What We Do
What we do:
Mike loved to help those in need. The mission of this organization is to extend his spirit of kindness and generosity to good and worthy causes well beyond his passing from this earth.
We have selected a handful of qualified charities here that we feel best represent Mike’s spirit.
How do we do it?
By fundraising. We will raise money via creative works and charity, to convert Mike’s spirit into a tangible currency that can breathe hope back into the lives of those who need it most.
But where does the money go?
Into a special fund that funnels 100% of any money raised or donated into the selected charities. The vehicle is a Donor-Advised Fund operated by a Fidelity Charitable Giving Account. That vehicle ensures 100% of ANY money contributed to The Mike Anderson Foundation will be used for the specific charities we specify here! There are no exceptions, never ever!
Furthermore, since Fidelity monitors the qualifications of the charities being contributed to, you know the charities must meet strict IRS requirements to qualify for the program. Only 501(c)(3) public charities can qualify.
We have selected the following 6 charities to support with The Mike Anderson Foundation Charitable Fund. All the charities meet the stringent IRS standards of Fidelity’s donor-advised fund qualifications for transparency, and most of them also rank extremely high on Guidepost’s charity ratings system (if they were rated).
Mike Rowe Works Scholarship Foundation:
Mike Rowe is a popular television personality, but he has also dedicated a considerable amount of his life’s work to helping people and advocating for the trades (carpentry, farming, etc.), which are often highly skilled but under appreciated. This scholarship supports these talented, hardworking individuals. Mike was a carpenter by trade, but absolutely one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. His brain was on another level than most. It’s an honor to support other hardworking individuals who choose to follow their hearts and talents into carpentry or any trade of skilled labor.
FAME: Foundation for African Medicine and Education
Providing medical care to the most vulnerable populations of rural Tanzania. Mike loved to travel with his wife to Tanzania, and he personally knew FAME’s founder, Dr. Frank, and also assisted in fund-raising efforts for FAME while still on this earth.
The Arrow Fund:
Providing care and support to animal victims of extreme torture, abuse and neglect. Mike loved animals. These are some of the most extreme stories of incomprehensible suffering, but the extreme satisfaction that comes from helping them is equally powerful. I think Mike’s heart might burst from the pride of being involved in an organization that facilitates work as impactful as this one. It’s an honor to assist them.
Wings for Widows
Providing support for newly-widowed men and women navigate the financial trauma of loss. The death of a spouse is considered the #1 most stressful life event (via the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale.) Helping widows in a tangible way is work that comes straight from the heart.
Mbwa Wa Africa
An animal welfare organization dedicated to the rescue and welfare of abused and vulnerable dogs and cats in Tanzania. Mike loved Tanzania, and through our connections we’ve gotten to know some beautiful people doing amazing work for the undervalued animals that live here, including animal welfare. I’ve personally visited the Mbwa Wa Africa facility on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania and met them in person. This is a meaningful organization that is very close to my heart, for all the same reasons it would have been very close to Mike’s heart.
War Paws
An animal welfare organization dedicated to alleviating the pain and suffering of animals in hostile environments and areas of civil conflict. Mike was a patriot through and through, and he also loved animals. It seems fitting to include an organization dedicated to helping victims of war, reuniting soldiers with their beloved service dogs or war companions, and rescuing the most vulnerable animals from terrible suffering, who are the often forgotten victims of a humans’ war.