Ian Somerhalder Foundation was established in November 2010 as a California nonprofit corporation. The purpose of the Foundation is to advance science; promote the conservation of natural resources, such as forests, lands, and wildlife, for the benefit of the entire community; provide relief to the poor, distressed, and underprivileged; and support other organizations conducting activities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation aims to empower, educate, and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures by providing programs and services, conducting fundraising events and providing financial disbursements to other tax-exempt organizations whose ultimate purposes are to conserve the environment and protect animals.