About Us

The Lacey Family Foundation

The Lacey Family Foundation was born from the idea that supporting nonprofit animal therapy organizations can advance many health benefits they provide to improve the everyday lives of those that need it most.

 

Fortunately, there are many people and organizations dedicated to making animal-assisted therapy a reality. These countless nonprofits and volunteers are key to the development and care-bringing that stem from animal therapy.

 

These well-documented practices involve work to address physical, mental, and emotional well-being to aid in the healing process that changes lives in immeasurable ways.

 

We are inspired by them and strive to aid them in their worthy endeavors.

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Our Mission

Dedicated to the Healing Power of Animals

Founded in 2014, The Lacey Family Foundation recognizes the progress and successes of charitable and educational organizations in capitalizing on the powerful bond of human to animal connection to heal the body and soul.
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The key to our mission is our principles …​

  • We give to established 501(C)(3) nonprofit organizations where we believe our donation will make a difference

  • We support the communities in which we live and work that have a presence in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states

  • Diversity in our giving is important to us - both in the organizations' causes and in the animals

  • We aim to make multiple-year grants to organizations who have achieved measurable and sustainable growth

  • We foster the education of animal therapy to improve understanding of health benefits

 
 

Meet Our People

 

Beth Lacey - Founder & President

Beth capitalizes on her experience as a financial services executive to actively engage with the community, giving both time and expertise. This has included: supporting emerging artists, helping entrepreneurs bring their visions to reality, serving on the boards of women and girl focused non-profits, and participating in community development projects. She created the Lacey Family Foundation in 2014 to champion the philanthropic spirits of her niece, Mae and nephews, Kevin and Colin, blending their love for animals with a passion for helping people in need. The combination of family members investing in proven animal therapy programs to help people thrive is very fulfilling and rewarding to her. Beth divides her time between New York City and Ocean City, New Jersey Contact Beth



Maureen Lacey - Advocate

Maureen resides in Chester County, PA with her husband, Kevin and sons, Kevin and Colin. Although she has over 30 years experience in the financial and legal sectors, Maureen is most proud of her volunteer efforts. Assisting as a track coach, organizing fundraising events, and fostering at-risk dogs are just some of the ways she enjoys giving back to her community. Recognizing the countless benefits of the human animal bond, Maureen is committed to the Lacey Family Foundation’s support of animal therapy organizations. Contact Maureen



Mae Lacey - Advisor

Mae lives in Washington, D.C. and works at Defenders of Wildlife, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife conservation. Mae earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behavior and a minor in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University. Mae now works as the GIS and Technical Computing Associate at Defenders where she provides mapping and geospatial analysis support for the entire organization. Mae also ensures the maintenance of servers hosting web applications produced by her team and provides assistance in developing, updating, and maintaining new applications intended to protect imperiled wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. Before joining Defenders, Mae worked with a variety of wildlife and plants in Australia, Alaska, and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Connecticut monitoring endangered roseate tern populations. Growing up in the Pocono Mountains on a small farm with her parents Brian and Rita has always fostered her love of animals, and her experiences in nature have certainly proven the incredibly positive impacts animals and the environment can have on one’s well being. Contact Mae



Kevin C Lacey - Advisor

Kevin hails from Chester County Pennsylvania where he attends high school and enjoys Football, Basketball, Track, Snowboarding and working-out. Kevin spends his summers in Ocean City, NJ where he works part-time and goes surfing as often as possible. His interaction with mentors and coaches has made relevant the value of “giving back”. To that end, Kevin also enjoys assisting his grade school Football and Track coaches to develop young athletes. Participation in the foundation, and working with his aunt, Beth, has been an educational experience for Kevin. His interest in helping others continues to grow as he becomes more familiar with the healing benefits that animals can provide. Contact Kevin



Colin Lacey - Advisor

Colin lives in Chester County, PA with his parents and brother Kevin. He enjoys Football, Basketball, Track, Snowboarding and video games with friends. Summers are spent su rfing in Ocean City, NJ with family and friends. He has always enjoyed spending time with animals, often helping those in need. Colin has learned a great deal from his participation in the Lacey Family Foundation. He is an active participant in the process of selecting the charities the Foundation will support, and likes to visit these organizations in person to see the benefits that they deliver. As a young-adult, the Foundation is providing Colin with valuable exposure to the benefits of charitable giving. This has been an educational and satisfying experience for him. Contact Colin



Brian Lacey - Trustee

Brian lives with his wife, Rita and daughter, Mae on a gentleman's farm in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Brian has worked in the electronics industry for over 30 years and can attest to the positive impact animals can have on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Brian’s love of animals and nature in general is shared by Rita who runs a business devoted to environmental causes and Mae who is studying animal behavior. Contact Brian



Kevin V Lacey - Trustee

Kevin resides with his wife, Maureen, and their 2 (board member) sons, Kevin and Colin in Southeastern PA. He has spent 23 years in the equipment finance industry. Most recently, his work has focused on large ticket capital equipment acquisitions in the Healthcare space. Animals have been a part of his family's lives for many years, and Kevin recognizes how special the bonds they create can be. He is happy to help promote these bonds to improve the lives of many individuals through his work with the foundation. When not working, he can be found behind his drum kit enjoying time playing with the BLT Band. Contact Kevin



Our Story

Raising Awareness and United in Support of Animal Therapy NonProfits. 

Together We Can Make a Difference for Those in Need.

We seek out proven organizations, team up key constituents, and raise awareness on the positive impact of animal therapy.  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are financially independent and sponsor a variety of organizations and projects focused on these beneficial practices.

 

We wholeheartedly advocate the powerful bond between humans and animals.

 

Therapies available today allow a variety of programs to improve physical and mental health across many human conditions.  Our voice enhances the connection to build closer relations among animal therapy caregivers, supporting networks, and those that can benefit.


Learn more about what we believe makes an organization a worthy partner in our mission to help people through the healing nature of animal therapy.

How We Help
Grant Process
Guidelines
Application