Mission:
To help people become more informed about their health care, and to improve care for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly people, low-income families, minority Americans, and the uninsured.

Background:
Established in 1918 by Anna Harkness to "do something for the welfare of mankind," the Commonwealth Fund is the fourth oldest private foundation in the United States. It supports independent research on health and social issues and makes grants to improve healthcare practice and policy. One of its two national programs focuses on improving health insurance coverage and access to care; the other, on improving the quality of healthcare services. The Fund also makes grants to improve health care in New York City, where it is located. Its international program in health policy is designed to stimulate innovative policies and practices in the United States and other industrialized nations.

Outstanding Web Features:
Visitors to the Commonwealth Fund Web site may browse by health topic via a handy tool located at the top left corner of every page. The site also provides chartbooks on almost thirty health topics; data and surveys that track trends in health coverage, access and quality, and general policy and practice issues in the United States and internationally (all of the information is free, and raw data is available to researchers one year post release); and tools and innovations encompassing survey instruments, recommendations, best practices, innovative policies, and other practical models of improving the quality of care and expanding access to care.