Thistles & Thorns Foundation Black and White Logo

Thistles & Thorns Foundation

Scenic Scottish Highlands Landscape with green rolling hills, distant mountains, a lake, and a cloudy sky.

Thistles & Thorns Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the IRS and exempt from Texas franchise and sales taxes.

Rooted in faith, our mission is to support Christian missions, retreats, outreach, and ministries — locally and around the world. We believe in planting seeds of hope, healing, and eternal purpose.

Stay Connected to the Journey

We’d love for you to walk this journey with us. By signing up for our monthly updates, you’ll receive personal stories from the field as we settle into life and ministry in Scotland with glimpses of the people we meet, the prayers being answered, and the everyday moments that remind us why we said yes to this calling.

Each update includes behind-the-scenes looks at our mission and ministry opportunities, local outreach projects, and new ways you can partner or pray. We’ll also share bits of Scottish history, photos from around Dumbarton, and updates from our church family at His Family Church, where we’ll be serving and growing alongside a vibrant community of believers.

This isn’t just a newsletter, really. It’s an open door to be part of what God is doing through Thistles & Thorns. Subscribe below and journey with us as faith takes root across the hills of Scotland.

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Make an impact today

Contribute to Thistles & Thorns Foundation Non-Profit above.
A new window will open the Foundation Donation Page: https://www.thistlesandthornsfoundation.org/donate

OR

Contribute Directly to the Bullard’s Mission Below

Support the Bullard’s Mission to Scotland through Givesendgo.com above.

Our mission is to fund global Christian missions, retreats, outreach, and ministries — helping people experience the love of Christ around the world.

Our Mission

Thistles & Thorns Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit established in Texas as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

We exist to:

  • Fund global and local Christian missions

  • Support Christ-centered retreats and outreach

  • Equip ministries that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Every dollar given helps us advance the Kingdom by resourcing those called to serve, teach, and restore.

FAQs

  • Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC is our faith-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand. We create high-quality designs rooted in Scripture to encourage believers and spark conversations about faith. The LLC operates as a for-profit business and handles all product sales, marketing, and customer service.

  • The LLC and Foundation share a common vision: to spread the Gospel.

    A portion of proceeds from the LLC’s apparel sales will be donated directly to the Foundation.

    However, the two are legally and financially independent:

    • LLC = for-profit business

    • Foundation = nonprofit charity

    • Ownership: The LLC is privately owned, while the Foundation has no owners. Instead, it is governed by a board of directors.

    • Finances: The LLC may donate to the Foundation, but the Foundation cannot send money back to the LLC. Each has separate bank accounts, EINs, and bookkeeping.

    • Purpose: The LLC exists to sell products that promote the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Foundation exists to support and fund charitable and religious work.

  • The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that operates independently from the LLC. This ensures accountability and compliance with nonprofit law.

    • Candice Bullard serves as President, providing leadership and oversight for the Foundation.

    • Calen Bullard, while the sole owner of Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC, serves as Secretary on the Foundation Board. To ensure independence, the Board has a standing clause that omits Calen from voting on any matters that involve transactions or decisions between the Foundation and the LLC.

    • Joanne Perez serves as the third board member, bringing outside perspective and helping ensure that the Foundation always stays true to its charitable purpose and mission. (Joanne’s credentials will be shared soon.)

    This board structure was intentionally chosen to provide balance: family leadership, accountability, and independent guidance; protecting the integrity of the Foundation and the trust of its supporters.

    Also, the Foundation maintains to addendums to their Bylaws: Conflict of Interest Policy and Missionary Support Policy. These addendums ensure legal compliance with federal law and regulations that govern non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.

  • No. Donations to the Foundation are used solely for ministry and mission-related expenses.

    While the Foundation may provide support for missionaries (including us), all use of funds must be board-approved (with us abstaining of course), properly documented, and aligned with the Foundation’s charitable purpose.

    • Shop: Every purchase from Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC helps spread the message and supports the brand.

    • Donate: Gifts made to Thistles & Thorns Foundation go directly toward missions and ministry. (approved tax exempted by the IRS, currently waiting for the State of Texas Comptroller for approval)

  • The Thistles & Thorns Foundation was established by three Founding Directors: Candice Bullard, who also serves as President and Treasurer; Joanne Perez, who also serves as Vice President; and Calen Bullard, who also serves as Secretary. The Foundation is in the process of appointing two additional Directors to constitute a five-member Board. This information will be updated when new Directors are formally seated.

Tax Deductibility & Status

The Thistles & Thorns Foundation is a non-profit public benefit 501(c)3 corporation and is operated exclusively for education and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Thistles & Thorns Foundation is not organized and shall not be operated for the private gain of any person.  The property of the corporation is irrevocably dedicated to its educational and charitable purposes, and no part of the receipts or net earnings of the corporation shall be used for any activities other than its mission.