Our Mission

Our Mission

The Tyler Independent School District Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Tyler ISD, providing resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching, and enhance opportunities for our students through exemplary programs.

Our Vision

Our vision is an engaged community that rallies to inspire innovation that propels successful student outcomes. 

Our Belief

We know that Tyler ISD is one of the primary economic mobility engines for the City of Tyler and will continue to be for decades to come, and as such, the Tyler ISD Foundation's commitment to invest in our public school system runs deep.

Our Goals

The foundation will achieve its mission by directing resources towards the following goals:

  • Encourage all students to work to their highest potential

  • Support staff for innovative efforts

  • Recognize staff for exemplary teaching

  • Build community awareness for the Tyler ISD Foundation

  • Inspire parents and community to participate with the school district in enriching education

Our Purpose

The Tyler ISD Foundation is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation promoting quality education in Tyler ISD.  The Tyler ISD Foundation was created by the community in 1990 to provide additional support for Tyler teachers, students, staff, administrators, and family members associated with the public school system in Tyler.  The work of the Foundation is simple: seek funds to grant those funds in meaningful and impactful ways within Tyler ISD.

The Foundation, led by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director, seeks funds through various activities, such as:

  • Annual Campaign – “We Believe in Tyler ISD” is the Tyler ISD Foundation's annual campaign, which rallies community support for Tyler ISD. This includes businesses, philanthropists, alumni, and parents, all whom believe in supporting our public schools.

  • Friends of the Foundation Campaign - our Tyler ISD employee giving campaign

  • Community Events - our annual special events Gala|UnGala and our Golf Classic.   

  • Grant Writing and appeals to area organizations and foundations—in support of the teachers, staff, and others within Tyler ISD. 

The Foundation grants these collected donations to the following:

  • Grants for Great Ideas - The Grants for Great Ideas Program is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize, and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches. Proposals must reflect the objectives and goals of the Campus and the District.

  • Professional Development Grants - grants to district employees to support professional development opportunities that impact student achievement and enrich the curriculum.

  • A Night of Shining Stars - an academic recognition event that honors the top graduates of Tyler ISD high schools and the teachers who most positively influenced their academic journey.

  • Scholarships - The Tyler ISD Foundation administers scholarship funds by partnering with families, individuals, organizations, and estates to achieve their charitable goals while giving Tyler ISD seniors support to pursue their educational dreams.

  • District Programs - Convocation, Teacher of the Year Banquet, Teacher Retirement Luncheon

No tax dollars are used in fulfilling the mission of the Tyler ISD Foundation.