Now more than ever, foundation leaders seek opportunities to connect with each other and exchange ideas that help them increase the effectiveness and impact of their work. Funder's Forum facilitates these connections. Featured in our E-Updates for Grantmakers newsletter, these profiles help foundations to increase their visibility among their peers, as well as glean insight from others with similar funding interests. If you are interested in learning more about Funder's Forum, please contact R. Nancy Albilal at (212) 807-3624 or rna@foundationcenter.org.

The Commonwealth Fund

The Commonwealth Fund is one of the first major private U.S. foundations to be established by a woman philanthropist and — several decades later — to be led by a woman president, Margaret E. Mahoney, who passed away in December. Based in New York City, the fund is dedicated to promoting a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable. The fund's current president, Karen Davis, plans to retire at the end of 2012. The Foundation Center asked her:

What particular strategies have you found helpful in pursuing the fund's program areas, and what advice would you give to new leaders at other foundations who are striving to acclimate quickly and effectively and to build their leadership legacy?

Find out the answer»

E-Updates for Grantmakers

Sign up today»