Tyson Family Foundation
The Tyson Family Foundation is a family-led philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering strong community connections and expanding equitable access across its key focus areas of education, arts and culture, and placemaking. Every decision the foundation makes is inspired by this mission and aligned with its core values:
with our purpose
with our action
with our approach
The foundation supports a diverse range of initiatives that improve quality of life and drive long-term impact. Today, the organization is led by John R. Tyson’s sister, Olivia Tyson. Olivia has served as president of the Tyson Family Foundation since 2018.
Our Impact
Between 2021 and 2026 alone, the Tyson Family Foundation has granted more than $32 million to a range of organizations and programs. Every grant made is championed by a Tyson family member. The foundation also awards $1.4 million in scholarships each year to more than 300 new and returning students.
Our Focus
Founded in 1970, the Tyson Family Foundation was established to formalize the family’s long-standing commitment to giving back and supporting the community. Since its inception, the foundation has invested in local, regional and national organizations that align with its mission and fall within three pillars of focus:
Education
The Tyson Family Foundation works to expand access to a multitude of educational opportunities, supporting lifelong learning and championing higher education. Committed to giving back to the Tyson family’s hometown, the organization supports a variety of programs for public schools in Springdale, Arkansas.
Field trip scholarships for underserved school districts to the National US Marshals Museum
Twelve-week business accelerator programs with both English- and Spanish-speaking cohorts at Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
Digitization efforts at The University of Arkansas Press for a research publication catalog and establishing the Tyson Art Book fund, which funds research-based art publications
Arts and Culture
The foundation bolsters the arts and organizations that enrich communities and promote inclusive access to cultural experiences. Beyond endowment, Tyson family members champion individual causes and organizations.
The foundation’s support of the arts reflects a long-standing interest shared by John R. Tyson and his sister, Olivia Tyson. Both are actively involved in art-centered organizations and believe in the power of creative expression to enrich lives. Notably, John’s interest in film led him to join the board of directors of the Arkansas Cinema Society in 2025.
Providing initial funding to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art & The Momentary, which brings access to world-class art and arts programming to the people of northwest Arkansas
Instituting The Medium—in partnership with Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange—as an artist-led third space for regional creatives and artistic organizations, which has become a community hub to incubate theater, dance, visual arts, music and everything in between
Establishing the T2 Apprentice Program at TheaterSquared, which is an opportunity for those traditionally underrepresented in American theater to launch their careers in the arts
Placemaking and Community Building
Community-building initiatives aim to strengthen local connections and uplift organizations working to improve the quality of life at the community level. The foundation is committed to giving back to the communities of Tyson Foods team members and their families.
Assisting the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest—the region’s only pediatric hospital—with a $15 million gift, the largest single contribution in Arkansas Children’s history at the time
Contributing to local organizations in Northwest Arkansas, such as the Samaritan Community Center, the Children’s Safety Center, The Jones Center and the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition
Sponsoring community celebrations, such as the Music Moves “Freedom Festival” for Juneteenth and the NWA Equality Pride celebration
Tyson Family Foundation Scholarship
The Tyson family has a long legacy of supporting further education for its company team members. In 1970, Don Tyson officially founded the Tyson Family Foundation Scholarship program, reflecting the foundation’s belief in education as a powerful driver of opportunity and long-term impact. Recipients pursue bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as vocational technical certifications.
Scholarships are primarily awarded to students in fields such as agriculture, engineering, computer science and business. Through this program, the foundation continues its commitment to investing in individuals and supporting local communities.
Currently, the foundation provides $1.4 million annually to hundreds of Tyson Foods team members and their dependents all over the United States.
