Ianthom Foundation

Mission

The IanThom Foundation is committed to the support and enhancement of GLBT life and rights, the arts and progressive causes through strategic donations to select national organizations and smaller, community organizations where small grants can make a big difference. The Foundation is especially committed to seeking out and funding eligible organizations that work for the good of under-represented members of our community.

History

The IanThom Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity formed by Ian C. Gibson-Smith and Thomas G. (Major) Martin as part of their estate planning to ensure that their tradition of charitable giving to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), arts, and other progressive related charities could continue in the event of their deaths. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and the foundation incurs no expenses and pays no fees to ensure that all donations can be pooled, invested and given to worthy, qualified 501(c)3 charities. Since Thom's death on November 13, 2000, the IanThom Foundation has raised over $750,000 and given away over $650,000 to various charities.

Philosophy We firmly believe that all of us, no matter how rich or poor and no matter our political or social ideology, have a responsibility to give back to our communities and and an obligation to try to leave the world a better place than the way we were given it. To that end and by the generosity of our friends, the IanThom Foundation locates, researches and, to the best of our abilities, tries to support worthy causes that move towards the fulfillments of our goals.	GIVE - Goals Issues Values Expectations Our Goals are simple - to encourage the spirit of philanthropy in our friends and to locate, research and support worthy causes, particularly smaller organizations where donations of $500 to $2500 can be used effectively. As the Foundation has grown, we are comitted to finding smaller community based organizations where our support and advice can make a critical difference.
Issues The structure of the IanThom Foundation is broad enough that we can address a number of issues that are important to us. These include LGBT rights, womens health and reproductive freedom, education, youth related issues, environmental awareness and various arts organizations.	ValuesWe believe in an environmentally sane world free of prejudice and intolerance, with effective education and healthcare for all and a culture that values the growth of the human spirit through artistic expression.
ExpectationsWe expect grantees to provide us with feedback to let us know if and how our donations have helped and what they accomplished with our grant.	ContactPlease feel free to contact us if you have any questions: Ian C. Gibson-Smith The IanThom Foundation 44 Blossom View Court Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Iangibsonsmith@ianthom.org