Fansler Foundation

About Our Founder D. Paul Fansler, was born August 27, 1927 in Fresno California, and died August 8, 1990. He was raised and educated in Fresno. He had 5 children and 3 stepchildren. He began his business career at the early age of 6 when he sold magazines. From there he moved on to mowing lawns, picking cotton and grapes, and even selling pop bottles at school. D. Paul Fansler joined the Merchant Marines when he was 17. After completing his tour of duty, he performed a series of odd jobs. He then became an insurance salesman at age 21 at Bankers Life Nebraska. He was with Bankers Life Nebraska for 42 years where he was their leading producer in the United States for seven straight years. He was the youngest lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table. In addition to the insurance business Fansler had other business interests which included real estate ventures. He built homes, office buildings, shopping centers, apartment complexes and hotels. D. Paul Fansler was a civic leader as evidenced by his contributions of time and money and his love of community. Mission Statement The Fansler Foundation is a not for profit, public benefit corporation established on October 18, 1984, by its founder D. Paul Fansler. Mr. Fansler was a strong community supporter and believed in giving back to one's own community. His vision and purpose for the Foundation was primarily to assist developmentally challenged youth. In addition, he wanted to aid other qualified charities working with children who do not have the opportunity nor the support to get ahead. His dream was to help provide for these charities in the Fresno, Madera, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare Counties.