Philanthropic Foundation!!!!

The Carson Family Charitable Trust 

I have actually never heard of The Carson Family Charitable Trust, and with that being said I was quite surprised to find out they are the #1 giving foundation in Rhode Island. 

Something else I was surprised to learn, is that no where on their website do they specially explain their mission.  I would I think that the largest giving foundation in Rhode Island would want to make it very clear to those who donate, to those who seek the assistance from them, and to those who wish to volunteer, what the organization is doing.  Upon delving a little further into the website I did find a place under "funding" where they explained that the Carson Foundation aims to help individuals with special needs obtain services and/or equipment to further enhance quality of life. They also aim to make the process of applying for funding as easy as possible for parents and individuals with special needs. If we are to assume this is their mission statement for all intensive purposes, it should also explain some ways in which they "obtain services and/or equipment. Moreover, they should explain how their process for applying for funding is "as easy as possible."  This foundation is clearly doing a lot of good, and have an amazing of helping others with special needs, but I think they would benefit from establishing a mission statement that leaves less questions unanswered. They also explain, on the home page, that this foundation was started with the birth of their son, Brain, who was diagnosed with autism.  Brian's mother, Angie, always made sure that her son was well taken care of and exhausted all available resources to ensure Brian had the best quality of life possible  She recognized that not all families had the same opportunities as her to make sure their family members were receiving the best care ans assistance, so the Carson Family created this foundation. 

As for the money and where they get it from, there is not a lot of transparency.  I searched the website for a specific place where they might state some big name donors, partnerships they may have or even a spot where they said they started this with much of their own money- but there was no such place. The only information i found regarding their donations was on the "Donate" page which stated the foundation "operates on money raised from our fundraisers and on private donations [of any amount] made through the website." They also explain that administrative fees are kept low and guarantee 90% of the money donated goes right back into services provided. They operate with no restrictions as to what those services may be and list various examples of the diverse services and equipment they have provided families with in the past. I think it is absolutely amazing that 90% of all the money made goes back to those receiving the assistance, but I wish there was more evidence that backed up their claim. However, while there is a huge lack of transparency in my opinion, I also praise them for having no restrictions.  You do not come across a lot of foundations that have no restrictions. Again, this basically means if a families application is accepted for funding, they are able to do whatever they wish with the money given to them.  But by "whatever they wish" it can be any service or equipment that will benefit the life of their loved one- examples listed: respite, speech therapy, physical therapy, camps, day programs, trips, education, iPad's/Tablets, wheel chair, sensory items, specialty seating, and so much more. To apply for this funding there is an application that must be mailed into The Carson Family Foundation upon completion. From there the parents will receive a reply within 2-3 weeks with information on when they can meet with a member of the Carson Family to discuss how the foundation can help them.  A one on one meeting will either take place or parents will be invited to an open house where they will interview multiple families in one day.  Parents will know if they are approved for funding after first visit with a member of the Carson Family. A good piece of information to be aware of is that an individual with special needs can obtain funding no more than 2 times per year.  Funding is usually approved up to $500 per request.

One question I have about this Foundation is are they any big name partners who they work with? Where did the money FIRST come from, the family themselves?  Another question I have is while they stated "they are no restrictions", are families allowed to spend the money on food for example, or clothing? To what extent is "no restrictions" valid?