Who is the Tigris Foundation?

We are not your typical foundation. We believe those closest to challenges are the right people to decide how to meet them.

We have loads of experience supporting organizations–small and large–to achieve their goals.

We want to hear YOUR ideas about what YOU need to support young people in our community.

If your mission addresses one of our three focus areas, we want to hear from you! We're eager to fund and support projects that address period insecurity, support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and meaningful learning experiences for kids.

Why Tigris?

The name Tigris comes from the Tigris River in the present-day Middle East. Surrounding the region of ancient Mesopotamia known as “The Cradle of Civilization”, it's where humans first formed communities instead of wandering tribes and discovered that working together made life better. Our foundation aims to build community and harness everyone's power, whether it's through funding, collaboration, expertise, or simply showing up. We chose a name from ancient history to reflect the idea that by coming together, we can all be stronger.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a world that works for everyone—because right now, it doesn’t. We aim for a more equitable world where everyone gets what they need, how they need it.

Our Mission

Our mission is to support young people through our three focus areas: experiential learning, menstrual equity, and fostering pride. We want to help the next generation grow and develop into active and healthy community members, not just surviving day-to-day, but thriving in the future.

Our Model

As a small family foundation, we follow a trust-based philanthropy model. We don’t believe that organizations should jump through lots of hurdles to receive funding for their projects nor should they be burdened with excessive reporting requirements. Our job is to support your work and help make your ideas a reality.

Organizations aren’t just numbers in a database—they’re real people that we want to get to know. Building deeper relationships is an investment that allows us to provide connections beyond funding; such as meeting spaces and community resources. We know it's hard to do everything alone, so let's do it together.

Our Three Focus Areas

Experiential Education

As a former educator, Stef knows how vital experiential learning is in impacting kids’ lives. Creating equity for marginalized children, who don’t receive the same opportunities as their more privileged peers, is essential in harnessing every child’s potential. Whether it's sponsoring trips to the zoo or organizing art classes, we believe that fostering creativity and curiosity is key to nurturing lifelong learners and confident individuals. Stef’s passion for leveling the playing field drives our commitment to providing hands-on, enriching experiences that all children deserve—regardless of background. Because when every child is given the chance to explore, imagine, and discover, the possibilities are limitless.

Menstrual Equity

Globally, one in four menstruators lack access to adequate period products or hygienic facilities. We believe that every menstruator deserves equal access to affordable and accessible period products, no matter their situation. When we have dignity and autonomy over our health, we have the ability to accomplish so much more.

Fostering Pride

As mothers of queer children, our foundation understands the importance of not simply tolerating, but celebrating our vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. At a time when queer rights are increasingly under threat, we believe that fear and pessimism are never the answers. What keeps us united is community. By fostering safe spaces where every person can be their authentic selves, we help individuals thrive. Every queer child deserves access to gender-affirming care, affirming therapy, an accepting community, and the resources that they need to build resilience. As a foundation, we are committed to uplifting and protecting queer youth—not just in policy but in practice.

Have an idea that aligns with one of our focus areas?

Get Started

Small but Mighty.

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In times of uncertainty and fear, creating joyful moments becomes an act of resistance. This is the essence of our work. We want to build long-lasting relationships with the people we meet and contribute to our community in meaningful ways—whether it's creating safe spaces for gender-creative children to play, improving access to affordable groceries, or taking kids to the zoo!

While we provide grants and collaboration opportunities, what we're really offering is hope. We want children to feel seen and cared for—to know that there are people looking out for them.

We can't do everything. But we can accomplish small things that have a big impact. As the Talmud says—

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

Even though we are small, we are mighty. And we are even stronger together,

The Tigris Foundation