History

The MAYDAY Fund was established in 1992 to further Shirley Steinman Katzenbach’s commitment to social and medical causes. The Board decided to adopt Mrs. Katzenbach’s special interest in the treatment of pain as the Fund’s mission. The name MAYDAY commemorates the date of her birth and is the international word signaling a cry for help, taken from the French “m’aidez” or “help me.”

MAYDAY chose its original agenda with the understanding that creating meaningful change with modest funding is a formidable challenge. Acting on advice that “it is better to be a rifle than a shotgun,” the Board set their sights on the alleviation of human physical pain. They were aware that excellent research had already led to a wealth of information about the treatment of pain, but that existing knowledge was not effectively used. As a first step, they decided to concentrate on closing this gap.

The MAYDAY Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization since 1992, engages only in philanthropic grant activities defined by its mission targeting the alleviation of pain. It should not be confused with any other organization that uses a similar name or includes “mayday” in its representation.

Principles

It is better to be a rifle than a shotgun

MAYDAY believes that creating meaningful change with modest funding requires substantive and focused grant-making rather than scattershot support.

It is necessary to close the gap between knowledge and practice

Excellent research has already led to a wealth of information about the treatment of pain, but existing knowledge still needs to be effectively used.

Leadership

Staff

Christina M. Spellman

Executive Director

Board

Pamela M. Thye

Caroline N. Sidnam

Emma X P. Davidson

Maureen Cozine

Board Emeritus

Robert D.C. Meeker

*Deceased

Daniel L. Dolgin

*Deceased

Advisors

Robert A. Cook

Senior Science Advisor

William F. McCalpin

Philanthropy Advisor

Foundation Citizenship

The MAYDAY Fund is a member of the Council on Foundations and Philanthropy New York. The principles of best practices in responsible grant-making are a key part of how the foundation operates. The Fund actively seeks partnerships with other grant-makers who share its values and are also committed to transparency and fairness.