In the wake of the tumultuous year that was 2023, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey our foundation has undertaken. As we near the completion of our Form 990 EZ, a vital tool that allows us to showcase our commitment to transparency as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come.
Our foundation was born out of a deeply personal experience. In 2022, I encountered a significant hurdle every time I sought to make charitable contributions through my business. The burden of additional taxes dampened my philanthropic spirit, and I yearned for a more direct and transparent way to make a difference. I desired a platform that would align seamlessly with my values, one that would empower us to give back to causes close to our hearts, like education and essential services for children.
The journey to create this platform, however, has not been without its challenges. The concept of genuine altruism often eludes many, leading to misconceptions and unwarranted criticisms. It's disheartening to think that individuals may misinterpret our intentions, assuming ulterior motives behind our efforts. In a recent visit to one of the communities we support, we encountered opposition from a local leader in different mountain who questioned our choices in directing aid to his friends rather than his own programs. Let's address the cosmic irony here: our tiny Non-Profit is so far from being sustainable that even a telescope can't spot it in the black hole of the financial universe. I mean, just check our public 990 forms, and you'll see that we've donated close to $100,000 in 2023 alone. But, lo and behold, rumors started floating around, accusing us of trying to make money sharing our foundation's do-gooder deeds on Facebook. Who would've thought that our for-profit company, which generously bankrolls 90% of the foundation's expenses and all donations, was merely a front for our undercover "scheme to make money by posting our progress and selfies with the kids in the Land of Smiles" operation? It's almost as absurd as thinking a flashlight can light up the night sky!
This incident was not isolated; in fact, we had previously encountered baseless criticisms in 2022 when we began to delve deeper into the operations of a children's home we supported. It was during this time that we extended an offer to provide them with a meticulously constructed two-story building boasting eight rooms and eight bathrooms. What transpired next left us both stunned and concerned. The reasons and excuses they put forth to keep the children in their dire living conditions were eye-opening. Furthermore, they insisted on receiving funds directly and retaining full discretion over allocation, despite the availability of renowned experts eager to contribute their time and expertise.
However, in the face of adversity, we chose not to be discouraged. Instead, we sought to understand their perspectives and empathize with the challenges they face daily.
In the midst of skepticism and adversity, our foundation stands tall. Our purpose is unshaken, driven by an unwavering desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. The hurdles we've overcome have only fortified our determination. We firmly believe that, with the support of compassionate individuals and partners, we can continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter future for these disadvantaged communities.
Thank you for being part of our remarkable journey. Together, we look forward to creating a legacy of compassion, resilience, and positive change in the lives of those who need it most.
The Kostro Foundation
