Harvest of Hope Foundation

The Harvest of Hope Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation which is tax exempt as defined under the IRS guidelines.^[4] It is composed of a board of directors with over 100 combined years in migrant education and human services.^[2]

The Harvest of Hope Foundation provides humanitarian support and emergency financial assistance to migrant farmworkers and their families.^[5] Funds are provided for things such as automobile breakdowns, utility shutoffs, rent payments, medical situations and funeral expenses. The Harvest of Hope Foundation also issues grants to small businesses and organizations that provide social services and assistance to migrant farmworkers.^[3] The Harvest of Hope Foundation provides educational scholarships to children of migrant farmworkers to attend college or other post-secondary education. The Foundation also houses and manages 42 funds on behalf of migrant farmworkers and families.^[6] The Foundation President, Philip Kellerman, conducts regular meetings and workshops throughout the country with educators, migrant advocates and state officials who are involved with social services to migrants.^[7]

Since its establishment, The Harvest of Hope Foundation has distributed more than $812,000 in emergency and educational financial aid to migrant farmworkers. Eighty cents of every donated dollar goes to provide direct emergency and educational aid. Ten to twelve cents of every dollar is used for administrative expenses. Eight cents of every dollar goes to the foundation's president.^[8][9] Because the Harvest of Hope Foundation receives more requests for aid than funds allow, the foundation has strict procedures for the distribution of funds. Individuals who request aid must show that they are willing to help themselves.^[10] The foundation works closely with teachers, social workers and advocates of migrant workers to coordinate the services and the distribution of money. Payments are typically made to landlords, mechanics, funeral homes and other service providers, and usually not to the individuals in need.^[10]