Empowering Communities.

Frequently Asked Questions.

WHAT DOES THE FOUNDATION DO?

The von Keller Foundation is a private family foundation that work with partners around the world for social, cultural, and environmental change designed to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.

ABOUT US

WHAT DOES A CORPORATION DO?

WHAT IS A FAMILY FOUNDATION?

Grantmaking areas and the way funding is granted vary widely from one family

foundation to the next. The family members play a significant role in governing

and/or managing the foundation throughout its life. A family foundation is one

whose funds are derived from members of a single family. At least one family

member, but usually more, serves as an officer or board member of the foundation.

HOW DO WE OPERATE?

We work in many ways to advance a diversity of ideas, people, operations, and strategies. This means collaborating with a variety of organizations, including public charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); peer foundations and other funders; private businesses; educational institutions; and often, government agencies at all levels.

HOW ARE FOUNDATIONS REGULATED?

In the United States, the federal government (IRS) requires that family foundations: Pay out at least 5 percent of their endowment annually.

Pay an excise tax of 1 or 2 percent on their earnings.
Ensure that grant dollars are used for a charitable purpose.
State governments also have oversight of foundations.
There are a wide variety of foundation types, in addition to family foundations.

WHAT IS OUR GRANT MAKING PROCESS?

HOW ARE FOUNDATION REGULATED?

In the United States, the federal government (IRS) requires that family foundations: Pay out at least 5 percent of their endowment annually.

Pay an excise tax of 1 or 2 percent on their earnings.
Ensure that grant dollars are used for a charitable purpose.
State governments also have oversight of foundations.
here are a wide variety of foundation types, in addition to family foundations.

WHAT ARE THE CORPORATIONS GRANTMAKING AREAS?

The Foundation’s grantmaking programs reflect a focus on the issues our founder

Her Highness (HH), Adaeze (Princess) Ndira care about most: improving the lives of children

through education, enabling the creative pursuit of arts through movie making,

animal conservation, and vertical farming.

IN WHAT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS DOES THE FOUNDATION MAKE GRANTS?

The von Keller Foundation makes grants in a wide variety of regions around the globe, depending on the program area:

Conservation and Science: Worldwide
Children, Families, and Communities Education: Worldwide, with area of focus in the United States, and Sub-Saharan Africa
Organizational Effectiveness: Worldwide
Program-Related Investments: Worldwide

HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION DECIDE ITS FUNDING PRIORITIES?

As a Foundation and foundation, our grantmaking programs reflect a focus on the issues our founders cared about most: improving the lives of children, enabling the creative pursuit of Art through movie making, advancing vertical farming, and animal. conservation. Each program area has dedicated staff with deep experience in grantmaking, who develop subprogram strategies within the broader areas with specific objectives and time horizons. Our Board and senior leadership work in concert to ensure that we invest in areas that are consistent with our values and our founders’ interests.

HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION DETERMINE WHICH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT?

We invest in strong leaders and organizations, collaborate with them to identify the most effective solutions, and give them the freedom and support they need to create lasting change.

Our specific selection process for awarding grants varies by program, so it is best to first explore our website for more information. Not all programs accept unsolicited proposals.