Authorized by the State Council of China and initiated by the Western Returned Scholars Association (Overseas-educated Scholars Association of China), China Overseas-Educated Scholars Development Foundation (COSDF) was established in the Great Hall of the People, in 2007. It aims to progressively promote the building of a moderately prosperous society in all aspects and realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, drive in-depth implementation of the strategy of “reinvigorating China through human resource development”, as well as facilitate the healthy development of overseas-educated scholars’ careers.

The COSDF is a international public-raising foundation. It was registered at the Ministry of Civil Affairs and under the administration of the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee.

The missions of COSDF are: To comply with the constitutions, laws, regulations and other relevant provisions of the state. To be subject to guidance and supervision from our superior authority. To strive for financial donations from enterprises, organizations and individuals, both domestically and abroad. To organize donation activities and collect donations so as to promote the healthy development of overseas-educated personnel’s careers. To assist government departments in developing and using human resources and talent market in China and overseas, and actively encourage Chinese overseas-educated scholars to return and serve their country. To serve as a bridge between overseas students and the government. To support Chinese overseas-educated talents to start up their own business, contribute to the fulfillment of the strategy of “reinvigorating China through human resource development”, and offer top-class service to overseas-educated scholars.

Mr. Cao Weizhou, vice secretary-general and member of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress, vice chairman and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress and vice president of the Western Returned Scholars Association, is assigned as director-general of COSDF. Mr. Zhuang Liang, a member of the Leading Party Members' Group of the Western Returned Scholars Association, is assigned as secretary-general of COSDF.

The Business scope of COSDF:
1. Encourage overseas-educated talents to start up enterprises in China and serve their motherland in many ways.
2. Promote the cultivation and exchange of both domestic and overseas outstanding senior professionals. Support the senior domestic professionals to study abroad, receive continuing education and participate in training courses. Provide consulting services related to international talents exchange programs.
3. Recruit foreign professionals who possess the cutting-edge technological know-how and managerial know-how to work in China. Provide support for the introduction and promotion of foreign intellectual achievements, and construction of training bases for cultivating talents. Support R&D in high and new technology industry.
4. Support and reward the groups and individuals who have made contributions to the career of overseas-educated scholars, and reward the overseas-educated scholars who have started domestic business and made outstanding contributions to our country.

Council → Supervisor
Director-General
Secretary-General
Innovative Medical Research & Development Special Fund	Institute of International Life Science	General Office	Overseas-Educated Scholars Services Center
Yicai Foundation	Chinese Ancient Chinese Literature search of Culture and Arts Centers	Project Management Department	International Technology Transfer Center
Health Management Research Special Fund	Institute of the Belt and Road Initiative	Publicity and Liaison Department	Omnimedia Center
Xu·Overseas Education Special Fund	Institute of Tourism Economy and Cultural Industry	The Department of Overseas Education	Light Entrepreneurship Promotion Center
The Silk Road Cultural Education Special Fund	Institute of International Safety Education	Fund Management Department	International Exchange and Management Center
Huaxia Cultural Heritage Special Fund			International Health Care Talents Exchange Center
Zhixing Education Special Fund
Shangyinxin Public Welfare Development