our mission, our plans…

Mission: Empower people who turn adversity into possibility

The Open Hearts Foundation empowers emerging and growing nonprofit organizations whose origins and mission are consistent with the Open Hearts philosophy.

As a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit charity, the Foundation believes we can all do something to help others.

Purpose statement:

The Foundation accelerates purpose through its grant making and volunteerism programs curating incredible opportunities to engage hands on with philanthropic causes.

The Open Hearts Philosophy:

The Open Hearts philosophy is inspired by Jane Seymour’s mother, Mieke Frankenberg, who was a prisoner in a Japanese internment camp in Indonesia during World War II. Through her very challenging and dangerous situation, Mieke found that when she was able to help others, even while imprisoned, there was hope and there was purpose. We can all do something to help one another. It was turning this extreme adversity into a mindset, a practical way of approaching challenge that has become the inspiration behind our mission. Mieke passed down this philosophy to Jane and her sisters when they experienced great challenges in life and filled their home with others in need of help and care. When one looks to see what they uniquely can do to help others, their heart remains open, and they find purpose.

This Open Hearts Philosophy is what drives the Foundation’s mission forward and has become a movement through its work and legacy, curating a family of likeminded people and businesses working together for the greater good.

Plans for 2025:

Guiding the Foundation is a distinguished Board of Directors: Timothy Mallad, Julie Gallo Vander Wall, Jane Seymour, Richard Gold, Jane Inch, Mark Ebling, Julie Scanlon, and Christy Cashman. We are a creative and innovative non-profit organization that believes in the art of the possible, fiscal responsibility, and a Grounded passion to empower those who turn adversity into opportunity

The Foundation’s goals for 2025 include the following:

Grow the Movement of the Open Hearts Philosophy.

  • Grantmaking Program: The Foundation will continue to provide grants through our Grantmaking Program to empower emerging nonprofit organizations who align with the Open Hearts Philosophy across the United States. In 2025, we’re deepening our commitment to emerging nonprofits by fostering vibrant communities of collaboration and shared purpose. Not only will we be funding our partners, but we will also be investing in collective growth—bringing organizations together in cohorts to spark peer learning, amplify impact, and drive change in key issue areas.

    Our vision goes beyond writing checks. We aim to surround our nonprofit partners with the support they need to thrive.

    • The Foundation is now accepting grant applications for our first of two grant cycles for 2025.

      Click here to review our guidelines and details.

  • Volunteer Program: The Foundation will continue to expand the Volunteer program to empower the Foundation’s charity partners and inspire individuals to volunteer, find purpose, and do what they can to help others.

    • In 2025, we’re excited to launch a transformative skills-based advisory volunteer program, empowering our team to collaborate with emerging nonprofit partners and help amplify their impact in the communities they serve.

    • Building on the successful virtual (Make A Senior Smile and Cards for Kids) and in-person volunteer experiences, the Foundation will host in person or virtual volunteer experiences in partnership with thought leaders and charity partners.

    • We are reimagining the Foundation’s Volunteer blog, website, and outreach strategies to spark a movement of compassion and action. Our mission is to empower, uplift, and connect individuals and organizations, inspiring them to join hands in the Open Hearts Movement and make a meaningful difference through volunteerism.

  • The Foundation will strengthen the Open Hearts Movement through collaborative marketing initiatives.

    • In partnership with Jane Seymour, JS Designs, and Coral Canyon Publishing, the Foundation will collaborate and share examples of the Open Hearts Philosophy.

    • The Foundation will continue to collaborate with its Charity Partners to empower their work and impact.

Sustain the Legacy of the Open Hearts Foundation.

  • The Foundation will continue to diversify the Foundation’s annual fundraising plans to provide stability and growth.

    • We plan to build on the successful virtual Chit Chats, host a Celebratory Gala, seek social impact investments, further develop our Corporate Partners, grow our Giving for Good Monthly Donors, and host exclusive donor social experiences in support of our mission.

  • The Foundation will continue to build its governance practices to further ensure the long-term stability of the Foundation.

    • The Foundation will continue to adopt best practice governance policies to support the Foundation and update its bylaws.

    • Utilizing the goals of the strategic plan, our board competencies, and our board matrix, we will continue to steward potential new Board members to serve on the Board of Directors and support the onboarding of new members throughout the year.

    • Research sustainability models to support long-term responsible growth and strengthen the Foundation’s operations and success.