The Foundation's Origins The Foundation was established by Kerry Olson, Ph.D., and her husband David Katz. Kerry has held a life-long commitment to service on behalf of children. Their shared sense of social responsibility led to the founding of Firelight. Firelight Foundation's mission—to support children in need—was a natural outgrowth of Kerry's background as a children's advocate, early childhood educator, and research social scientist. The Foundation's commitment to working internationally reflects the co-founders' global perspective and their desire to direct Firelight's resources to the point of greatest need. After consultation with national and international leaders to define a targeted focus for Firelight's first five years of operation, the Foundation identified HIV/AIDS as the intersection of the most complex issues facing the world's most vulnerable children. We chose a geographic emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa, the current epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Firelight Foundation's leadership reflects both family roots and
professional experience. Our Board of Directors is comprised of
family members, and an active international Advisory Board provides
consultation for grant review and strategic planning. The Foundation's
staff brings critical, on-the-ground knowledge of youth-oriented
and international grantmaking to our programs. The Foundation's initial experience has been a testimony to the power of small grants given at the grassroots level. Firelight continues to be inspired by many individuals and community groups working in Africa, who are able to accomplish so much on behalf of children and families. Our grantees and other partners are helping the Firelight vision become a reality, and our initiative is continually informed by their work.
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