Our Funding

Introduction

The Prison Education Foundation^TM is a 501(c)(3) public charity (sub-classified as 509(a)(1)) funded primarily by the grants and contributions of various private foundations. Our grant writers prepare and submit grant proposals to these private "nonoperating" 501(c)(3) foundations which exist to provide grants to other 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, such as Prison Education Foundation, which do operate their own charitable purpose programs. Contributions may also be made by corporations, individuals and churches. We do not charge prisons, prisoners or anyone else for the services we provide.

Over 75% of the contributions we receive go directly toward prisoner scholarships, making the Prison Education Foundation a highly efficient public operating charity. Less than 25% of the funds received are used for operating expenses and administrative costs, such as salaries, office overhead, telephone, printing, distribution expenses, audit fees, legal fees, fund raising expenses and other operating expenses.

Since we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, donations to the Prison Education Foundation qualify as tax-deductible gifts under current tax law. You may obtain an audited financial statement upon request.

Designated Gifts

You may request that your scholarship gift be used toward a specific type of education (e.g. degree in preparation for Christian ministry), or for a specific geographic territory (e.g. persons returning to your community), or to benefit a certain institution or class of individuals (e.g. female prisoners), or in some other way.

We will endeavor to use your gift in the manner requested. If you make a designation, you will be notified as to how your gift was used.

Restricted gifts

Due to current tax law, restricted gifts are not normally accepted without prior approval and authorization issued in writing from the Prison Education Foundation. And, any gift accepted with the restriction that it be used to benefit a certain individual, as opposed to a certain class of individuals, is not tax-deductible to the donor under current tax law.

Estate Gifts

You may make gifts to the Prison Education Foundation through your estate. We can work with you and your attorney to provide assistance in the preparation of Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Gift Annuities and other methods of giving through estate planning.

Endowments

You may endow a gift by obtaining prior approval and authorization in writing from the Prison Education Foundation. We would be happy to discuss with you the establishment of an endowed fund.

Non-Cash Gifts

If you plan to make a donation of securities, real estate or other non-cash gifts, we can provide guidance and assistance, in conjunction with your personal attorney, in handling the transaction.

And remember…

Donors should be sure to include important donor information, including name, address and telephone number so that we may confirm receipt of your gift and issue a receipt (needed in order for the gift to be treated properly for tax purposes).

Please consult your tax advisor for information and details regarding your specific situation.