What We Do

Early Childhood

Recognizing that high-quality early learning is one of many factors contributing to child outcomes, the foundation has shifted its previous Early Learning focus to a broader Early Childhood perspective. Today, we prioritize five aspects of Early Childhood that contribute to the healthy growth and development of young children and the well-being of their families:  

  • Early Learning 
  • Mental Health and Well-being 
  • Health, including Prenatal and Perinatal 
  • Family Economic Security 
  • Housing Stability 

Our work now is explicitly focused on undoing the long-standing inequities in our society that affect children and families — especially Black and brown children and families. Aspects of our previous Food Security and Seventh-day Adventist work that relate directly to early childhood have become part of our Early Childhood program. 

Learn more about our work in Early Childhood. 

Legacy Programs

Our Legacy Programs reflect other interests of the Bainum family and, while supported by the foundation staff, have been separately funded by our founders and other Bainum family members. 

Learn more about our Legacy Programs. 

Where We’re Focused

We’re also shifting the kind of work we do, focusing our efforts where we believe we can make the greatest impact as a funder and partner. The following table summarizes our programmatic focus, explaining what we now do and what it looks like in action.