The Slovak American Society of Washington, D.C. (SASW) is a tax-exempt, independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1988 by residents of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The SASW functions primarily as a local social, cultural, and educational organization, but also supports efforts to extend freedom, democracy, and prosperity to Slovakia. In pursuit of these goals, the SASW sponsors or supports lectures, cultural events, exhibitions, language classes, social activities, scholarships for disadvantaged students in Slovakia and other related activities. Membership is open to all.