The Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at the Kennedy School of Government is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder program that seeks to study and enhance the public contributions of private enterprise. It explores the intersection of corporate responsibility, corporate governance, public policy, and international development. It bridges theory and practice, builds leadership skills, and supports constructive dialogue and collaboration among business, government, civil society and academics. It was founded in 2004 with the support of Walter H. Shorenstein, Chevron Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, and General Motors.

The CSR Initiative is a collaboration between The Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government (M-RCBG), The Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, The Center for Public Leadership, and The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations. It also engages with and draws upon the expertise of other parts of Harvard University, in particular the Business School, Law School, and School of Public Health. The Initiative also works with other leading CSR organizations, government bodies, non-governmental organizations and companies to leverage innovative policy research and examples of good practice in this field.