The Family Philanthropy Initiative is dedicated to the philanthropic activities of the Bainum family members. While the Family Philanthropy portfolio includes many causes, the Family Fund is unique, bringing together generations two and three to support philanthropic efforts meaningful to them — whether rooted in personal passions or in response to pressing needs. In general, this fund prioritizes support for educational programs that assist children and youth from birth to age 18 and their families. These programs are research-based and span the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual domains of child wellbeing and development.
In FY25, a notable “first” for this multigenerational fund was the introduction of multi-year grantmaking, with 44% of grants spanning more than a year. This new practice of awarding multi-year grants reduces the application workload and enhances financial stability for the organizations. For the 25 diverse organizations supported by the Family Fund, the benefits of multi-year grantmaking are extensive.
and enhances financial stability for the organizations.
An excellent example of the impact of this approach is reflected in the work of Polaris. Polaris is leading a nationwide survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking.
Since 2007, Polaris has operated the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting victims, survivors, and their families to critical health care and legal services, and helping communities hold traffickers accountable. The organization pursues this mission by offering 24/7 year-round support, making smart investments in technology and research to combat this criminal activity in an analytical and data-driven way, and offering survivors resources that allow them to reclaim their agency and their rightful place in society.
This year, thanks in part to multi-year Family Fund sponsorship, the Polaris team was able to continue and initiate several efforts that promise systems-level progress in the anti-trafficking movement, specifically when it comes to protecting and serving children, including:
Polaris’ work in this often dangerous anti-trafficking arena is critically important to the well-being of children across the nation. As Polaris works to reshape the status quo systems that allow trafficking in North America, the foundation is honored to partner with the teamyear after year as they make progress in this monumental task.
including 8,024 from victims and survivors.
involving 21,865 victims, including 2,666 children and youth under the age of 18.