Our Core Values
Our values are rooted in our founder’s belief in “Providing a Hand-Up, not a hand-out.”
- “If you want to go far, you have to have an EDUCATION.” In keeping with our founder’s philosophy, the Foundation believes that each individual has value and potential, and is deserving of an appropriate learning environment. We believe that high quality educational experiences promote high standards that challenge students to aspire to excellence.
- “Nothing in this world can take the place of PERSISTENCE.” Success in education and life can only be achieved through persistence and determination in keeping one’s goals in sight—no matter what difficulties may emerge.
- “Dreams are a slow creation of consistent HARD WORK.” Hard work is the cornerstone of any endeavor. Building a life of extraordinary achievement is not possible without hard work and the commitment to carry forth every day, devoting one’s energy to the goals that inspire us to seek the future we desire
Our History
In 1968, a Washington, DC area businessman founded the Commonweal Foundation to serve the community in which he had lived and thrived since 1937. First known as The College Fund, Commonweal’s original purpose was to provide loans to financially needy students for college tuition. In the 1980s, the Foundation acquired its new name and a new focus: the support of secondary education. In 1988, Commonweal became one of the first local sponsors of the nationally acclaimed "I Have A Dream" program, promising college scholarships to nearly seventy elementary school students upon their completion of high school. Today, the Commonweal Foundation continues to provide educational and social support to financially needy students in the form of widely expanded services, including grants, scholarships, and learning assistance programs.