FAQS
What is the Pan American Health and Education Foundation?
The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF), founded in 1968, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that builds public health expertise leading to innovative development of healthier generations in the Americas by partnering with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the private sector, and major public health research, policy, and development groups. As an independent organization, PAHEF supports PAHO's vision of
health for all.
PAHEF is independent of political, racial or religious restrictions, and is free to work on behalf of all of the segments of our hemispheric community.
The Foundation is led by a board of directors comprised of health experts, business leaders, and academics and has valuable experience in administering health-related grants and in cross-border grant making.
In what areas of health does PAHEF focus?
In pursuit of our vision of health for all, we are guided by the current and projected future health needs in the region, the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and priority programmatic initiatives of the member countries of PAHO, the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). We are targeting our efforts to help:
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Promote healthy living by focusing efforts in
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Control infections in clinical settings
- Control neglected tropical diseases
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Enhance the training of medical professionals and health workers through grants and PALTEX
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Improve the health of indigenous people
What is the relationship between PAHEF and PAHO?
PAHEF shares the same vision as PAHO
—health for all. Many foundation grants are made to support programmatic efforts of PAHO member countries. PAHO is PAHEF's primary partner. Other PAHEF partners include non-profit organizations, business and industry, governments, and public health practitioners throughout the Americas.
In partnership with PAHO, PAHEF manages two important programs:
The PALTEX program, a technical cooperation program working in 19 Spanish speaking countries, provides high-quality, affordable textbooks and medical equipment for medical, nursing, veterinary, and public health students and public health workers, and pharmacists.
The Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program presents a series of international awards to recognize excellence in:
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leadership in inter-American health
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community service
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health literature
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veterinary public health
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bioethics
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universal health care
Two PAHO officials serve as ex-officio members on PAHEF's board of directors to assure coherence of public health priorities in the Americas, particularly as they relate to PAHO's Health Priorities.
How does PAHEF obtain its funds?
PAHEF raises funds from the broad public to support public health programs in the Americas. The foundation receives gifts, grants, and selected materials from corporations, foundations, individuals, non-profit agencies, civil society organizations, associations, universities, governments, and corporations.
How can an individual or corporation make a donation?
There are various ways in which you may make a donation to the foundation.
By credit card or your PayPal account: A secure online gift can be made through our Web site.
By mail: Send a check made out to the Pan American Health and Education Foundation. Please indicate on the check's memo line that you want the gift to go to the Area of Greatest Need.
PAHEF
P.O. Box 27733
Washington, DC 20038-7733
USA
By your employer's Gift Matching Program: If your employer has a Gift Matching Program, please enclose your employer's form with your gift.
By making a stock gift: Contact your stock broker or our Development Office at 1-202-974-3416.
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Can a donor designate a specific area that the gift will support?
We are open to discussion of your philanthropic interests. Please contact the Development Office at 1-202-974-3416.
Can donors give to more than one area of health?
Yes, we welcome your gift in multiple areas and at multiple times a year.
Do the donations always go to initiatives and programs related to health issues?
Yes, our vision is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all. PAHEF grants support initiatives primarily in:
- Health education
- Health services
- Health research
Is my donation tax deductible?
If you pay taxes in the U.S., your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution within IRS regulations. The foundation is a U.S.-based, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with public charity status.
What is PAHEF's annual budget? Revenue? Assets? Amount given for grants?
In 2007, our most recent audited year, the annual budget was $7.9 million. Annual revenue was $1.6 million and PAHEF provided more than $5.5 million in grants and donations of needed medicines. PAHEF's assets were $32.5 million.
