Donna Shalala: Clinton Foundation helps millions
We have a serious responsibility to ensure that they will continue to receive help.
Significantly scaling back the Clinton Foundation and our programs that are helping millions of people around the world — even before we even know the outcome of the election — would be needless and irresponsible. This suggestion ignores how global philanthropy works, and the reality that there are human beings around the world who would be affected by these decisions.
The team at the Clinton Foundation is concerned first and foremost with improving lives. Because of the work of the foundation and our partners over the past 15 years, more than 11.5 million people in over 70 countries have access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS treatment, 18 million students in the U.S. enjoy healthier food options in schools, and the more than 105,000 farmers in East Africa can better provide for their families through more advanced training and tools.
Charity experts consistently laud the quality and value of the foundation’s work. The Clinton Foundation has an “A” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy’s Charity Watch. GuideStar has given the foundation a Platinum rating, and has lauded the foundation for its “commitment to transparency.”
We recognize the importance of separating the foundation’s work from the perception of potential conflicts of interest, and we have outlined a responsible approach for the future. This year will be the last meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, and if Secretary Clinton won, effective immediately, we would stop taking new corporate and foreign donations. A significant portion of the foundation’s work would be transitioned to new independent organizations or existing partners.
Similar to other presidential foundations, we are responsible for funding and operating the Clinton Presidential Center, which supports the Clinton Presidential Library, which has helped spur $3.3 billion in economic impact in Arkansas, served as an important educational and cultural resource, and helped inspire new generations of leaders through an educational partnership with other presidential libraries.
Mothball the Clinton Foundation: Our view
It takes a great deal of thoughtful planning to transition the work of a global organization. We have a serious responsibility to ensure that the women and children, workers and farmers, and countless others who rely on the foundation will continue to receive help.
Donna E. Shalala is president of the Clinton Foundation. She previously served as president of the University of Miami, as secretary of Health and Human Services, and as a member of the board of directors of Gannett, which owns USA TODAY.