The “Cause Calendar” Initiative
Everyone has a cause close to their heart.
Maybe it’s literacy. Maybe it’s disaster preparedness or animal welfare. Each of us contributes different life experiences, interests, skills, and passions that form a well-rounded community.
TCF has worked with a diverse group of passionate philanthropists over the years, and time and time again, we find that there is one special cause, one issue, or one injustice that is the key motivation behind their giving. While general calls to “do good” and “make a difference” do inspire, we want to know what exactly it is that keeps you up at night. What is your motivation to leave our little corner of the world better than you found it?
Our new “Cause Calendar” initiative is an intentional approach to spotlighting the causes our community cares about. We want to connect individuals who are motivated by the same issues and mobilize them to do the work they love. Each month, we will highlight funds, donors, and nonprofits that are focused on a specific cause.
August is back to school month in our service area. Right now, our children, teenagers, and young adults are soaking up the last bit of summer, cramming in their summer reading assignments, and making back-to-school shopping lists. We want to celebrate the start of the school year by highlighting education, literacy, and scholarship funds.
This month, we’ll share stories of:
Local students whose dreams are being made possible through scholarship funds
Donors who have turned their values into lasting legacies through education-focused giving
Nonprofits and programs improving literacy and learning access across our communities
Since our founding, education has remained one of the core pillars of the Foundation’s mission. With 47 endowed scholarship funds and more supporting learning and literacy, we know that when we invest in education, we’re investing in the future of our region. You do not have to establish our fund to invest in this cause. Donors who support existing funds are just as vital to sustaining this work—helping provide annual awards, grow fund balances, and expand impact year after year. Whether you give $25 or $2,500, your support strengthens opportunities for students and lifelong learners across our region.
This month, as backpacks are packed and classroom doors reopen, we invite you to consider how you can be part of a student's journey. Together, we can open doors, inspire hope, and invest in brighter futures—one learner at a time.
Stay tuned for monthly updates, campaign highlights, and ways to get involved. Let’s make every month a chance to give back, beginning with Small Business and Economic Development Month this May!
2025 Scholarship Reception