Message from Co-Founder Eaden Shantay

Dear True Nature Community,
The other day while waiting in line at the bank, a community member approached and asked, “why did True Nature become a foundation?” If one person has this question, I suppose others might as well, so below I offer my response. 

From day one, we knew we were building a place of community, healing, education and service. A place that would outlast us for generations to come, a center that would enhance the lives of all who visited. The intention for True Nature as a gift to our community and humanity was the top priority from day one. 

Most people do not know that we began True Nature as a non-profit 501c3 in 2007 and stayed that way until 2011 when we bought the present site in Carbondale. At that time, our advisory team recommended we become a for-profit–during the construction phase, so that we could recoup a small portion of our investment in tax savings. We always meant to return True Nature back to its original non-profit status once development was completed. This transition from a for-profit to a private foundation began in earnest in 2020 and was completed in 2023.

True Nature is not like other non-profit organizations that start with a zero-based budget. We modeled the foundation after the Newman’s Own Foundation. When Paul Newman founded the food company Newman’s Own, Inc., he told his business partner Hotch, “Let’s give it all away!” They carry that legacy by giving away 100% of the profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own products, driving all resources towards fighting for kids who face adversity. Like Newman’s Own, True Nature has the same intention, to give back to community.  

It’s important to share that over the last 15 years Deva and I have never taken a paycheck from True Nature and have subsidized its operation each and every year. Deva and I no longer own the land, buildings and businesses, as we gifted all to the foundation over which we preside as co-presidents of the board of trustees. Our sole intention is to make sure that the growing foundation stays aligned with our intention, values and mission. 

We developed businesses including the spa, café, boutique, yoga, and events, all of which now fund the foundation dedicated to conscious living. Our aim is to further develop our for-profit entities, whereby 100% of the profits and royalties drive resources to innovative programming and education dedicated to conscious living. This will ensure that our foundation can serve generations for years to come.

We are presently in a transitional phase. Currently, the foundation subsidizes the businesses, but with the support of our remarkable team, we plan on turning that around so that the businesses subsidize the foundation. We are now developing exciting programming and initiatives to support the foundation, dedicated to conscious living. 

We look forward to partnering with passionate individuals to develop and scale our programs and education for global impact and are so grateful to have you walk alongside us. Every time you visit our café, take a yoga class, enjoy a nurturing spa treatment, or purchase a gift in the boutique, you are supporting the development of the foundation. We hope you are inspired by this heart-centered mission and will walk with us on this incredible journey to make the world a better place for all. 

Thank you from the depths of our hearts, we are truly grateful to our staff, the community that participates at True Nature and the spirits who watch over the land. We see this creation as a great opportunity to make a difference and serve others. 

EADEN SHANTAY
Co-Founder/Co-President 
TNHA Foundation