In 2002, Henry and Karen Pritchett, the founders of Pro Deo Foundation, formed the Pritchett Foundation with the proceeds of the sale of one of their investment real estate holdings. With gratitude, this Foundation was formed with a mission to address the needs of children at risk. The focus was primarily concerned with the needs of poor, destitute and orphaned children through organizations providing a holistic care model, including food, shelter, and education. 

From 2012-2018, the founder’s philanthropic interests were primarily overseas. In more recent years, they became aware of a sense of call to also address the needs of children at risk at the local level through programs and partnerships in Southern California. This sense of call led to the formation of the Pro Deo Foundation in 2018. The founders formed this Foundation as an operating foundation to actively participate in the work of helping children at-risk locally. In this way, the founders and staff of Pro Deo seek to grow personally and desire to come alongside others to lead productive successful lives.