“Dutch” Easton Family Fund
TYPE OF FUND: Field of Interest
DATE ESTABLISHED: November 2023
PURPOSE: To provide grants to benefit children, adolescents, and the families of those individuals residing in the Tucker Community Foundation service area affected by mental health and substance abuse disorders and the non-profit mental health and substance abuse organizations that serve them.
DISTRIBUTION: On the recommendation of the Grants Committee and final approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: The initial funding for the project was provided by Brent and Megan Easton and their family. They started the fund with $5,244, which represents the payout from the 2023 Run For It event for the Fresh Canvas Team. The Easton family has five years to raise the $10,000 needed to establish the fund and begin awarding grants. If they do not reach the $10,000 goal within this timeframe, the funds will be combined with other grant resources as determined by the TCF Board of Directors.
BACKGROUND: Garrett James “Dutch” Easton was born February 18, 1980, in Alexandria, Virginia. “Dutch” grew up in northern Virginia, graduating from Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, and attended the Maryland Institute College of Art for several semesters to pursue his love of graphic arts before moving to Elkins to attend Davis & Elkins College. He could look at anything and turn it into a creative project; he was an innovator with a pen and pencil. “Dutch” was young, handsome, articulate, engaging, and incredibly talented. “Dutch” had a great sense of humor, a flamboyant edge, and a passion for the arts, with unlimited potential. In 2004, at the age of 24, after a routine medical procedure, “Dutch” died suddenly from complications of a bacterial infection. The Easton family is establishing this fund to honor his memory and support local community initiatives.
