal Year 2005-2006:  September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2006

Fiscal Year 2004-2005:  September 1, 2004 - August 31, 2005
 
Fiscal Year 2003-2004: September 1, 2003 - August 31, 2004
 
Fiscal Year 2002-2003: September 1, 2002 - August 31, 2003
 
Fiscal Year 2001-2002: September 1, 2001 - August 31, 2002
 
   
How can I find out about employment at The Carter Center?  
The Center employs 160 full- and part-time persons, based primarily in Atlanta.
 
All staff at the Center are recruited through the Emory University Human Resources Department. When positions are available, they are posted by Emory on its Human Resources Web page. If you would like to apply for a current opening, please contact Emory University Human Resources at:
 
1762 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322
Ph: (404) 727-7611
Fax: (404) 727-1922
   
  
How can I become involved in the Carter Center's work?   
More than 100 undergraduate and graduate students work as interns with Center programs for academic credit or practical experience each year. Approximately 160 volunteers donate an average of one day of their time each week to the Center. They work with program staff, assist with special events, and conduct select private tours. Internship information is available in this site. For information on volunteering at The Carter Center, please contact the volunteer office by e-mailing carterweb@emory.edu.   
  

Is The Carter Center open to the public?   
The Carter Center is open to the public by business appointment or for special events. The Carter Center also rents space for meetings, conferences, dinners, receptions, concerts, and other events.
 
The adjoining Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is open to the public daily:

Museum Hours
Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:45 p.m.
 
Library Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Contact Information
Phone: (404) 865-7100
carter.library@nara.gov

The grounds surrounding the complex are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through October and from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. November through March. 
   
  
How can I communicate with President or Mrs. Carter?   
All communications with the Carters must be by letter. Note: E-mailing scheduling requests or invitations is not acceptable. Invitations for President and/or Mrs. Carter must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service directly to the scheduling office at the following mailing address:
 
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307    
  
Is information acquired during my visit to the Carter Center Web site private?
The Carter Center is committed to safeguarding the privacy of its visitors. Information provided by our visitors, or that derived from internal Web tracking, is not sold, rented, or shared with any individual or organization.
 
Click here for the full text of the Web Site Privacy Statement for The Carter Center, Inc.