What is OTEF?  OTEF is the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation, a 501c3 public charity, OTEF’s mission is to educate and invest in people and organizations that create hope.

Who started it?  Francine Hardaway, a former foster parent, her business partner, Ed Nusbaum, and their friend and attorney, Rob Dunaway. They decided over lunch that it was time to do something for the people in their community who were stuck in dead end jobs.

When was it founded?  The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation (OTEF) launched in  November of 2005 and was granted 501c3 status by the Internal Revenue Service in 2006.  Following IRS approval, OTEF held the First Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference at the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix, Arizona with the support  of New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Gerber, executives from the Kauffman Foundation, and 50 CEOs from across Arizona who shared their experiences with attendees.  Proceeds from the conference were sufficient to fund our first program and OTEF was on its way.

How is it funded? Since its inception OTEF has been  completely funded through community support and the proceeds of the  Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, AZEC, which, over period of eight years, grew  into the  largest annual event of its kind in Arizona.

Each year speakers from across North America took the stage at AZEC to share their insights and experiences.  Proceeds from AZEC and other public support  to fund programs that benefit disadvantaged and at-risk populations that truly need a hand up. OTEF’s leadership is currently 100% volunteer with funds allocated to the direct expenses of projects and initiatives as approved by the Board of Directors.

What has OTEF accomplished? Visit our Impact page to learn more.

Are donations to OTEF tax deductible? OTEF was granted public charity status from the Internal Revenue Service in 2006.

Our EIN is 20-3779020.  Please consult your tax advisor to determine your personal tax situation. View our GuideStar Profile.