Founders Circle

 $3 million fund

Sustaining core operating costs to preserve long-term institutional stability

We invite you to consider becoming a part of our Founders Circle of the Hazel Henderson Center.  Our primary goal is to establish a $3 million fund generating approximately $150,000 annually (assuming a 5% return). This fund is designed to sustain core operating costs and preserve long-term institutional stability. The major gifts campaign will recognize key donors and legacy gifts from Hazel’s global network aligned with Hazel’s lifelong mission and her dedication to creating the Center.  We would be deeply grateful if you would consider a pledge. 

Our Vision

The Hazel Henderson Center is establishing a $3,000,000 Socially Responsible Investment Fund (the “Fund”) to honor Hazel Henderson’s legacy and advance a just and sustainable future. The Fund will support the Center’s mission through prudent, values‑aligned investing.

The Fund will be owned entirely by the Hazel Henderson Center. All investment income and gains from the Fund will be used solely to support the Hazel Henderson Center and its mission. Donors to the Fund are making charitable contributions and will not receive dividends, interest payments, profit distributions, or any share of the Fund’s investment returns.

The Hazel Henderson Center is located at 10 Carrera Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

The Center’s IRS 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt status is pending.

Who Owns and Oversees the Fund?

The Fund will be owned by the Hazel Henderson Center and overseen by its nonprofit Board of Directors.

The Board will engage three investment advisors to manage the Fund in accordance with a written Investment Policy Statement. These advisors will be required to act in a fiduciary capacity and follow socially responsible, ESG‑aligned guidelines.

Socially Responsible Investment Approach

The Fund will:

Seek positive impact by prioritizing investments in:

• Clean and renewable energy

• Environmental protection and climate solutions

• Inclusive and equitable economic development

• Human rights, fair labor, diversity, and community wellbeing

Avoid or minimize investments in:

• Fossil fuel extraction and production

• Tobacco

• Controversial weapons and arms manufacturing

• Predatory lending and exploitative financial practices

• Companies with serious, persistent environmental, human rights, or corruption controversies

The goal is moderate, sustainable long‑term growth of capital in line with the Center’s mission and prudent risk management.

Pledge Phase and Property Transfer

At this time, we are seeking nonbinding pledges toward our $3,000,000 Fund goal. No money is being collected into the Fund yet.

The property at 10 Carrera Street is currently owned by Ethical Markets Media, which is also based at that address.

Once we reach 75% of our $3,000,000 target in pledges, and assuming the Hazel Henderson Center receives 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS:

• Ethical Markets Media intends to transfer ownership of the property at 10 Carrera Street to the Hazel Henderson Center.

• At that time, we will invite pledgors to convert their pledges into actual charitable contributions to capitalize the Fund.

Important Disclosures

• The Hazel Henderson Center’s 501(c)(3) status is pending with the IRS. Until the Center receives a formal IRS determination letter, contributions made directly to the Center may not be tax‑deductible for federal income tax purposes.

• Pledges made now are expressions of intent only and are nonbinding.

• Contributions to the Fund are charitable donations to the Hazel Henderson Center, not investments by donors. Donors will not receive dividends, interest, profit distributions, or any return of capital from the Fund. All investment earnings will be retained by the Hazel Henderson Center to further its charitable purposes.

• There is no guarantee that the 75% pledge target or the 501(c)(3) designation will be achieved, or that the property transfer will occur on a specific timetable.

• All investments made by the Hazel Henderson Center through the Fund involve risk, including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee of investment performance.

• We encourage you to consult your own legal, tax, and financial advisors regarding any pledge or future contribution.