Newman’s Own Foundation, which uses all the profits and royalties it receives from the sale of Newman’s Own products for its mission, is delighted to commit over $3M in grants in 2026 to SeriousFun Children’s Network.
“A lot of these kids spend six, seven, eight months in the hospital and for them to come up to camp and not be considered different—they just get up there and raise hell and have a wonderful time. And that exuberance and delight is contagious.”
—Paul Newman
Paul Newman instinctively knew what science now confirms: positive childhood experiences help mitigate the negative impacts of traumatic childhood events. He founded SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of 30 camps and programs to help children living with serious illnesses and their families experience medically-safe camp experiences, always free of charge.
Today, SeriousFun strengthens every camp through medical leadership, research, innovation, funding, quality standards, and shared learning, helping more children around the world build confidence, resilience, and belonging.
Why Camp?
“The hospital treats the illness. Camp treats the whole child.”
— Paul Newman
Children with special healthcare needs are more likely to experience social isolation, anxiety, and depression compared to children without special healthcare needs. That’s where SeriousFun camps come in.
At camp, kids connect with peers who share similar diagnoses and leave knowing they are not alone. They build friendships, gain confidence, discover independence, and experience the joy of belonging—outcomes that research shows continue long after camp ends.
“Camp has given her tools, courage, and a sense of self that she carries all year long.”
—Theresa, camper Olive’s mom
Paul Newman and campers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, part of SeriousFun Children's Network.
SeriousFun by the Numbers*
- 30 camps and programs across 4 continents
- 2.5+ million camp experiences since the first camp opened in 1988
- 9 in 10 camper alumni credit camp for their confidence, even years later as adults
- 8 in 10 camper alumni say camp strengthened their ability to build lasting friendships
- 8 in 10 camper alumni say camp shaped their identity in a big way
Photo courtesy of SeriousFun Children's Network.
“Paul Newman believed every child deserved the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of camp, regardless of the medical challenges they faced. Today, SeriousFun Children’s Network carries that vision forward around the world. We’re proud to support these life-changing experiences for children and families through SeriousFun.”
Funded by You!
Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money that it receives—100% of the profits and royalties—from the sale of Newman’s Own products in service of its mission: to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.
Get Involved
- Read more about SeriousFun Children’s Network’s CEO Blake Maher in our Newmanitarian spotlight
- Apply to volunteer at a camp near you
- Support SeriousFun
Photo courtesy of SeriousFun Children's Network