Accountability & Openness
Harryson believed every person deserved honesty and respect. We carry that forward by being fully transparent about who we are, how we operate, and where every dollar goes.
Last Updated: June 20, 2026
At the H.L.A. Foundation, transparency is not a legal requirement we meet; it is a value we hold. Every supporter, donor, volunteer, and community member who stands with us deserves to know exactly who we are, how we operate, and where every contribution goes.
This Disclosure Policy is our promise that the trust placed in this foundation (in Harryson's name) will never be taken lightly. We are committed to ensuring that our supporters and the families we serve can always see the real-world impact of this mission.
This policy covers our nonprofit status, how donations create direct impact, our North Carolina charitable registration, financial transparency practices, scholarship administration, organizational governance, and our relationships with partners and service providers.
The H.L.A. Foundation is a registered non-profit organization incorporated in the State of North Carolina. Our legal name is the Harryson Lafayette Anderson Foundation, headquartered at 473 Falling Water Road, Spring Lake, NC 28390.
The foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or is in the process of obtaining such designation. No part of the foundation's net earnings inures to the benefit of any private individual.
Donations to the H.L.A. Foundation may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable law. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax professional or financial advisor regarding the deductibility of your specific contribution. Upon request, we will provide written acknowledgment of charitable gifts as required for donations of $250 or more.
Every dollar donated to the H.L.A. Foundation is directed toward advancing our mission of combating gun violence and uplifting underserved communities across North Carolina. We want every supporter to clearly understand how their gift creates real change.
Direct Impact Statement
Because foundation leadership and board members serve on a fully volunteer basis, the H.L.A. Foundation maintains minimal administrative overhead. Substantially all donated funds are directed toward direct mission activities: the scholarship, family support services, and community outreach.
Donors do not designate where their individual gift is applied. All contributions enter the foundation's general fund and are allocated across our three core pillars at the discretion of foundation leadership:
Funding the Harryson Lafayette Anderson Scholarship, a $2,500 annual award for qualifying students at Ascend Leadership Academy. This pillar honors average students who are often overlooked, because Harryson believed every human being had something to offer.
Providing emergency support and grief counseling resources for families affected by gun violence. When tragedy strikes, the foundation steps in to make sure those families know someone sees them, hears them, and wants to help.
Funding community outreach programs and anti-violence awareness campaigns across North Carolina. This pillar works to prevent the violence that took Harryson's life from taking another.
Donations are never used for political campaigns, lobbying activity unrelated to our charitable mission, or any purpose outside our stated mission.
The H.L.A. Foundation solicits charitable contributions from residents across the State of North Carolina. In compliance with North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 131F (the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Act), the foundation is registered with or in the process of registering with the North Carolina Secretary of State's Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division.
Registration with a state agency does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of the organization by the state. North Carolina registration information is available through the NC Secretary of State's office.
Individuals with questions or concerns about our charitable solicitation practices may contact us directly at [email protected] or reach the NC Secretary of State's office at (919) 814-5400.
The H.L.A. Foundation is committed to open and accountable stewardship of all charitable assets. As a nonprofit organization, we are subject to public disclosure requirements under federal law.
Upon becoming required to file, the foundation will submit an annual Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax) with the Internal Revenue Service. As required by law, copies of our most recent Form 990 filings are available for public inspection upon request.
To request a copy of the foundation's Form 990 or other financial documents, please contact us at:
We will respond to all document requests within a reasonable timeframe, as required by IRS regulations.
The foundation is committed to publishing regular updates on community impact, programs served, and scholarship awards as we grow. Our goal is for every donor and community member to see the real-world outcomes their support makes possible.
The Harryson Lafayette Anderson Scholarship is administered in partnership with Ascend Leadership Academy in North Carolina, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. The foundation discloses the following about the scholarship program:
Applications are reviewed by foundation leadership in coordination with Ascend Leadership Academy. Scholarship decisions are final. The foundation reserves the right to verify all eligibility information. Submission of false or misleading information will result in immediate disqualification.
This scholarship exists because Harryson saw value in people others overlooked. We will always honor that by making our selection process fair, transparent, and faithful to his spirit.
The H.L.A. Foundation is governed by its founding leadership and operates in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation and bylaws as filed with the State of North Carolina.
The foundation's leadership and board members serve on a volunteer basis. No individual in a leadership or governance role receives personal compensation from charitable donation funds. All resources are directed toward the foundation's mission and programs.
The foundation maintains a conflict of interest policy consistent with IRS best practices for nonprofit organizations. Any board member or officer with a financial or personal interest in a decision before the foundation is required to disclose that interest and abstain from the related vote or decision.
The H.L.A. Foundation was founded by Nina Anderson, Harryson's mother, in his memory. Primary contact for foundation matters is Desirrae Anderson-Harris.
The H.L.A. Foundation works with a small number of trusted partners in carrying out its mission. We disclose those relationships here so our community always knows who is involved and in what capacity.
TGS Marketing designed and manages this website. TGS Marketing provides web design and digital services to the foundation as a paid service provider. TGS Marketing does not receive any portion of charitable donations and has no governance role within the foundation.
Ascend Leadership Academy is an educational partner through which the Harryson Lafayette Anderson Scholarship is administered. The school does not receive scholarship funds directly. All scholarship awards are paid to eligible student recipients. Ascend Leadership Academy has no financial interest in foundation donations.
The presence of any organization's name or link on this website does not constitute an endorsement by the H.L.A. Foundation unless explicitly stated. The foundation does not endorse any political candidate, political party, or commercial product.
We welcome any questions about our financial practices, how donations are used, or how this foundation operates. Every message is received with care, and we will always respond with honesty.
Please note that nothing on this website constitutes legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Visitors seeking professional guidance on matters related to grief, trauma, gun violence prevention, or tax planning should consult a qualified professional.
Organization
H.L.A. Foundation
Harryson Lafayette Anderson Foundation
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This policy may be updated as the foundation grows. Material changes will be noted with a revised "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
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Every contribution directly funds the Harryson L. Anderson Scholarship and fuels our fight against gun violence. Stand with us to bring hope to the unseen.
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H.L.A. Foundation is a registered Non-Profit Organization