Sugar Plum Farm Foundation
The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is a New York not-for-profit corporation organized to operate as a private operating foundation that provides educational farm experiences designed to promote confidence, compassion, and learning for economically disadvantaged elementary school children.
Mission
The mission of the Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is to inspire economically disadvantaged elementary school children to think big, believe in their potential, and imagine futures beyond their circumstances.
Through hands-on, guided educational farm visits, children have experiences that teach responsibility, empathy, and confidence—showing them that with kindness, effort, and belief, extraordinary paths are possible.
Program Overview
Children participate in a supervised, structured educational farm visit that may include:
Supervised interaction with small animals for learning
Age-appropriate lessons on kindness, responsibility, and animal care
Structured, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with school and state learning standards, reinforcing social skills and personal development
Vision
Sugar Plum Farm Foundation envisions a world in which every child, regardless of circumstance, is empowered to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and build a purposeful life.
Inspiration
The foundation was inspired by Tony Malatino’s life journey and belief in opportunities for all children.
IRS Compliance Statements
Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Sugar Plum Farm Foundation provides its programs without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for oversight, policy, and ensuring fulfillment of its charitable mission
No part of the net earnings of the Foundation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Foundation is authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purposes.
The Foundation does not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The Foundation may engage in lobbying activities only to the extent permitted by Section 501(c)(3) and applicable regulations.
Donations and Tax Deductibility
Sugar Plum Farm Foundation has received recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and intends to operate as a private operating foundation.
Contributions are intended to be deductible to the extent permitted by law. Because IRS recognition is currently pending, donors are encouraged to retain receipts and consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of any contribution.
Contact
For program inquiries, partnerships, or donation information:
belinda.b.thomas@gmail.com• 518.444.4015 • 96 Gilbert Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
SPF FOUNDATION NEWS
In October 2025, the Sugar Plum Farm Foundation launched its Learning Program with student leaders from Albany’s ROOTS Academy at West Hill, who visited the farm for a day of interactive learning.
During their visit, the students spent time in the barns and paddocks, enjoying hands-on interaction with our donkeys, mini goats, and mini horses. For many of them, it was a first opportunity to be up close with farm animals and experience the rhythm of life on a working farm.
After barn time, we gathered for pizza and a conversation about what they had seen and done throughout the day. The students shared thoughtful observations and offered ideas on how the program could be improved and expanded for future visits.
With their suggestions in mind, we are excited to continue refining the program and look forward to creating a robust learning experience for the students of ROOTS Academy in the months ahead.
December 2025
Just before the Christmas holiday, Crystal and Belinda visited ROOTS Academy in Albany to serve cider and cookies to the students. They were delighted to have us there, and many of them told us they had never tasted fresh cider before.
It was a great afternoon and gave us a chance to spend time with the students in their own environment. The visit also reminded us how meaningful it will be for them to come to the farm, where they can meet the animals, learn about their care, and experience the simple joy of being out in the country.
January 2026
S.E.E.D DAY AT ROOTS ACADEMY
The Student Education Enrichment and Development Series (S.E.E.D.S.) encourages leadership and provides students with real-world applications of classroom learning through innovative, hands-on lessons designed to prepare them for future success.
We were delighted to bring a bit of Sugar Plum Farm to ROOTS Academy through a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos of the animals on the farm. Together with the students, we talked about the daily needs and care of animals and how kindness, patience, and empathy are essential parts of responsible animal care.
Spending time with the younger students was truly the highlight of the day. Sitting on the floor together, looking at photos of the animals, listening to their ideas, and hearing their stories about their own pets made the experience especially meaningful. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded us just how powerful these connections with animals can be.
March 2026
After a few days of warm weather, the snow is melting and even though it’s gotten chilly again, it’s beginning to feel like Spring….FINALLY ! Here at the Sugar Plum Farm Foundation, we are in the midst of finalizing our Summer plans, when we expect to hold 3 day camp sessions in the last week of July and the first three weeks of August. We are busy working with the school and the school district of Albany to lay the groundwork for our summer sessions and beyond.
Stay tuned for all the news from Sugar Plum Farm Foundation