Following a courageous battle with cancer, Eurasia Foundation President Emeritus Charles William “Bill” Maynes passed away on June 2, 2007. A tribute to his life and work was held September 10, 2007 at St. Alban's Church in Washington, DC, where he was he eulogized in three moving tributes given by Dr. Alton Frye, Mr. Thomas Hughes and Ambassador Robert Barry.
Bill served as president of Eurasia Foundation from 1997 to 2006. Shortly after his retirement, Bill was honored with the State Department's Distinguished Achievement Award. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as the editor of Foreign Policy magazine for 17 years. During his editorship, the journal won five awards for editorial excellence. Actively involved in foreign affairs, journalism and politics since 1970, he also held senior positions in the Department of State, USAID and the foundation community.
Bill’s intellectual passion for his work—building vibrant, democratic societies in the Eurasia region—was matched by his abundant warmth and humor. He had a unique ability to encourage people, build relationships and exemplify an unwavering belief in the power of the nonprofit sector. In honor of Bill, the Foundation has launched the Bill Maynes Future Leaders of Eurasia Fund to support new leaders from all walks of life who live and work in the Eurasia region.
In announcing the creation of the Maynes Memorial Fund, EF Board Chair Sarah Carey said, “Bill was a tireless advocate of the next generation of leadership in the Eurasia region. He took time to meet with young people on his travels, lecturing at universities about foreign policy, civil society and the future. I am pleased to honor his legacy by supporting Eurasian leaders who embody Bill’s spirit and sense of purpose in their work. I know Bill would be delighted.”
The Foundation welcomes contributions to the Maynes Fund. Checks can be made payable to EurasiaFoundation (please note Bill Maynes Fund in the memo line) and sent to Eurasia Foundation, Attention: Development Department, 1350 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036.
after his retirement, Bill was honored with the State Department's Distinguished Achievement Award. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as the editor of Foreign Policy magazine for 17 years. During his editorship, the journal won five awards for editorial excellence. Actively involved in foreign affairs, journalism and politics since 1970, he also held senior positions in the Department of State, USAID and the foundation community. 
