Our Mission.
Our Heart.
Our Work.
Rugged Elegance Foundation was created with the knowledge that healthy, adventuresome, soulful living is the bedrock on which individuals and society will be able to intelligently and soulfully navigate the turning point of history in which we are living.
We believe that rising to meet the climate challenge, promoting racial and gender equality, facing aging and death as integrated parts of life, and promoting physical and mental health will reduce suffering, increase joy, and create greater harmony in the world.
We believe this integrated life and the joy and harmony it spreads H.A.S. Magic and promotes peace at every level.
Focused & Integrated Approach
We believe that by taking a focused approach to achieving these integrated goals our philanthropic work will contribute exponential power to impact the future. Our work is guided by The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to equity, climate, well-being, and peace. Learn more about the SDGs guiding our work and see the organizations we support.
Supporting P.E.A.C.E. Creators
We endeavour to support the powerful work of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women leaders who are climate champions, health pioneers, paradigm-shifters, and P.E.A.C.E. creators as they change hearts, minds and spirits.
Are you a P.E.A.C.E. creator?
P = pioneers, (aspiring and current) parents, philanthropists
E = entrepreneurs, environmentalists
A = artists, authors, activists, athletes, astronauts
C = creatives, c suite officers, comedians
E = (social) entrepreneurs, elders, entertainers
Our Story.
Our Leadership.
Our Dreams.
Rugged Elegance Foundation founders Timothy Charles Fredel and Jennifer Carolyn King are long-time entrepreneurs (BioSpace, Kudos Trading Co., Rugged Elegance Retreats), and philanthropists (Thrive Foundation for Youth, the Rugged Elegance Foundation) with a passion for reducing suffering, spreading joy, and promoting harmony in the world.
The Thrive House for Youth
In 2006, the King Fredels, founding trustees of Thrive Foundation for Youth, converted their previous home in the Western Addition of San Francisco into The Thrive House for Youth. For eight years, they served primarily at-risk youth and their mentors.
In 2013, after attending a philanthropic systems thinking summit Jennifer had an epiphany. From that day on, they pivoted their philanthropic giving from a focus on positive youth development to the clarity of purpose and amplification of leaders. Since then, Jennifer has been the President of the Rugged Elegance Foundation.
Place to Purpose
In 2018, after renovating their one-of-a-kind home in Sea Cliff, San Francisco, Casa al Mare became their “The Thrive House 2.0” where they are dedicated to serving the P.E.A.C.E creators of the world including Pioneers, Environmentalists, Activists, Climate champions, and social Entrepreneurs.
In 2021, they opened both their San Francisco and Maine homes to leaders offering experiences that facilitated a deep connection with purpose and alignment of stake holders. Learn more.
“All life is interrelated. And we are caught in an inescapable web of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects us all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
at the consecration of Grace Cathedral
San Francisco, 1965
Contact
We are always excited to hear from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veteran, formerly incarcerated, and women leaders who are climate champions, health pioneers, paradigm-shifters, and P.E.A.C.E. creators.