Philanthropy at Point of View

A Space for Peace and Reconciliation

Every day, the world sees new acts of violence, civil war, and malevolent conflict. We've never faced such urgent challenges and deep commitments to find productive solutions. With your help, Point of View can become a place where peace begins.

Set on 120 acres of pristine wooded land, Point of View, bordered by the Potomac River and by protected wetlands in Lorton, Virginia, is the only facility of its kind in the Washington area.

At Point of View, faculty and students join researchers and practitioners to resolve issues and continue peacebuilding processes. We host domestic and international talks, conferences, and problem-solving workshops, and offer a unique space of experiential learning for training future scholars and practitioners.

We want to do more.

black and white photo of married couple on a hammock in a wooded area
Edwin and Helen Lynch

Edwin and Helen Lynch were the Carter School's earliest champions. In addition to giving George Mason University their home and surrounding property which became Point of View, they established the school's first endowed chair and an annual lecture series. Learn more about the Lynch Family's legacy and impact.

With the support of your gift, we'll be able to:

  • Construct residential cottages. Overnight accommodations will give participants the opportunity to intensively work together in a tranquil environment. Our plans include three residences with a total of 27 bedrooms, shared living room spaces, and kitchens.
  • Host groups that need a neutral space to engage in discussions but lack the resources to visit POV.
  • Create fellowships for students and visiting scholar-practitioners.
  • Expand programming, widening the body of advanced knowledge for the field.
  • Fund faculty research by enabling interaction with scholars from across the globe.

By supporting the work of Point of View, you become a part of the peace process.

Contact Maria Seniw at 703-993-8763 to arrange a visit to Point of View, and explore our giving and naming opportunities.

Large group of people posing for a photo against the backdrop of Belmont Bay
Better Evidence Project Planning Workshop

The Better Evidence Project Planning Workshop drew a group of leading academic, practitioner, and funding organizations to Point of View in February 2020 to determine how best to initiate the research needed to produce such evidence. With two high priority areas identified, the project is seeking additional resources to grow our impact.

Three people seated on a bench with a commemorative plaque
Lester Schoene, MS '92 Memorial Bench

Family and friends of Lester Schoene, MS '92 gave to support a memorial bench in his name at Point of View. Lester is beloved by the Carter School alumni community and was a past president of the Mason Alumni Association.

Point of View Courtyard

Point of View offers facilitation and training support to local, national, and global communities. Led by Carter School professionals and academics, we will work with you to tailor a program or process to meet the specific needs of your group.