Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
Featured Stories
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Added Denmark Technical College to Its Membership
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has added Denmark Technical College (DTC) to its member schools, now totaling 54 institutions consisting of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs). DTC is the first of its kind among TMCF members.
"It is an honor to welcome Denmark Technical College to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund membership. Its unique role as the sole two-year HBCU in South Carolina makes
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has added Denmark Technical College (DTC) to its member schools, now totaling 54 institutions consisting of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs). DTC is the first of its kind among TMCF members.
"It is an honor to welcome Denmark Technical College to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund membership. Its unique role as the sole two-year HBCU in South Carolina makesits contributions to the state's economic growth particularly noteworthy," Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF, said. "We look forward to a partnership that benefits their students through scholarships, internships, mentoring and more, helping mold graduates that are capable, competitive, creative, and inventive."
TMCF began adding HBCCs in June 2023, which reflects the organization's belief that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts include alternative pathways to degree attainment and skill development. HBCCs play a critical role in local and regional economic development by offering upskilling and reskilling programs.
"Denmark Technical College is elated to have the distinguished honor of being among the ranks of the newest crop of Thurgood Marshall College Fund member schools. The groundbreaking work of the TMCF has a lasting impact on the students and colleges they serve. Their intentional inclusive strategy to embrace two-year HBCUs in their membership is a testament to their progressive administration," Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College, said. "This is a game-changer, and I cannot wait to see the profound effect this partnership will have on our community, faculty, staff, and, most importantly, our students."
Located in Denmark, South Carolina, DTC provides affordable associate degrees, diplomas and certificates to students from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
* * *
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation's largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Community Colleges, and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit http://www.tmcf.org.
* * *
About Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is a two-year HBCU in rural Bamberg County, South Carolina. With a mission to engage, educate and empower students, Denmark Tech serves over 1000 enthusiastic learners, focusing on technical career training, associate degrees and a four-year college transfer program. Additional information about Denmark Tech can be found at http://www.denmarktech.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.tmcf.org/events-media/tmcf-in-the-media/thurgood-marshall-college-fund-added-denmark-technical-college-to-its-membership/
Dr. N. Joyce Payne Presented With Inaugural Dr. N. Joyce Payne Trailblazer Award at Thurgood Marshall College Fund Board Retreat
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
* * *
New Board Directors Elected At Spring Meeting
* * *
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Board of Directors recently recognized its founding director at its board retreat.
Dr. N. Joyce Payne, founder of TMCF, was presented with the inaugural Dr. N. Joyce Payne Trailblazer Award by board chairwoman Racquel Oden for her lifetime commitment to advancing education and empowering women. The award will be presented in her name to celebrate exceptional women leaders impacting their communities and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
* * *
New Board Directors Elected At Spring Meeting
* * *
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Board of Directors recently recognized its founding director at its board retreat.
Dr. N. Joyce Payne, founder of TMCF, was presented with the inaugural Dr. N. Joyce Payne Trailblazer Award by board chairwoman Racquel Oden for her lifetime commitment to advancing education and empowering women. The award will be presented in her name to celebrate exceptional women leaders impacting their communities andbeyond.
"I'm incredibly moved to receive such an honor," Dr. Payne said. "That it came from one woman, our first chairwoman of the board, to another means so much. Continue doing incredible work and impacting the world."
In other key presentations during the retreat, the board:
* Heard about the state of HBCUs from Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University and chair of the U.S. President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
* Listened about how partnering with Business Roundtable from Dane Linn (senior vice president of corporate initiatives), Jonay Holkins (senior director of policy and corporate initiatives) and Matthew Spikes (senior director of government relations) benefits our students and member schools
* Reviewed financial performance with external auditors Rogers & Co.
During its spring meeting on May 9, the board elected new members: Machell W. Mims (senior vice president of human resources at Lowe's), Byna Elliott (global head of Advancing Black Pathways for JPMorgan Chase) and Mark A. Nelson (vice chairman of Chevron). The new directors provide a wealth of experience and perspectives across a wide variety of sectors.
Dr. Payne was conferred status of director emeritus of the board after stepping down as a director of the board. She served in the role since the organization's inception.
Oden, having accepted the chair role in January, provided the chairwoman's report. She said during her 16 years of board service at TMCF she made a concerted effort to keep close contact with the organization, attend programming and spend valuable time with students. Oden also recently spent time with members of the TMCF ambassador program, who represent the organization on each campus as a peer-to-peer representative. She encouraged board members to provide their full engagement and presence to help TMCF deliver on its ambitious goals.
TMCF President Dr. Harry L. Williams provided the president's report. During his report, Dr. Williams introduced the upcoming inaugural CEO Impact Award Breakfast in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 13 at the Lowe's Tech Hub, honoring Lowe's Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer. The regional event is the first in a series that will elevate the TMCF brand and raise scholarship funding. Dr. Williams also introduced the new chief marketing and communications officer, Dr. Clara Ross Stamps, who brings more than 30 years of experience in tourism and higher education as an executive, marketer and educator. Finally, Dr. Williams discussed the all-staff meeting in March.
"It was wonderful to bring staff together in Washington, D.C.," Dr. Williams said. "We were able to have robust conversations about our new strategic focus, as well as our key performance indicator development and planning processes."
In other action items, the board:
* Passed a resolution to create a standing marketing committee;
* Passed a resolution to grant TMCF membership to Denmark Technical College
* Passed a resolution to grant Charles Merinoff chairman emeritus status. Merinoff served as board chair from 2019 to 2023.
* * *
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation's largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Community Colleges and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit http://www.tmcf.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.tmcf.org/events-media/tmcf-in-the-media/dr-n-joyce-payne-presented-with-inaugural-dr-n-joyce-payne-trailblazer-award-at-thurgood-marshall-college-fund-board-retreat-new-board-directors-elected-at-spring-meeting/
NAB Leadership Foundation to Honor Mutual of Omaha With Corporate Leadership Award
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation issued the following news release on May 13, 2024:
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation today announced Mutual of Omaha as the recipient of the Corporate Leadership Award. They will receive the honor during the 2024 Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and held in Washington, D.C., on June 4 at The Anthem.
Each year, the Corporate Leadership Award is presented to a leading business outside of the broadcast industry, showcasing
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation issued the following news release on May 13, 2024:
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation today announced Mutual of Omaha as the recipient of the Corporate Leadership Award. They will receive the honor during the 2024 Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and held in Washington, D.C., on June 4 at The Anthem.
Each year, the Corporate Leadership Award is presented to a leading business outside of the broadcast industry, showcasingan outstanding dedication to community service and corporate social responsibility.
Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 500 company with a 115-year legacy, embodies a philosophy centered around helping people in their time of need. This dedication extends beyond their core business of providing financial services to include charitable giving, community involvement and a commitment to environmental conservation.
"We are so excited to be honoring Mutual of Omaha for their enduring purpose of serving people in time of need and providing support to so many community and nonprofit programs," said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. "It's also meaningful to note how Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has inspired and influenced so many generations to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment. It's a nod to how quality programming and broadcast television can make a difference for over 60 years."
Mutual of Omaha's corporate giving initiatives are extensive and impactful, including sponsorships of over 70 nonprofit fundraising events, grants supporting the local arts community and a robust employee volunteer program. Since 2022, Mutual of Omaha has provided more than $22 million in support from the corporation and foundation to nonprofits, and in 2023 alone, employees across 36 states contributed 12,000 volunteer hours to 289 nonprofit organizations.
The company's commitment to environmental conservation is exemplified through "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom," a beloved television series that has inspired generations to protect wildlife and habitats. Established in 1963, "Wild Kingdom" has not only entertained audiences but also contributed significantly to conservation efforts. Today, the show continues its mission through the new series "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild," produced by Hearst Media Production Group and reaching over 1 million viewers weekly on NBC; the show recently received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
"Mutual of Omaha has a long-standing commitment to volunteer service, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility. This award celebrates the generosity of our 6,000+ employees and the $70 million collective impact of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation," said Gail Graeve, vice president of social impact and executive director of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. "We are especially proud to accept NAB Leadership Foundation's Corporate Leadership Award for 2023 because this year also marked the 60th anniversary of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. We continue our legacy of protection and conservation by inspiring the future generation to preserve species under threat of extinction in our modern world. This award is a testament to our commitment to social impact and the belief that together, we can create a better world for all."
In addition to the Corporate Leadership Award, the Celebration of Service to America Awards will recognize local television and radio stations, as well as broadcast groups, for their outstanding public service.
* * *
About NAB Leadership Foundation
The NAB Leadership Foundation was established 30 years ago as a nonprofit entity by the National Association of Broadcasters to dedicate resources towards developing programs that specifically serve broadcast professionals. The mission of the Foundation is to recruit dynamic and talented individuals for careers in broadcasting, advance diversity within the industry and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations.
* * *
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age.
* * *
About Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The Daytime Emmy(R) nominated Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now airing weekends on NBC's The More You Know time block, celebrates stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom.
* * *
About Mutual of Omaha
Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses, and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nabfoundation.org/news/pressRelease.asp?id=6995
[Category: Media]
Knights Templar Eye Foundation: Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting - Pediatric Ophthalmology Grant Review 2024
FLOWER MOUND, Texas, May 14 -- Knights Templar Eye Foundation issued the following news:
Annually the Knights Templar Eye Foundation holds a meeting mid-March, this year it was held in Grapevine, Texas with the officers and trustees of the Foundation along with thirteen doctors specializing in pediatric ophthalmology from many leading hospitals and research institutions throughout the country to review the applications and recommend which applications based on the merits of the proposal should be funded up to a $90,000 grant.
The meeting started at 8:30am CST and concluded at 4:30pm CST - in
... Show Full Article
FLOWER MOUND, Texas, May 14 -- Knights Templar Eye Foundation issued the following news:
Annually the Knights Templar Eye Foundation holds a meeting mid-March, this year it was held in Grapevine, Texas with the officers and trustees of the Foundation along with thirteen doctors specializing in pediatric ophthalmology from many leading hospitals and research institutions throughout the country to review the applications and recommend which applications based on the merits of the proposal should be funded up to a $90,000 grant.
The meeting started at 8:30am CST and concluded at 4:30pm CST - inperson meetings allow more dialog as our SAC doctors reviewed in detail forty Career Starter Grants and nine Competitive Renewal Grants.
At the end of the review process thirty-two Competitive Renewal & Career Starter grants for a total of $2,876,396.00 were recommended by the SAC Committee and later approved by the KTEF officers.
Our website https://www.ktef.org/grants has a complete list of the grants that were approved along with the specific research
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ktef.org/news/2024/13/24/scientific-advisory-committee-meeting-pediatric-ophthalmology-grant-review-2024
GLOBAL Raises $400,000 at Their AcceptAbility Gala as Celebrities & Congress Step Out for People With Down Syndrome
DENVER, Colorado, May 14 -- The Global Down Syndrome Foundation issued the following news release:
Last night the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) held its sixth annual AcceptAbility Gala, DC's largest fundraiser for people with Down syndrome, that raised $400,000 to support important research and medical care to improve the lives of those who happen to have Down syndrome. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) received GLOBAL's highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, and pledged their continued strong advocacy in Congress that makes an impact
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, May 14 -- The Global Down Syndrome Foundation issued the following news release:
Last night the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) held its sixth annual AcceptAbility Gala, DC's largest fundraiser for people with Down syndrome, that raised $400,000 to support important research and medical care to improve the lives of those who happen to have Down syndrome. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) received GLOBAL's highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, and pledged their continued strong advocacy in Congress that makes an impacton the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.
"At GLOBAL, we are working hard every day to elongate life and improve health outcomes for our loved ones with Down syndrome," says GLOBAL Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten. "Last night we brought together a room full of bi-partisan support from Congress, NIH leadership, self-advocates with Down syndrome, and corporate leaders, all celebrating the impact of GLOBAL's work. The joy and excitement at our event and the tangible outcome of our work together is truly rewarding!"
Held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC, the event was attended by GLOBAL awardee alum, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and her son, GLOBAL Ambassador Cole Rodgers. Representative Rodgers' keynote speech deeply moved the audience. Her determination to pass a game-changing legacy bill, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, before her poignant retirement from Congress was an important feature of the evening. The bill will help ensure funding for Down syndrome research and medical care from the NIH for years to come.
Celebrities passionate about the cause included Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks; actor, author and public speaker Frank Stephens; author and public speaker David Egan; and award-winning correspondent for ABC News and anchor for ABC News LIVE Kyra Phillips and her daughter Sage Roberts.
To recognize the transformative leadership of Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the GLOBAL Rosa DeLauro Advancement Award, with a post-secondary scholarship, was provided to Damani Tichawonna from Washington, DC as was the GLOBAL Tom Cole Advancement Award to Julia Greene. Representative Rosa DeLauro was on-hand to personally present both Advancement Awards to the deserving recipients, leaving the audience inspired to do even more for people with Down syndrome and their families.
With the help of GLOBAL Ambassador Isla Eager and her family, Erin Book Mullen, and co-chairs Julie Riccio and Amy Best Weiss, the inspirational gala attracted 300 attendees and raised $400,000 for GLOBAL's life-saving research and medical care. GLOBAL supports over 200 researchers on the Anschutz Medical Campus at the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and at the Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, as well as 2,500 patients from 33 states and 10 countries at the Sie Center for Down Syndrome. For nearly two decades, Down syndrome was one of the least federally funded genetic conditions in the United States.
"People with Down syndrome enrich our world in unique ways," says Representative Hudson. "GLOBAL is paving the way for people who are differently-abled so they can live their lives to their full potential with no barriers or bias or obstacles standing in their way. I am honored to support their efforts and to receive this award, and will continue advocating for policies that improve the lives of people with Down syndrome."
"It was an honor to be with so many great advocates for Down syndrome and to receive such a generous recognition," says Representative Frankel. "I am proud to support GLOBAL's mission of elongating life and improving health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. Their AcceptAbility Gala was an inspiring evening that reminds all of us that we must continue to make critical investments in Down syndrome research to uphold the health and dignity of every person."
At the end of the evening, Jordin Sparks wowed the audience not only with her beautiful voice but by connecting with fans and bringing self-advocates with Down syndrome on stage while performing an intimate, heartfelt performance of some of her biggest hits including "No Air" and "One Step at a Time," and solo dancer Robert Wallop and inclusive dance troupe RhythmXpress delighted attendees with dance performances set to "Bones" by Imagine Dragons, "Firework" by Katy Perry and "Fireball" by Mini Pop Kids.
Additional notables in attendance included Kim Owens from the National Down Syndrome Congress and Dria Law from the Down Syndrome Association of Southern New Jersey .
* * *
About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,400 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and medical care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates - the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center - all on the Anschutz Medical Campus. GLOBAL's widely circulated medical publications include GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning Down Syndrome World(TM) magazine. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-raises-400000-at-their-acceptability-gala-as-celebrities-congress-step-out-for-people-with-down-syndrome/
FGA Files Amicus Brief to Protect School Choice in Michigan
NAPLES, Florida, May 14 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release:
Last week, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) filed an amicus brief (https://thefga.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FGA-Hile-v.-Michigan-Amicus-Brief-FINAL-DRAFT-v3.pdf) in the Supreme Court of the United States case, Hile v. Michigan. In the amicus, FGA argues that the Court should grant certiorari on this case and allow the Hiles to argue their case.
The brief cites multiple studies that show how school choice policies consistently result in positive outcomes for students
... Show Full Article
NAPLES, Florida, May 14 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release:
Last week, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) filed an amicus brief (https://thefga.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FGA-Hile-v.-Michigan-Amicus-Brief-FINAL-DRAFT-v3.pdf) in the Supreme Court of the United States case, Hile v. Michigan. In the amicus, FGA argues that the Court should grant certiorari on this case and allow the Hiles to argue their case.
The brief cites multiple studies that show how school choice policies consistently result in positive outcomes for studentsof all backgrounds. School choice gives parents the ability to make the best decision for their children's education, saves taxpayer dollars, and is preferred by parents. Contrary to misconceptions about school choice, it improves school outcomes for all students, even the most disadvantaged.
"The United States is the land of opportunity, but for too many young learners, educational options are strictly limited by their ZIP code," said Ryan Young, Legal Fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability. "We support parents who want the opportunity to have a choice in their child's education, and we are honored to support the Hile family as they take their fight for students and parents to the U.S. Supreme Court."
* * *
The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://thefga.org/press/fga-files-amicus-brief-to-protect-school-choice-in-michigan/
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Statement From CEO Mark Suzman About Melinda French Gates
SEATTLE, Washington, May 15 -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation issued the following statement on May 13, 2024, by CEO Mark Suzman on Melinda French Gates' decision to resign as co-chair of the foundation:
* * *
In addition to the above video message above, please find below the message Mark shared with employees.
I am writing to share some important news. Melinda French Gates has decided to resign from her role as co-chair of the foundation. Her last day of work at the foundation will be June 7. Melinda cares deeply about the foundation and is extremely proud of all of you and the work
... Show Full Article
SEATTLE, Washington, May 15 -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation issued the following statement on May 13, 2024, by CEO Mark Suzman on Melinda French Gates' decision to resign as co-chair of the foundation:
* * *
In addition to the above video message above, please find below the message Mark shared with employees.
I am writing to share some important news. Melinda French Gates has decided to resign from her role as co-chair of the foundation. Her last day of work at the foundation will be June 7. Melinda cares deeply about the foundation and is extremely proud of all of you and the workyou do every day to help millions of people live better lives. She made this decision, after considerable reflection, based on how she wants to spend the next chapter of her philanthropy. Melinda has new ideas about the role she wants to play in improving the lives of women and families in the U.S. and around the world. And, after a difficult few years watching women's rights rolled back in the U.S. and around the world, she wants to use this next chapter to focus specifically on altering that trajectory.
I recognize this is very sad news, and we all need time to process it. Many of you have worked closely with Melinda or were drawn to the foundation because of her global leadership, particularly in gender equality, and her ability to connect our work to the people who need support the most. In starting the foundation and setting our values, she has played an essential role in all that we've accomplished over the past 24 years. I know how beloved Melinda is here. This is difficult news for me, too. Like you, I truly admire Melinda, and I will deeply miss working with her and learning from her.
I want to reassure you that the millions of people our work serves and the thousands of partners we work alongside can continue to count on the foundation. With Melinda and Bill's strong encouragement, I am more committed than ever to leading the foundation. I've also spoken with the Executive Leadership Team and each of our independent board members, who are all committed to carrying out the foundation's work. As the world faces profound inequity and suffering, we all believe our role is more important than ever.
Bill and Melinda created the foundation with a simple belief: All lives have equal value. I believe wholeheartedly in our mission that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. I have been reminded firsthand in recent trips from Texas to Ethiopia about the unique role the Gates Foundation plays in providing opportunities and changing lives.
Even in this transition, it's important to remember that we are part of something historic. It's a unique privilege to be part of an institution that exists solely to make the world better - with the resources to make a real difference.
In our first quarter century, guided by Bill Gates, Sr. and with the immense generosity and vision of Bill, Melinda, and Warren Buffett, we have made significant contributions to the world, saving and improving tens of millions of lives in partnership with a network of thousands of brilliant partners. Next year, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary, looking back at our historic impact and looking forward to a future where more people can thrive - no matter where they are born.
As we move to an unprecedented annual payout of $9 billion, we have the opportunity to continue to reduce the number of women who die in childbirth and children who die before their fifth birthdays. Eradicate polio and possibly even malaria. Expand the number of women who are running their own businesses and pulling their families out of poverty. Ensure more people in the United States and around the world have access to the tools and resources they need to educate and feed their children and take care of their health.
Melinda will not be bringing any of the foundation's work with her when she leaves. We will be changing our name to the Gates Foundation to honor Bill Sr.'s legacy and Melinda's contributions, and Bill will become the sole Chair of the foundation.
As Bill and Melinda both stressed to me, the foundation today is stronger than it has ever been, and that's thanks to all of you and our partners. Collectively, your expertise, passion for the mission, and commitment to impact - measured in lives saved and opportunities provided - inspire me every day to do the best job I possibly can as your CEO. I look forward to continuing that work with you now and into the future, and I know we all wish Melinda the best in her next chapter.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases/2024/05/melinda-french-gates
[Category: Education]
