Our Mission
A charitable mission statement for Michael and Leah Tallman and family — written to keep our giving focused.
Through the generosity of Gordon G. Tallman and Beverley A. Tallman, we have been blessed with the opportunity to make an impact in Calgary. The principles set out here guide our decisions, in the hope that we stay focused and maximize the outcome of our gifts.
Our Priorities
There are an incredible number of worthy charities in Calgary; unfortunately, we cannot help them all or even do a proper evaluation of them all. To keep our focus, we intend to help in five domains.
#1
Health
Mental health, addiction, patient support, hospitals, and research.
#2
Poverty & Basic Needs
Food, shelter, and essentials — including women's shelters.
#3
Education
Scholarships, access, and the institutions that open doors.
#4
Arts & Culture
The organizations that give Calgary its cultural life.
#5
Animal Welfare
Care, shelter, and rescue for animals in the community.
Donation Preferences
What we look for
Long-term relationships over one-off donations — including the charities in the city the family already has a relationship with.
Charities with measurable outcomes that are willing to share their results.
Charities with a local focus.
What we avoid
Political donations.
International donations.
Meetings
We hold two significant meetings each year, and may invite outside people to present at either one.
Spring
Review the past year's donations, and discuss investments and fund principles.
Fall
Discuss and select the recipients for the following year.