About Us
Our Mission
The Tam High Foundation is a fundraising organization that fosters the academic excellence and emotional and physical well-being of all Tam students. In partnership with faculty and staff, the Foundation funds grants that support innovative programs, cutting-edge tools, and equitable educational opportunities to provide every student with a pathway to success. With community support, our efforts make Tam High both a top academic high school and an extraordinary experience.
Who We Are
The Tam High Foundation is a parent-led fundraising organization that supports programs benefiting all students at Tam High. It also fundraises for the Conservatory Theatre Ensemble (CTE,) Patrons of the Arts at Tam High (PATH,) and Tam High United Music Boosters (THUMB.)
The Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization. It comprises our executive director and volunteer parent board of directors as well as an advisory board that includes the school principal, two teacher representatives, an investment chair, an audit chair, and representatives from the PTSA and Tam Boosters.
What We Do
Established in 1995, the Tam High Foundation funds grant requests from across the school. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants.
These include classroom innovation, new technology and equipment, and guest artists. The Foundation also supports a set of recurring grants that include Wellness Center support, college applications and test fees, field trips for all students, and much more. These are agreed upon annually during our budget process.
The Tam High Foundation is independent of the Tam High PTSA, which promotes community engagement, and Tam Boosters, which supports athletic programs.
The Process
All Tam High teachers and staff are encouraged to apply for grant funding twice a year. These funds are donated by generous parents and community members during our fall Annual Giving Campaign.
Parent members of the Grants Review Committee explore each application and present findings to the full board for approval.
The principal, teacher representatives, investment and audit chairs, and representatives from CTE, PATH, and THUMB serve an advisory role on the foundation. The foundation office includes an executive director and accountant position, which are paid, part-time positions funded by the Foundation.