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$100 million new commitment from philanthropist Barbara Bainum brings her family’s contributions to over $258 million, directed to early education and families
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$100 million new commitment from philanthropist Barbara Bainum brings her family’s contributions to over $258 million, directed to early education and families

The Bainum Family Foundation announced that it committed $100 million to early childhood education over five years.

The foundation will extend outside Florida and Washington, D.C. with its greatest investment. The foundation will use its resources to define ideal child care and make it possible for families today and in the future through WeVision EarlyEd.

The financing will also give grantees and partners the stability they need to help young children and their families while pursuing revolutionary ideas and solutions for a more equitable future.

Since Barbara Bainum is retired as board chair, the announcement caps her tenure. Over $258 million was directed to early education and families during her term.

“Reimagining a system to support children and families requires giving those closest to the challenges the time and space they need to develop innovative solutions,” said Bainum Family Foundation president and CEO David Daniels.

“Our financial commitment reflects our belief in this approach and is fueled directly by the guidance of our partners. We aim to show up in the way that is most meaningful to them. As we continue our journey as an organization, I encourage other philanthropies to explore partner-centric approaches anchored on community feedback and directed by those closest to the work.”

The Bainum Family Foundation is a private grant making foundation located in Bethesda, Maryland. The foundation was founded by the late Maryland businessman Stewart Bainum, Sr., who was the founder of Choice Hotels, which operates several hotel brands including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Main Stay Suites, and Manor Care, a large retirement home chain.

Bainum remained active with the foundation until his death in 2014, and the foundation was until recently run by Barbara Bainum, who previously served as CEO of the foundation and until recently served as the board chair.

The foundation provides grants to many local organizations in the greater Washington, D.C., area, as well as funding dozens of large national organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.


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