Our Impact

What can you expect if you donate to the Baker Family Foundation?

100% of the money donated to Baker Family Foundation (excluding card processing fees) is returned to our communities in Kentucky, Florida, and the Bahamas in the form of assistive grants.

All administrative costs are covered out of pocket by an endowment established by the Baker family in 2022, managed by Edward Charles Foundation and Fidelity Management to ensure our charity has sustainable funds year over year into perpetuity. Therefore, the Baker Family Foundation has a set budget each year for annual giving grants and any costs required from the foundation.  

For an explanation on specific grants we are targeting, please refer to our Grant Criteria page.

Any funds received by donation to Baker Family Foundation or raised will go 100% to the cause they are intended for as we seek to expand the impact on everything we do.

2024 Giving

2024 Giving Goal: $750,000

Recipient Location Grant Amount Giving Category Cause
BAARK Bahamas $50,000 Animal Organization TNR
DBCHS Kentucky, USA $50,000 Animal Organization TNR
BAARK Bahamas $20,000 Animal Organization Rescue flight
Danville Kiwanis Kentucky, USA $50,000 Community Organization Kids and Senior Programs
Garrard County Homeless Coalition Kentucky, USA $250,000 Community Organization Homelessness
Mission Fishin Florida, USA $275,000 Community Organization Special Needs
Scars Foundation USA $25,000 Community Organization Mental Health and Recovery
Danville Kiwanis Kentucky, USA $15,000 Community Organization Community Event: Chili Cookoff
Individuals/Families USA/Bahamas $176,000 Individuals/Families Hardship/Difficult Circumstances
Actual Giving Total: $911,000

See Our Impact

Four people standing outdoors holding small puppies, with trees and a body of water in the background.
Group photo of holiday celebration with 17 people, including Santa Claus, in a room decorated with a Christmas tree and holiday accessories.

BAARK!

A group of six people, including two children, posing inside a fishing tackle shop. One man is squatting in front, holding a plastic bag with fishing gear, while others stand behind him, surrounded by fishing rods, reels, and fishing-related displays.

Kiwanis

Mission Fishin

Testimonials From Past Recipients

  • "Because of the extraordinary generosity and dedication of the Baker Foundation, we've been able to expand our reach and deepen our impact in ways we never imagined. Their support has not only allowed us to create lasting change in the lives of children with special needs but also empowered us to extend our programs to other vulnerable populations such as veterans, individuals facing terminal illness, and others navigating overwhelming challenges. With their help, we are not just expanding services, we are expanding hope, compassion, and community for those who need it most."

  • “Melissa and Shane Baker – Baark! Superheroes!

    We are incredibly grateful to Melissa and Shane Baker and the Baker Family Foundation, true champions of animal welfare and passionate supporters of Baark! They not only understand the vital importance of spay and neuter initiatives but have also generously volunteered their time and energy to support our January 2024 Operation Potcake Spay/Neuter Campaign—literally rolling up their sleeves to make a difference.


    Their commitment to animal advocacy is both financial and hands-on. We were honored to first meet the Bakers when they reached out to have several cats spayed and neutered—cats they lovingly care for on their property on Paradise Island. Since then, their contributions have only grown.

    The Bakers also played a key role in resolving an illegal livestock situation on Paradise Island, dedicating their time and effort to help remove poorly treated pigs from an unsuitable environment, an effort that led to a successful and humane outcome.

    In addition, Baark! is deeply thankful for their financial support. Their donations have helped with the general operating costs of our mobile spay/neuter clinic, allowing us to reach much needed communities and improve the lives of thousands of animals. They also donated specifically towards the cost of an airlift in 2024, which made it possible for us to send 51 animals to safe and loving homes in the United States and Canada.


    It is a true pleasure to work alongside Melissa and Shane to transform the lives of so many. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Baker Family Foundation for their unwavering support and compassion to animals in need.”

  • “The Baker Family Foundation believed in our mission when few people did. That was over two years ago. Since then we have built a 4,000 square foot facility and have been providing service for six months now.

    This work was made possible due to the Baker Family Foundation. I believe that God has blessed and guided our mission all along the way. I am eternally grateful for all they have done to make our mission a success.

    We plan to serve this community for years to come.”

  • “The Garrard County Homeless Coalition was going to succeeded due to the founders tenacity and God's goodness, but I don't think anyone would have imagined that we'd be this far along in such little time. The progress that has been made was possible due to the generosity of the Baker Foundation. Good people partnering on good works. To honor someones legacy through serving the Kingdom of God has been inspirational to watch. We are so thankful for the Baker family and Foundation- their kindness and generosity has contagiously spread throughout the shelter and the work being done. This shelter in Garrard County is making a difference in people's lives. The mission is to provide temporary housing for those in need, but it's providing more than that...It's providing hope and a brighter future from the moment guests walk through the doors.”