We are often asked if we accept outside donations.  People generously offer to contribute to the KDK-Harman Foundation so that we can further support our grantees.  If someone is truly interested in advancing the causes that we are passionate about, we prefer that they give directly to our nonprofit partners.  We are very proud of our grantees and the work that they do to help break the cycle of poverty through education.  We have the stable funds that we need to help us fulfill our mission.  However, our grantees often do not. 

In response to those who still wish to give to the KDK-Harman Foundation, we have adopted guidelines for accepting donations from individuals.  To be clear, the Foundation does not and will not solicit donations.  Our goal is not fundraising.  Our goal is simply to honor the intentions of generous people who are passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty in Central Texas through education and may not have the time to research all of our grantees to make their own selections.  It is important to note that 100% of any contributions that we receive will be directed to our grantee partners.  There are no overhead or administrative costs associated with such gifts.  The Foundation bears all expenses of operating the foundation.

Donating to KDK should simply be viewed as a convenience for those that are charitably inclined.  For those individuals who do not have the time for thorough analysis of potential charitable donations, we offer the following:

·        We will complete the due diligence and identify best-in-class programs through our research and site visits in accordance with our mission, grant guidelines and operating procedures

·        We will not only write the check, but will also evaluate the grant semi-annually

General Guidelines for Contributions

·        KDK-Harman Foundation will accept donations from individuals only. We will not accept gifts from companies, corporate matching-gift programs, nonprofit organizations, foundations, donor advised funds, or government entities. (We may make common-sense exceptions to this guideline, such as in the case of a school that sends one check when its students have each donated small amounts.)

·        Contributions do not entitle donors to participate in Foundation decision-making or give donors special access to the Foundation’s leaders or staff.

·        We will accept only unrestricted gifts—that is, gifts that are not earmarked for specific purposes or that include conditions or contingencies.

·        We will treat gifts as contributions to the Foundation’s general fund.  We will not track the way we expend individual donations, nor will we ask the donor permission when we do issue the grant to the grantee(s) that we select.

·        We will accept only personal checks, cash, and money orders. We will not accept gifts by credit card. We will not accept securities, real estate, personal property, or intellectual property. (We may make exceptions to this guideline for very large gifts of highly liquid, publicly traded securities that do not represent more than 1% of any particular company.)

·        We will not accept donations by phone or over the Internet.

·        We will accept only U.S. currency.

·        We will not offer public recognition for any gifts we receive, although the names of those who contribute $5,000 or more will be included on our 990-PF tax form to satisfy tax laws.

·        Gifts may be tax deductible in the U.S. However, the foundation is a private foundation rather than a public charity, and the rules governing tax deductibility of gifts to private foundations are different from those for gifts to public charities. Donors may want to consult their tax advisor before making a donation to the Foundation.

·        A gift representing 2% or more of the foundation’s assets would trigger special tax rules for the Foundation and the donor. Therefore, any gift of that magnitude would have to be reviewed and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

·        We reserve the right to decline donations even if they meet these guidelines, to change these guidelines at any time, and to make exceptions to these guidelines in special circumstances.

General Procedures for Contributions

·        For those who choose to give to the Foundation rather than giving directly to our grantees, please send contributions to:

KDK-Harman Foundation

P.O. Box 160696

Austin, TX  78716-0696

·        We will send a letter expressing our gratitude to each donor whose contribution we accept. This letter will also serve as an acknowledgment of the donation for tax purposes.

·        We will return to the donor any contribution that does not meet the guidelines above.

·        We do not ask people to send money to the Foundation. If you receive a solicitation purporting to be from us, please alert us immediately at admin@kdk-harman.org.

If you have any questions about making a contribution to the KDK-Harman Foundation, please call us at 512.328.9400 or e-mail at admin@kdk-harman.org. We are truly grateful for your interest.