Mikeroweworks Foundation

“Mary sullivan is engaged by mr. Rowe's companies as his president and in house counsel and is paid a customary salary by mr. Rowe's companies for such services.”

“A copy of form 990 was distributed to the governing board for review prior to the filing of the return.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financials statements available to the public.”

“The mikeroweworks foundation, a california nonprofit public benefit corporation ("mrwf"), was founded by mike rowe to debunk myths about the skilled trades and work hard to help close the skills gap. The specific purpose of mrwf is to provide financial assistance, through a variety of scholarship programs, to individuals pursuing a career in the trades and trade-related organizations that support the trades. As ceo of mrwf, rowe speaks regularly about the country's dysfunctional relationship with work, the widening skills gap, and challenging the persistent belief that a four-year degree is automatically the best path for the most people. Through its scholarship programs, mrwf has helped grant millions in technical and/or vocational education for trade schools across the country. Mrwf runs the work ethic scholarship program which provides scholarships to people getting trained for skilled jobs that are in demand. The work ethic scholarship program rewards people who demonstrate an ability to work hard and smart and understand the importance of skilled labor. Mrwf also partners with like-minded organizations and/or technical schools (e.g., skillsusa, the aed foundation, and midwest technical institute) to offer other travel, tool, and/or educational scholarships. In addition to the financial support that mrwf provides, it serves as a pr vehicle to create dialogue about the issues that impact the skilled trades. On behalf of mrwf, rowe has spoken to senate and the house representatives about the aging workforce and the predicament of unemployment while a record number of available jobs remain unfilled due to the lack of skilled workers. The foundation has also developed educational materials, like the s.w.e.a.t. (skills and work ethic aren't taboo) pledge, that call attention to the work ethos that embody skilled labor and the increasingly high demand for skilled tradespeople in the workforce. In addition to public support raised through typical donation avenues, mrwf sells posters, books, and other items through its ebay store; holds c.r.a.p. (collectibles rare and precious) auctions in which the items bid are typically donated by individuals who support mrwf's mission; collaborates with represent holdings, llc to run short-term campaigns to sell branded t-shirts; and encourages employers to match funds donated by its employees. Mrwf has also joined charity support networks, like amazonsmile, ebay, and paypal giving fund in order to further raise capital.”