The Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange (CCKF) was established in 1989 in memory of the late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Ching-kuo (1910-1988). The Foundation's central headquarters is in Taipei, Taiwan, ROC, with a regional office in McLean, Virginia, near Washington D.C. The Foundation currently maintains two international centers for sinological research: the CCKF Center for Chinese Cultural and Institutional History at Columbia University and the CCK International Sinological Center at Charles University in Prague. The Foundation is a private organization whose purpose is to promote the study of Chinese culture and society. Operational funds come from interest generated from an endowment donated by both public and private sectors.

The Foundation's principal work is to award grants, as approved by the Board of Directors, to institutions and individuals conducting China-related research and academic projects. An annual budget of approximately four million US dollars is distributed under such grant categories as institutional enhancement, research, conference and seminar grants, subsidies for publication, and senior scholar grants. There are also fellowships available for graduate students, and Postdoctoral researchers. Since its establishment, the Foundation has aided research institutes, university presses, national museums, and libraries all over the world.

The CCK Foundation is governed by a board consisting of prominent officials, distinguished scholars and leading citizens. Through its support of international scholarly exchange, the Foundation promotes a broader understanding of the Republic of China on Taiwan, in all its complexities. The Foundation believes that this academic dialogue offers all parties an opportunity to reflect on the broader issues facing humanity in the world today.

The disciplinary scope of the Foundation's grant programs covers Chinese studies in the fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences on both traditional and contemporary issues. The geographical scope of the Foundation's programs includes America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Domestic region. The principal aim of the Foundation is to encourage the pursuit of Chinese Studies internationally, and to foster international scholarly exchange through collaborative research projects, conferences, workshops, and publications. By working closely with foundations overseas, the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation intends to facilitate the accessibility of its grant programs for scholars in Chinese Studies worldwide.