Case Foundation
Formation1997
HeadquartersWashington, D.C., U.S.
Chairman
Steve Case
CEO
Jean Case
Websitewww.casefoundation.org

The Case Foundation is a Washington, DC-based private foundation founded in 1997 by AOL co-founder Steve Case and his wife Jean Case.[1][2] The foundation describes its mission as "investing in people and ideas that can change the world.[3]

Early Work and Digital Divide Initiatives

The foundation's early work reflected the founders' background in technology and consumer engagement. One early example was support for PowerUP, a national initiative launched in 1999 aimed at bridging the "digital divide" in underserved communities by expanding access to technology and internet resources.[4]

Some of the foundation's past grantees have included PlayPumps International, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children and their families through an innovative system that provides clean drinking water to rural African villages; City Year Washington, DC, an AmeriCorps organization that provides full-time, year-long service opportunities for young people through such initiatives as the Young Heroes service-learning program; Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a nonprofit that incorporates an entrepreneurial, venture capital approach and new forms of collaboration to hasten the discovery of a cure for brain cancer; America's Promise, an alliance of organizations serving children and youth; the Buxton Initiative, a nonprofit focused on fostering understanding among people from different faiths and world views through friendship and dialog; and many other local, national, and international organizations.[5]

In 2007, the Case Foundation launched the Make It Your Own Awards, an online grants program that involved the public in decision making and design, and used online tools to empower applicants to raise funds and connect with supporters.[6]

The foundation's 2007-2008 Giving Challenge—launched in partnership with Parade Magazine, Facebook, GlobalGiving, and Network for Good—empowered people to use technology to improve their giving experience, support the causes they care about, and encourage others to give.[7]

Social CitizensBETA explored the potential impact of the Millennial Generation on the civic landscape and encouraged feedback and discussion on the Social Citizens Blog.[8]

Other past foundation grantees and initiatives have included PowerUP, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, MissionFish and Special Olympics.[9]

Strategic Evolution: From Pillars to Movements

In the mid-2010s, the foundation publicly described its work through three pillars—igniting civic engagement, unleashing entrepreneurship, and revolutionizing philanthropy—while also advancing a "Be Fearless" posture on social innovation and leadership.[10]

The foundation later shifted from organizing work primarily by "pillars" toward more explicitly catalyzing "movements," with particular focus on impact investing and inclusive entrepreneurship as areas where field-building, narrative change, and coordinated action could unlock larger-scale results.[11]

Leadership

Jean Case serves as CEO. In 2007, she was appointed by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to serve as co-chair of the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership, working to bring private sector resources to Palestine to build economic opportunity. [12] She has also chaired the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.[13] And was Chairman of the Board of National Geographic from 2016-2025.[14] Steve Case serves as Chairman. He was the founding chair of the Startup America Partnership and has been a leading voice in shaping government policy on issues related to entrepreneurship.[15]


References

  1. ^ The Case Foundation: FAQ Archived June 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "Case Foundation Report Reveals "Giving Days" Benefit Nonprofits Short and Long Term" (Press release).
  3. ^ ""Investing In People And Ideas That Can Change The World"". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  4. ^ Trotter, Andrew (1999-11-17). "Philanthropic Effort Aims To Help Close 'Digital Divide'". Education Week. ISSN 0277-4232. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
  5. ^ The Case Foundation: Partners Archived June 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Networking for the benefit of others". Financial Times. 2007-11-02. Archived from the original on 2022-12-12. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  7. ^ Strom, Stephanie (2007-12-13). "Foundation testing potential of philanthropy via Internet". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  8. ^ Social Citizens Blog: About
  9. ^ The Case Foundation: About Us Archived June 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Group, The Bridgespan. "Philanthropy 2.0: Three Lessons from Tech Pioneers Jean and Steve Case". Bridgespan. Archived from the original on 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-05-24. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. ^ Foundation, Case (2016-08-15). "Our Fearless Journey From Mission to Movements - Case Foundation". Case Foundation. Archived from the original on 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
  12. ^ ""Jean Case - Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation."".
  13. ^ ""Jean Case - Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation."".
  14. ^ ""Kevin J. Maroni Elected Chair of National Geographic Society Board of Trustees"" (Press release). 2026-01-20. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  15. ^ ""Steve Case"".