Letter from the CEO

I am proud to present the Bainum Family Foundation’s 2023–2024 Year in Review. This year, we’ve deepened our commitment to not only what we do but how we do it — reflecting on the choices, and at times challenges, required to make lasting, meaningful change in the communities we serve. Throughout this year’s report, you’ll see how we’ve put our resources to work, sparking ideas, actions, and learning.

At the heart of this year’s work is a fundamental belief: Lasting impact is possible when we trust and follow the lead of the communities we aim to support. Too often in philanthropy we talk about making bold change while at the same time perpetuating the idea that trusting communities is a radical one. At the foundation, we know that true transformation requires us to embrace the expertise and vision of those closest to the challenges. Our role is not just to fund solutions, but to listen, take risks, and walk alongside our partners as they drive the change they want to see.

Over the past year, this approach has led to incredible impact. We have seen real progress in the individuals and communities we serve. But we’ve also learned valuable lessons — some from our successes and others from moments when we’ve fallen short. This learning, and how we apply it, is essential. As funders, we must position ourselves to be held accountable to those we serve. We must be open and vulnerable — this means acknowledging moments when our impact hasn’t matched our intention and taking active steps to remedy any negative consequences, not only through learning, but through action. It’s this accountability that positions us to build true, authentic relationships with our partners and the communities we serve.

You’ll see in the pages that follow a combination of data and stories. We’ve intentionally woven in the voices of our partners to highlight the real work happening on the ground. These stories reflect the power of community-driven solutions and how our financial investments are helping to drive change across systems and structures. At the same time, they remind us of the importance of continually listening and evolving as partners and funders.

As we continue on this journey, we remain committed to being bold in our approach while remaining humble and open to acknowledging ways that we can deepen accountability and address power dynamics. We will continue aligning our resources with the needs of those we serve and fostering the trust necessary to create real, lasting change. I invite you to join us in this effort, as we work toward a future where every child and family can thrive.

Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and dedication to our shared mission.

With gratitude,

DAVID DANIELS
CEO AND PRESIDENT