The fund is being organised by Russia’s Foreign Ministry acting as its founder on behalf of the Russian Federation. Its property and assets will be formed through allocations from the federal budget, voluntary contributions and donations, and other sources, in accordance with Russia’s legislation.
The fund’s goals include support of public diplomacy, promotion of participation by Russia’s NGOs in international cooperation, and active involvement of civil society institutions in foreign policy.
The Fund bears the name of Alexander Gorchakov (1798–1883), one of the most prominent and well-known Russian diplomats, who served as Russia’s minister of foreign affairs between 1856 and 1882.