• 2022/2023 Year in Review
    See how we're advancing our learning, enhancing our organizational performance, and driving positive change in the communities we serve through the power of data.
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  • Assessing Child Care Access
    New report explores supply, demand, quality, and shortages of early childhood education in D.C. and identifies priority investment needs.
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  • Moving From Reporting to Genuine Conversation
    Our Family Philanthropy team featured in PEAK Grantmaking’s winter 2024 publication.
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  • WeVision: Relaunched and Reimagined
    Don't just navigate child care, let's reimagine it together. Read about the relaunch of our WeVision initiative.
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  • Beyond the Family: Philanthropy as an Ecosystem
    Our Board Member Brooke Bainum shares insights into our approach to family philanthropy in this piece from the National Center for Family Philanthropy.
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Who We Are

Our Story

The foundation’s story began in 1968 with entrepreneur Stewart Bainum Sr. and his wife, Jane Bainum. They ​sought​ to create opportunities for children living in poverty by providing access to high-quality educational opportunities and services. Learn how our work has evolved over the years.

We Envision a Society Where All Children Thrive

We work alongside communities experiencing racial and economic disparities to create lasting systems change for the well-being of children and families.

More About Us

Our Focus Areas

We focus primarily on Early Childhood and what children need for a strong start in life. Our Legacy Programs support other issues important to the Bainum family. 

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Our Commitment to Equity

We center equity in every facet of our work and in how we operate as an organization.

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News & Updates

Foundation’s Interactive 2022/2023 ‘Year in Review’ Now Available

Family Philanthropy: Moving From Formal Reporting to Genuine Conversation

Assessing Child Care Access: Measuring Supply, Demand, Quality, and Shortages in the District of Columbia