In 2008, she demonstrated her continued confidence in EWI’s work by offering a five-year grant that matches all new and increased donations up to $500,000 every year for the next five years. That will translate into $5 million for EWI over the period covered by her extraordinary gift.

“My challenge to you is to bring about new ideas for preparing for peace instead of preparing for war,” she told the Institute’s board of directors when she accepted EWI’s 2006 Peace and Conflict Prevention Prize in Potsdam, Germany. “Not long ago a duel—by sword or gun—resolved a private dispute. That’s gone forever. We think it’s an absurdly ridiculous approach to resolve conflict. We need to see the use of weapons of mass destruction as an even more absurd, even more preposterous approach!" Her generosity will allow EWI to implement programs that help bring that day a little closer.

Kathryn Davis passed away on April 23, 2013, at the age of 106. She is deeply missed by all at EWI.