The Li Foundation was founded in 1944 by Dr. Kuo Ching Li.  The Foundation's primary goal was to promote friendly relations between the United States and China.  Educational exchange was deemed a suitable vehicle for achieving this goal.

        The initial charter of the Foundation provided for a limited number of fellowships to promising students from China, desirous of working on a Master's degree in the United States.   Over the years, the Foundation has sponsored hundreds of Chinese students at the Master's, Ph.D. and post-doctoral level.    

        The Foundation has actively established new programs with academic institutions in the United States, placing an emphasis on commitment by sponsorship.  These programs include sister-city relationships.  The Foundation has provided scholarships in all areas of science and medicine, as well as the arts and humanitarian fields of study.