Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a nonprofit public charity established in 1992 by Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s. The Foundation is dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to increase the number of adoptions for children waiting in foster care, ensuring that every child has a safe and loving family.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, the Foundation operates several national service programs, including its flagship initiative, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. This program funds adoption agencies to hire recruiters who use a child-focused recruitment model, effectively finding homes for children at risk of aging out of foster care. The Foundation also provides resources for adoption journeys, partners with child welfare advocates, and raises awareness through various campaigns and events. It collaborates with Wendy’s for fundraising efforts and has been involved in national initiatives to promote adoption. The Foundation has successfully placed over 15,000 children in permanent homes and is recognized for its governance and transparency.