Vision + Mission

Our vision is a just and robust community where everyone is valued equally and has the ability to imagine, shape, pursue, and sustain the lives they wish to lead.

Our mission is to confront the social and historical disparities that perpetuate injustice. We do this by accompanying organizations aligned with this goal, serving as advocates for change and convening thought leaders. Our focus on health equity and economic prosperity is balanced by a holistic approach which aims to develop and strengthen equitable systems throughout the world.

Image: Kara Walker, The Katastwóf Karavan, 2018, Installation view at Algiers Point, Prospect.4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp, New Orleans, 2017-18.
Photo © J Caldwell

OUR VALUES

We believe in being accountable to our partners in our role as funders. Our values guide us toward greater accountability in our present work and as we plan for the future.

Accompaniment

We place trust and authority in our partners, as we work alongside them, ready to focus our support where it is needed most — whether that means multi-year general operating support or launching a highly focused initiative. As priorities shift and challenges evolve, we remain engaged; assuring that partners receive the support they need over time.

Striving for Equality

Everyone is created equally and should be treated that way. To advance equity, we must always act in a way that considers and confronts historical injustice.

Building Trust

Strong partnerships require we extend trust and are worthy of being trusted. Establishing mutual trust calls for honesty, transparency, and the transformation of traditional power dynamics.

Conscious Listening

Understanding partner needs must be guided by listening. To empathize with individuals and organizations we must hear deeply and with humility; so that we may be attentive in any action.

Creative Change

Everyone has a right to imagine a better life for themselves, participate in culture, and help define what the world could or should be. We need creative people and organizations to shape solutions to our most urgent problems.

Leading Together

Strong leaders are ambitious and strategic, but they also collaborate effectively and remain connected to the communities they serve. Great ideas call for people with the drive, courage, and community support to realize them.

OUR HISTORY

The Wagner Foundation was established in Boston in 2005. Initially, grants focused on elementary and secondary school programs, universities, hospitals, and human service organizations based in the Boston area. This local focus reflected the scholarship and expertise that Boston is known for in the areas of health and education and a desire to invest in programs that would make an impact in our local community.

In addition to a robust local non-profit sector, Boston is home to many remarkable organizations working in international settings across a number of focus areas, including health, economic opportunity, education and more. Inspired and informed by such practices, and particularly founder Charlotte Wagner’s role on the Board of Directors of Partners In Health,Wagner Foundation began to evolve its strategy.

Over time, the Foundation expanded its local focus to include national and international settings. It also broadened its mission to address social justice issues affecting marginalized populations in the United States and abroad. We recognize that the advancement of health equity and shared prosperity requires systemic, structural and cultural transformation and strive to support our partners in these efforts.

OUR TEAM

Charlotte Wagner, Founder & President

Caroline Easley, Deputy Director

Bridget Miskell, Senior Finance & Operations Manager

David Demosthenes, Grants & Impact Manager

Lily Sargeant, Program Officer, US Partnerships

Abigail Satinsky, Program Officer and Curator, Arts & Culture

Carisa Bobskill, Office Engagement Manager & Executive Assistant


Click here to view current job opportunities at Wagner Foundation.

CONTACT US

info@wfound.org
485 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor,
Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: (617) 868-0920

Wagner Foundation is focused on supporting current grantee partners and programs. However, if you believe your work is a good fit for the Wagner Foundation, you are welcome to submit your contact information and a description to the email address above. Please be advised that although we review each inquiry, due to our small staff, we only respond to those that we wish to pursue further.