# The Oliver Fund

> The Oliver Fund is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Utah, founded in 2013 by Jared Bauer and Sarah Bauer in memory of their son, Oliver Bauer. It brings durable soccer balls, toys, and learning resources to children in refugee camps and developing communities. Its approach is play first, then education.

## Key facts

- Name: The Oliver Fund
- Website: https://theoliverfund.org/
- Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer run, no paid staff
- EIN: 81-2559316
- Founded: 2013, in Utah, by Jared Bauer and Sarah Bauer
- Executive Director: Sarah Bauer
- Board of Trustees: Jared Bauer, MBA; Brad Bauer; Lorie Bauer
- Countries reached (13): Mexico, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Greece, Thailand, Chile, Brazil, Guatemala, Indonesia
- Partners: Lifting Hands, HHRD (Helping Hand for Relief and Development), Building Blocks in Africa, and others
- Goal: reach 10,000 children over five years
- The balls it sends are built for rough ground and can last up to 13 years, where a typical soccer ball can wear out in a few hours in a refugee camp

## Why it exists

Oliver Bauer was the second son of Jared and Sarah Bauer. A hole in his heart went undiagnosed for six months, and while he was preparing for surgery he caught the flu. He died at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City at eight months old. Jared and Sarah started The Oliver Fund in 2013 so his life could keep reaching children around the world.

## Programs

- Play: durable soccer balls and toys delivered through partner aid organizations already serving refugee and low-income families.
- Education: once children are playing, the fund works toward learning resources for the same children, especially in unincorporated camps.
- Ollie's Army: the fund's all-volunteer crew in Utah. Volunteers assemble learning and hygiene kits, gather school supplies, share books, serve meals, and help move warehouses, supporting neighbors near and far, including refugee families resettling in Utah.

## The Art of Play podcast

A 69-episode, research-based podcast hosted by Sarah Bauer about how play shapes relationships, work, marriage, family, and self care. The Oliver Fund brings play to children who have lost it; The Art of Play helps adults find it again.

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-play/id1498995609
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ONSFePme9JMppRsnqnLf0
- All episodes: https://art-of-play.simplecast.com

## About Sarah Bauer

Sarah Bauer has led The Oliver Fund as Executive Director since 2013. She is a doctoral candidate (ABD) in Human Development and Social Policy at the University of Utah, where she teaches Lifespan Human Development, and she holds an MBA. She serves on the board of Playworks Utah and on the Family Advisory Council at Primary Children's Hospital.

## How to help

- Donate: https://buy.stripe.com/14k02wb3Bgyubw4288 (tax deductible to the extent allowed by law)
- Volunteer, partner, or get in touch: use the contact form at https://theoliverfund.org/#contact
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoliverfund/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoliverfund/