In 2002, seven-year-old Henry Strongin Goldberg lost his battle against Fanconi anemia, a genetic disease that leads to bone marrow failure. In his memory, his parents created Hope for Henry, which brings innovative programming into the hospital to entertain, reduce stress, and empower children to be active participants in their care. Full-time Certified Child Life Specialists help children and their families cope with the anxiety of serious illness, providing therapeutic activities, explaining diagnoses, and minimizing fears of surgical procedures or tests. Book events, spa days, visits from celebrities, carnivals, and birthday parties ensure that kids don’t miss out on feeling like kids. A patient incentive program pays children in Hope for Henry Bucks to undergo radiation, chemotherapy, or other painful but necessary procedures (bucks are exchanged for gifts), thereby increasing adherence to medical tasks and helping kids get healthier, faster. You can help too.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 3

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: All


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we have served:   18,000

Awards & Recognition

Capital One Bank Community Champions Award (2017)
EXCEL Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, Center for Nonprofit Advancement (2016)
Flame of Hope Award, Georgetown Pediatrics (2015)
Chairman's Award, Children's National Medical Center (2013)
"Heroes Among Us," People Magazine (2015)
Star for Children Award, Children's Charities Foundation (2013)
Author, Saving Henry (Hyperion, 2010)
Contributing Author, The Story Within (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013)
Winner, WJLA-TV Toyota Tribute to Working Women Award (2005)


Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Hope for Henry Foundation is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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