About Us
The Golden Retriever Foundation (GRF) was established in February 1997 by vote of the Board of Directors of the Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. (GRCA.) The GRF is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable IRS 501 (c) 3 organization established to fund projects that further the welfare of the breed. The Articles of Incorporation set forth the objectives of the GRF and its purpose.
The catalyst for the establishment of the Foundation was an approximately $100,000 bequest from Carol Buckman, who was not a member of the GRCA but who loved her two Goldens dearly. Half of the money was given to the then newly-established AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and tagged for studies that involved Goldens. The remaining $48,000, coupled with $72,000 from the GRCA's Committee to Assist Rescue, gave the Foundation a start-up total of $120,000. The original Buckman Fund is now under the direction of the GRF.
Additional funding has subsequently been obtained from five primary sources:
- Annual giving as an elected option through GRCA membership renewals.
- Proceeds from an Annual Art Auction at the GRCA National Specialty Show.
- Funding from generous donors who have offered tributes and memorials to favorite dogs, human friends, the celebration of new litters of puppies, etc.
- Individual Golden Retriever Clubs across the country providing financial support.
Board of Directors
President
Golden Retriever Club of America Lifetime Member. Former President and Eastern Vice President of GRCA. Member of the Hudson Valley Golden Retriever Club. AKC licensed judge for Golden Retrievers Conformation and All Breed Agility. Award winning author of "1001 Reasons To Love Dogs". I used to be retired.
Treasurer
Linda Johnson is a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America, Treasurer for the Northwest Retriever Trial Club, and Former Treasurer for Evergreen Golden Retriever Club, and the Golden Retriever Foundation. Linda judges field trials and hunt tests as well as judging the Master National in 2019 and 2022. She has been a prior Golden Retriever Foundation Treasurer and has recently rejoined our Board.
Director at Large
Life Member of the Golden Retreiver Club of America, Past President and Life Member of the Austin Golden Retriever Club. Former Board member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Roger has judged many of our Field Events including the Master National and has hosted several major field events at his Texas Ranch.
Currently serves on the GRF Finance Committee.
Vice President
Life Member Golden Retriever Club of America. Formerly President and Eastern Vice President of GRCA. Former Liaison to the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee. Member of Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club.
Secretary
Life Member Golden Retriever Club of America. Former Treasurer and Secretary of GRCA. Member of Mile-Hi Golden Retriever Club.
Published author "Baja California, a Field Lab Manual and Teacher Resource Book fo Dogs In Classrooms".
Breeder-Owner-Handler for multiple Conformation Champions
Worked as an immunochemist in the areas of cancer diagnosis research and endocrinology.
Administration
- Administration
- rfuller2316@gmail.com
- grfadmin@goldenretrieverfoundation.org
- Director of Planned Giving
- Richard Hardy
- giving@goldenretrieverfoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can the Golden Retriever Foundation® help me with my dog’s vet bills?
Although the GRF has tremendous sympathy for all Golden owners whose dogs are stricken with serious illness, the Bylaws and purpose of the GRF do not allow individual assistance. The GRF supports research that we hope will ultimately end the suffering of our breed from diseases such as cancer and heart disease, joint disorders and eye disease. -
I can no longer keep my Golden Retriever. Can the GRF help me find a home for him?
The GRF has no provisions or facilities to foster or place individual Goldens. Rather, it supports many rescue organizations across the country in their work. You are urged to contact the GRCA CARE Committee at GRCA.ORG for information on how to find a rescue in your area.
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If I send a donation in memory of a friend or a friend's Golden, will they know?
Yes, your friend will receive a card noting that a donation has been made in their name or the name of their dog. Be sure to include the name and address of your friend, or their email address for an email tribute.
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Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible for any amount over item value purchased. The GRF is a 501(c)3 IRS corporation. For instance, if you purchase an ornament and add an additional amount to that purchase, the additional amount is tax deductible. Simple monetary donations are deductible per IRS rules.
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Where does my money go when I donate to the GRF?
How has money been spent:
- $3.3 million spent in canine health
- $2.2 million in rescue and April fund grants
- $160 thousands in education
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I have donated to several different funds for many years. How has that money been spent?
We are very proud to state that over 2.6 million dollars has been given to researchers in canine health since the inception of the GRF. A full list of grants is available here. In addition, the total of rescue grants now approaches 2 million dollars ; and education grants of more than $150,000 have been committed. We will do our best to continue updating all donors about progress and results of grants. Please consider joining the GRF Updates email list so that you can find out regularly what is happening in the world of Golden support.
Send a blank email to: GRFUpdates+subscribe@groups.io
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Who oversees the GRF Board of Directors?
The Bylaws of the Golden Retriever Foundation® state that there is one member of the corporation: the GRCA. The GRCA Board appoints the GRF directors in staggered terms, and the GRF Board of Directors then conducts the business of the GRF. The GRF apprises the GRCA Board of Directors of its activities via monthly and annual reports.
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