The Don Hawley Foundation was established in March 1974, with the benefit of $5,000 donated by Mr. Don Milligan Hawley. The Trustees were Carl Navarre, Michael Schamroth, Ben Hardesty, Don Hawley and Frank Harding.

In May 1974, the IRS recognized The Don Hawley Foundation as an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(C)(3) of the internal revenue code.

The fundamental purpose of the organization was and remains to disperse gifts to needy individuals who are connected with the Florida Keys fishing industry, to charitable organizations and to education facilities.