Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation Puts Clout, Connections And Fame To Good Use

While the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation has been accused by a few quarters as a political vehicle for the presidential aspirations of the Clinton matriarch and for reinforcing the Clinton brand, it is still widely considered to be a legitimate enterprise with philanthropic purposes (i.e., helping humanity against the threat from its own ranks). Indeed, the non-profit foundation is one of the best examples of putting one’s clout, connections and fame to good use in a wide range of issues.

Founded in 2001 as the William J. Clinton Foundation soon after the completion of its namesake’s presidency, its initial success was largely due to former President Clinton’s global fame coupled with his uncanny ability to rally Hollywood celebrities, government officials, and corporate executives, even ordinary people, to his causes. Today, the foundation has double the drawing power because Hillary and Chelsea have their own fan bases, so to speak.

In the past, former President Clinton’s interest in certain issues was the driving force behind its programs and projects but this soon changed. The foundation now focuses its formidable efforts on 4 critical areas, namely, economic empowerment; health security; racial, ethnic and religious reconciliation; and leadership development and citizen service with each focus area having its own specialized program. The people behind it work from two offices, namely, in Little Rock, Arkansas and in New York City, New York.

Its programs include the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI); the Clinton Development Initiative (CDI); the Alliance for a Healthier Generation with its Healthy Schools Program; and the Clinton Economic Opportunity Initiative.

The foundation does not work alone but instead leverages the resources, connections and clout of its partners including individuals, organizations and corporations as well as governments. It can act as an incubator for the public and private sectors’ new policies, programs and projects, thus, contributing to the success of these common endeavours.