Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Sequoia Financial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity.  Contributions are tax-deductible, within individual limits.

We accept many forms of negotiable assets, including cash-assets, Donor Advised Fund distribution, appreciated traded securities, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and certain non-liquid assets, subject to UBIT rules.  To  make a donation you can send cash or DAF donations the Sequoia Financial Foundation, 3500 Embassy Pkwy, Suite 100. Akron, OH 44333.  To make a donation of traded securities, contact Gennie Campbell at gcampbell@sequoia-financiall.com.

To make a donation of non-traded privately held securities, contact ayambor@sequoia-financial.com.  A UBIT calculation should be made on non-traded securities.

To make a recommendation for a project, complete our online nomination form found here.

Yes, as long as the project is submitted and approved by the Board.

The Foundation operates with virtually all donated administration expenses.  The Executive Director donates his time.  Sequoia Financial Group provides office space and administrative support.  The Foundation does pay for monthly website support and maintenance, and tax filings.  We expect administrative costs to total not more than 1% of Revenue for 2025 and 2026.

Thus far, all projects are intended to be donated and be made available to the general public or the intentionally served community.

Tom Haught, CEO of Sequoia Financial Group, had a dream to take the idea of improving wealth literacy to more people, particularly those in underserved communities. Tom saw that $436Billion is wasted on bad decisions caused by financial illiteracy.  His idea is to repurpose that waste into positive opportunities:  for individuals, their communities, and our nation.  Leon LaBrecque, a Sequoia partner and founder of a member firm, is passionate about literacy and education and has offered to serve as Executive Director at no charge.  Tom and Leon provided the original funding for the Foundation.