About Us
Founded on Earth Day 2024, the April Pulley Sayre Legacy Foundation is structured to operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable private non-operating foundation. But we are not yet recognized as a 501(c)(3). We are in the process of filing the appropriate paperwork (Form 1023) for IRS review and determination — a process that can take up to 6 months. Once we have received our determination letter from the IRS, we will inform all supporters of the decision.
Mission & Vision
The April Pulley Sayre Legacy Foundation was established with the specific purpose of supporting and encouraging both charitable organizations and exceptionally creative individuals who leverage STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) concepts to inspire, motivate, and educate children about nature and the importance of conserving Earth’s ecosystems.
A special focus of the foundation is celebrating the creativity of individuals through the April’s Earth Day Fellows program.
About April
April Pulley Sayre was an esteemed writer and photo-illustrator of non-fiction children’s books. She published 85 books during her prolific career, many with a strong natural history and conservation theme. When she passed in November of 2021, 81 books had already been in print with additional titles still in the works.
April was an admirer of, supporter of, and mentor to many in the children’s literature community — writers, illustrators, teachers, librarians, editors, art directors, and more. She celebrated the creativity of others. She especially loved to shine the light on those in any field who had a passion for educating children about nature and the importance of conservation.
The foundation is established to continue shinning April’s bright light on others.
Learn More about April in her Publisher’s Weekly obituary.
Required Annual Disbursements
As a 501(c)(3) charitable private foundation, we are required by law to disburse a minimum of five percent (5%) of our assets each year. The majority of annual fund disbursements will be to April’s Earth Day Fellows. A small amount of each year’s disbursements will be used to support internal operations (legal and accounting fees, web hosting, etcetera). At this time, we do not envision having paid staff, although that may change in the future. Currently, everyone involved in the foundation’s operations and activities volunteer their time.
Board of Directors
To ensure that the foundation stays true to its mission and preserves and honors April’s legacy as best it can, the foundation believes that it is important to have at least one representative of April’s family on the Board at all times, whether from her nuclear family or her in-law’s family. Currently, along with Jeff, two additional family members of April serve on the Board.