The Case Foundation
Steve and Jean Case established the Case Foundation in 1997 to reflect their commitment to giving back, and have sought to leverage their investment capital, broad network of passionate people, and their own experience to accomplish a simple mission: invest in people and ideas that can change the world.
Steve and Jean have been involved in the Internet industry since the early 1980s, when they both moved to the Washington, D.C. area to play a part in the online revolution, and subsequently were part of building AOL into the leading online brand in the 1990s. Naturally, since launching the Case Foundation, they have consistently sought to tap the power of the Internet and technology to transform the social sector.
Using citizen-centered approaches, the Case Foundation has led a series of innovative and collaborative initiatives that leverage technologies to empower and engage citizens in the U.S. and around the globe. Through partnerships with hundreds of nonprofits, private sector and corporate partners, as well as the public sector, these efforts have helped to expand the role of "citizen philanthropists" and bring about more robust civic engagement.
Recent examples of the Case Foundation's efforts to expand the role of citizen-centered philanthropy and experimentation with new technologies, such as social media, include America's Giving Challenge, an online competition conducted in partnership with PARADE and Causes that engaged tens of thousands of Americans to get involved with causes they care about. In 2007, the Make It Your Own Awards called on citizens to connect with others, form solutions and take action on community issues.
The Case Foundation has long believed it is better to focus its efforts on a small number of "big ideas" - focusing on a handful of swing-for-the-fences ideas that have transformative potential. While many of the "big ideas" the Foundation has invested in vary in focus, they all are built upon a foundation of leadership, collaboration and entrepreneurship and provide opportunities for meaningful scale and sustainable impact.
Steve and Jean have learned many valuable lessons through the work of the Case Foundation and as they have transitioned from a pure corporate focus in their careers to the philanthropic world, they still believe there are new lessons to be learned every day. That's why the Case Foundation is so committed to its mission of investing in people and ideas that can change the world.