Our Mission
Benjamin Franklin House Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to educate the public, particularly students, about the life and works of Benjamin Franklin, including by supporting the improvement, preservation and maintenance of his only remaining residence, Benjamin Franklin House, in London, England.
About the Foundation
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a great American patriot and Founding Father of the United States. He also made contributions ranging from science and letters to invention and diplomacy. His energy, resolve, wit and ingenuity continue to inspire today.
Established as a U.S. tax-exempt organization under an IRS 501(c)(3) ruling in 2002, Benjamin Franklin House Foundation (BFHF) receives charitable donations from American supporters of its mission to further Franklin’s legacy by educating the public about the life and works of Franklin, including particularly American supporters of Benjamin Franklin House (BFH). At BFH, Franklin worked to advance Anglo-American relations while carrying forward investigations in science, philosophy, civic improvement, and even music. BFHF has supported the creation of BFH as a living museum. As the only remaining Franklin residence, BFH has a uniquely American appeal and strives to build awareness with the American public.
BFHF operates as an active and independent organization with a committed board and American support structure. In furtherance of its mission, the board of BFHF has determined that the principal focus of BFHF’s activities will be supporting the activities of BFH in the United Kingdom and the United States, including through grants, sponsorships, educational events, historical and architectural conservation, acquisitions, scholarly exchanges, exhibitions, and other means. The board of BFHF will periodically review this determination and the focus of its activities. BFHF reviews formal grant proposals, distributes funds and monitors the use of those funds pursuant to procedures established by the board of directors from time to time.
_____________________________________________________________
BFHF relies solely on gifts, donations and grants from individuals, families, foundations, trusts and corporations to continue Franklin’s legacy. In strict conformance with IRS guidelines, BFHF may not accept contributions that are earmarked or required to be distributed to BFH or any other organization. While donors may suggest that their gifts be used for a specific purpose, the Directors of BFHF have complete discretion and control over the ultimate disposition of all contributions it receives. This is to help ensure that gifts made to BFHF are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law and that BFHF fulfills its duties and obligations as a US 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.