Annie E. Casey Foundation

Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to building a brighter future for millions of children and young people at risk of poor educational, economic, social, and health outcomes. Established in 1948 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey and his siblings in honor of their mother, the foundation works across the United States to strengthen families, build stronger communities, and ensure access to opportunity. With its headquarters in Baltimore, the foundation develops solutions and supports policies grounded in evidence to improve child well-being and advance racial equity and inclusion.

History and founding

The foundation was created in 1948 by Jim Casey, who co-founded the global logistics giant United Parcel Service, alongside his siblings Harry Casey, George Casey, and Marguerite Casey. They named the organization in memory of their mother, Annie E. Casey. Initially, the foundation’s work was closely tied to the Casey family's personal charitable interests, focusing on direct services for children in Seattle, Washington. Following Jim Casey’s death in 1983, a significant portion of his United Parcel Service stock was bequeathed to the endowment, dramatically expanding its resources and capacity. This transformation prompted a strategic shift from a local service provider to a national catalyst for systemic change, leading to the relocation of its headquarters to Baltimore in 1994 to better engage with communities across the country.

Mission and focus areas

The foundation’s mission is to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families in the United States. Its work is concentrated on several interconnected focus areas designed to create pathways out of poverty. A primary focus is strengthening families by promoting economic stability and supporting kinship care and the child welfare system. Another major area is ensuring that all young people, particularly those involved with the foster care or juvenile justice systems, have the connections and skills needed for a successful transition to adulthood. The foundation also prioritizes community development, investing in neighborhoods to create safe and supportive environments, and advocates for policies that advance racial equity and inclusion, recognizing the disproportionate challenges faced by children of color.

Key initiatives and programs

The foundation launches and supports numerous high-profile initiatives and programs to achieve its goals. The KIDS COUNT project is a premier initiative, providing comprehensive data on child well-being through an annual Data book and a powerful online data center used by policymakers, advocates, and journalists. In child welfare, the foundation champions initiatives like Family First Prevention Services Act implementation and supports evidence-based practices to reduce reliance on group homes. Major community-based efforts include the Making Connections initiative, which worked in distressed neighborhoods, and ongoing support for community development financial institutions like the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. For youth, key programs focus on juvenile justice reform, educational attainment, and workforce development through partnerships with organizations like the Jobs for the Future.

Governance and leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of directors that includes members of the Casey family and leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This board sets the strategic direction and oversees the foundation’s operations and grantmaking. Day-to-day leadership is provided by a president and chief executive officer; Lisa Hamilton has served in this role since 2019, following predecessors including Patrick McCarthy. The leadership team, based primarily in Baltimore, includes experts in child welfare, juvenile justice, research, community development, and public policy. The foundation also collaborates with a vast network of grantees, partners like the Center for the Study of Social Policy, and fellows in programs such as the Children and Family Fellowship.

Financials and impact

With an endowment of approximately $2.5 billion, the foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in the United States dedicated exclusively to children and families. It disburses tens of millions of dollars in grants annually to a wide array of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and research institutions. Its impact is measured through the widespread use of its KIDS COUNT data, influencing state and federal legislation such as the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. The foundation’s advocacy has contributed to significant reductions in youth incarceration and advances in child welfare prevention. While focused on creating measurable improvements in outcomes, the foundation acknowledges the complex, long-term nature of its mission to ensure all children have the foundation for a successful life.

Category:Organizations based in Baltimore Category:Foundations based in the United States Category:Child welfare organizations in the United States