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Mini Friends Foundation INC
Mini Friends is dedicated to giving children, including those with special needs, the opportunity to experience the joy of caring for rescued mini animals. Through hands-on interactions, children develop social and emotional skills, build confidence, and learn responsibility in a safe and nurturing environment. We believe these experiences help children gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them while fostering a lifelong appreciation for animals and nature.
Founded by Tom and Melissa Karnowski, Mini Friends was inspired by their oldest son, Brandon, who was diagnosed with Autism. Showing pigs helped him step outside his comfort zone, and together with their two younger sons, Dylan and Jackson, the Karnowskis turned their dream into reality. Their farm is now home to a variety of rescued animals, each loved and cared for by the entire family. Tom and Jackson adore the alpacas, Brandon’s favorite is the pony, Dolly Parton, Dylan has a special bond with the barn cats, and Melissa has a deep love for her mini donkeys.
At Mini Friends, we know there’s nothing more rewarding than snuggling up to an alpaca, mini donkey, or pony. We welcome you to visit and experience the joy of these incredible animals firsthand!
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Organization Overview
Grants Received by Year
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IRS Classification Codes
Organizations that enable students who demonstrate financial need to obtain the financial assistance they require to meet their educational and living expenses while in school.
The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) code is a four digit code used to classify an exempt IRC 501(c)(3) organization.
Subsection Codes are the codes shown under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which define the category under which an organization may be exempt.
Asset Codes relate to the amount of assets shown on the most recent Form 990 series return filed by the organization.
Affiliation Code defines the organizational grouping.
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About the Organization
- Organization category
- Public Charity
- Mission
- Mini Friends is dedicated to giving children, including those with special needs, the opportunity to experience the joy of caring for rescued mini animals. Through hands-on interactions, children develop social and emotional skills, build confidence, and learn responsibility in a safe and nurturing environment. We believe these experiences help children gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them while fostering a lifelong appreciation for animals and nature.
Founded by Tom and Melissa Karnowski, Mini Friends was inspired by their oldest son, Brandon, who was diagnosed with Autism. Showing pigs helped him step outside his comfort zone, and together with their two younger sons, Dylan and Jackson, the Karnowskis turned their dream into reality. Their farm is now home to a variety of rescued animals, each loved and cared for by the entire family. Tom and Jackson adore the alpacas, Brandon’s favorite is the pony, Dolly Parton, Dylan has a special bond with the barn cats, and Melissa has a deep love for her mini donkeys.
At Mini Friends, we know there’s nothing more rewarding than snuggling up to an alpaca, mini donkey, or pony. We welcome you to visit and experience the joy of these incredible animals firsthand! - Programs or services
- We provide educational tours about our animals. It also provides one on one opportunities for mental health with a certain animal. We believe that animals can heal everyone so we are open to bringing healing from special needs friends or to those that just need some love from their favorite "dream" animal.
- Target Audience
- All ages and everyone, we are very inclusive!!!
- Geographic Focus
- Tampa, FL
Funding & Grant Guidelines
- Funding priorities
- Website development/Booking help, capital improvements: well drilled for water, fencing, financial help to cover costs on lower income groups that would like to visit.