As we approach the end of 2024, the Heising-Simons Foundation expresses its appreciation for our partners’ resilience and commitment to make progress together on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

This year has provided us with a stark reminder of the urgency of the work ahead. As we harness our energy to take on the next set of challenges, we wanted to take a moment to lift up all of the important work we achieved together throughout the year.

The Foundation closes 2024 having awarded more than $165 million in support of early childhood education and care, science, climate and clean energy, human rights, journalism, and technology—and we shared news and stories about many of those investments on our Foundation blog, including the latest recipients of the 2024 American Mosaic Journalism Prize and the new class of 51 Pegasi b postdoctoral fellows. Additionally, we spoke out about the urgent need to invest in universal early care and education, shared insights about our approach to building the power of people affected by mass criminalization, and began telling the stories behind some of the Foundation’s largest efforts to date.

The Foundation also convened leaders and practitioners in their respective fields throughout the year. In June, we held a Technology and Society Summit with thought leaders and experts in AI working to ensure these technologies are deployed ethically and responsibly. In August, we brought together the planetary astronomy community at the 51 Pegasi b Summit for three days of research presentations, workshops, and activities. And earlier this month, we hosted an inspiring celebration to mark International Human Rights Day.

The International Human Rights Day celebration brought together leaders, advocates, and community members for a morning of powerful discussions on human rights and resilience. This year’s theme, “Hope and Human Rights,” celebrated the relentless pursuit of justice and dignity worldwide, while recognizing, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, that universal human rights begin “in small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world.”

We were honored to be joined by President Barack Obama, who acknowledged that progress often takes a winding and difficult path, urging us to embrace the long horizons of our work. His spirit of hope and reflections will inspire us for years to come. A distinguished line-up of speakers shared their stories of resilience and transformation, leaving us inspired and reinvigorated. We invite you to find resources and information from our sessions on our website.

Looking ahead into 2025, we recognize that the uncertainty of what lies ahead will require all of us to remain strategic and laser-focused on our long-term goals. Building a more knowledgeable, sustainable, and just world may not be straightforward, but every step we take in the right direction brings us closer to making it a reality.

We wish you a restorative holiday season and look forward to partnering with you in the coming year. 

With gratitude,

Liz Simons, Chair of the Board

Mark Heising, Vice Chair of the Board

Caitlin Heising, Vice Chair of the Board

Jennifer Shipp, Acting President and CEO