Dear friends of the Rumsfeld Foundation,
As we come to the close of what has been a uniquely challenging year, we want to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support received since Secretary Rumsfeld’s passing.
It goes without saying that we would not be where we are today without the vision, energy and generosity of our late founder, and of course his co-founder and beloved wife, Joyce. To date, his impact through the Foundation includes providing over $16.5 million toward our programs and those of our partners, supporting the funding of over 445 Fellowships for rising leaders in the United States and the CAMCA region and contributing toward the wellbeing of our nation’s military community.
To hear firsthand about our founder’s lasting impact, we hope you’ll review our blog post full of testimonials from our partners and alumni of our programs as well as take a look through the collection of thoughtful tribute pieces on our website's new “Founder Tributes” page.
Moving into 2022, it is our distinct honor to carry forward the Foundation’s mission which Secretary Rumsfeld was so dedicated to over the past 15 years and to be able to continue to advance the causes he championed – encouraging leadership, public service and free political and economic systems at home and abroad.
We would also like to take this time to share an important update regarding our programming in this next chapter. Following Secretary Rumsfeld’s wishes and guidance, the Foundation will be transitioning our efforts to fully focus on developing our two Fellowship Programs and their evolving alumni networks. With this dedicated investment in our Fellowship Programs, the Foundation will be closing its long chapter of providing grants to military and veterans charities in the new year.
With the experience of his father’s military service, his own service in the Navy, and his later tenures as Secretary of Defense, Secretary Rumsfeld’s longtime respect for and dedication to our nation’s military community has greatly influenced the Foundation’s mission and work. Through our partnerships with a number of terrific organizations since our founding, the Rumsfelds have been pleased to donate a total of more than $6.5 million over the years in support of those who have given so much in service to our country. We will always remain grateful for the tireless and dedicated efforts of these important organizations and it has been a privilege to be supportive of their meaningful work.
Please know that we are incredibly grateful for your continued interest and encouragement as we enter this next chapter. We look forward to continuing to honor Secretary Rumsfeld’s lifetime of service throughout our work and thank all of you ─ our friends, partners and supporters ─ for your important role in the Foundation’s future.
- The Rumsfeld Foundation Team