“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”
                                --Diogenes Laertius, 3^rd Century Greek Philosopher

Although articulated nearly two thousand years ago, Laertius’ quote certainly rings true today.   Indeed, our society’s very future is dependent upon successfully educating our youth.   

The Tustin Public Schools Foundation is building upon this philosophy by launching a new program which will continue to enhance the education of students enrolled in our local public schools.  The Founders Circle provides an opportunity for donors to make a major commitment—either with a one-time outright gift or through their estate plan—to help build TPSF’s endowment fund. 

Why are gifts to endowment so important?  First, endowment gifts are given with the stipulation that only the income or a designated percentage of the principal can be spent annually.  The principal therefore is never consumed but “keeps on giving” year after year.

In short, endowments leave a legacy.  They are not consumed.  Donors are making gifts that will make a difference for years to come, continuing their values and generosity for future generations.    A gift to TPSF’s Founders Circle is a gift that will keep on giving.     

Establishing a Founders Circle Fund In Honor or In Memory of a Special Honoree
One or more donors may also choose to establish a Founders Circle fund to honor or remember a special honoree.  For example, a group of parents and teachers may each make gifts in honor of a treasured teacher’s retirement.   The honoree will then be recognized as a member of the Founders Circle when all gifts made in their name total $1,000 or more. 

download our brochure

How can I qualify for recognition in the Founders Circle? 

Founders Circle recognition will be granted to all donors who:

1) notify TPSF (in writing) that TPSF has been named in their estate plan or

2) donors who make a one-time, outright gift of $1,000 or more specifically to the Founders Circle.    

Four levels of membership are available.  Each level is named in honor of an individual who left a truly significant legacy to mankind, whether it be in literature, history, philosophy or science.   The levels are:   

$1,000 “Shakespeare” level: includes a Founders Circle pin, listing on the TPSF Web site, listing in each issue of the newsletter, recognition at the Teacher of the Year dinner and recognition on a perpetual Founders Circle plaque. 

$5,000 “Lincoln” level: includes all of the above, plus a TPSF fleece blanket and an invitation to an annual Founders Circle reception.

$10,000 “Plato” level: includes all of the above, plus TPSF bookends and an invitation to the VIP booth at Dinosaur Dash. 

$25,000 “Einstein” level: includes all of the above, plus framed artwork from a TUSD student and an annual dinner with the Superintendent, a school board representative and TPSF leadership.   

Donors making a gift through their estate plan will be recognized at the $5,000 level, unless the approximate amount of their gift is communicated in writing.  

With grateful appreciation to these members of the
Founders Circle whose contributions further excellence in Tustin public schools.

Einstein Level
Douglas and Elizabeth (Lisa) Frost
Ray and Cori Seiler

 Plato Level
John and Jeanne Siegel

Lincoln Level
Jonathan and Laurie Abelove
Devon and Jolene Dougherty
Mark and Debbie Ewing
Carl and Kathy Greenwood
James and Joan Mc Bride

 Shakespeare Level
Diane and Gerry Aust in Memory of Marilyn Stone
Mark and Cathy Brownstein
Ann P. Davert
Doug and Melanie Davert
Michael and Tami Faulwell
Former Board Members Honoring Joann Ruden
John and Carol Garrett
Rebecca Gomez and John McKeon
John and Sheila Hanson
Dave and Julie Hirz
Peter and Gail Holden
Steve and Linda Jennings
Kim and Lori Leason in Memory of
Colonel Jack Marion Osborn, MD
Loma Vista Friends & Colleagues of Mary Chandler
Bob and Pat Machado
Bill and Michael-Ann Pevehouse
Joann Ruden in Memory of Jack and Clara Paige
Curtis and Connie Rach
Margie Sepulveda
Servino Family
Henry and Christine Smith
Phillip and Connie Smith

How can I join the Founders Circle?

1) Name the Tustin Public Schools Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, trust, IRA or life insurance policy. 

TPSF's Federal tax identification number is
33-0353928.  We are glad to provide suggested language to include in your will or trust:

      “I give (describe dollar amount, percentage of estate, or property to be given) to the TUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION, an eleemosynary corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of California and having its principal place of business in the City of Tustin, County of Orange, State of California, for (specific purpose, if any)."

IF A SPECIFIC GIFT DESIGNATION IS MADE, THE FOLLOWING CONTINGENCY CLAUSE SHOULD BE ADDED:

       “If, at some future time, in the judgment of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF), the income or principal of the fund established by this gift can no longer be used to the best advantage for the purposes or in the manner specified, the Donor(s) expressly authorize(s) and empower(s) TPSF to utilize the income, or principal, or both, for such related purpose and in such other manner as the directors may deem appropriate."

 2) Contribute $1,000 or more to TPSF's endowment via a check or as an online donation.  Be sure to choose "endowment" from the drop-down menu.

Contact Us for information about bequest confirmations or making a donation.