The Foundation was established in 1989 to support the reconstruction of the local government as the fundamental form of democracy. From the very beginning, it has been involved in preparing local government officials and public administration staff to perform tasks related to the functioning of the local government. For over 20 years, FSLD has implemented various projects that serve the development and strengthening of the self-governance, both in Poland and abroad.

FSLD's most important statutory goals include:

• substantive support to local authorities of all levels
• support to the development of the civil society, and the movement of non-governmental organizations in particular, as well as any forms of cooperation among those organizations and citizen groups, and the local government
• support to local government's and local communities' preparation to the accession to the European Union
• support to the development of the local government in countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkan States, providing them with Polish experiences.
  

The above are being accomplished mainly through educational programs and training courses addressed to local government staff, councilors, members of local communities, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, etc.

The Foundation is also offering technical assistance in most of the fields of the local government operation, information services, and publications.

The implementation of international programs has been one of the key areas of FSLD's operation since 1994. They are aimed at supporting of democratic reforms at the local level and the development of civil societies in countries less advanced in the transformation process than Poland.