Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Tall Trees Foundation?

    Tall Trees Foundation (“TTF”) is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization established to provide financial grants to the valued employees of Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club (“PAHGCC”) in times of unexpected financial hardship.

    Who oversees the Tall Trees Foundation?

    TTF is a member-driven, volunteer organization, overseen by the foundation’s board.

    Board of Directors:

    • Lori MacDonald - President

    • Bryon Botsford - Treasurer

    • Miki Armstrong - Secretary

    • Joan Barram - Grant Chair

    • Brian Farley

    • Linda Thomas

    • Jacquetta Lannan

    Is the Tall Trees Foundation part of Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club?

    No, TTF is a separate entity from PAHGCC and is its own California nonprofit corporation, overseen by its own board of directors. TTF and PAHGCC work together through a cooperation agreement in an effort to serve and support the employees of PAHGCC.

  • How is the Tall Trees Foundation funded?

    Tall Trees Foundation is primarily funded through generous donations from members of PAHGCC.

    Are donations tax-deductible?

    Yes! Any donations made to TTF qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. The tax deduction is limited to the excess of the contribution over the fair market value of any items received in exchange for the donation.

    How do I make a donation?

    You can click on the "Donate" button above and make a selection. We also accept personal checks which can be dropped off at the club. The Foundation maintains a mail drop box in the club office where checks can be deposited.

    Can I make a donation through my PAHGCC billing account?

    No, as a separate entity the Foundation cannot accept donations through the Club’s member accounts.

    Does the foundation accept donations from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)?

    Yes, we are able to accept donations from Donor Advised Funds. The Foundation’s Tax ID is #86-2937128 which DAF’s require for charitable donations.

    Does the foundation accept stock donations?

    Yes, we can provide the brokerage account details for any stock donations.

    If you are interested in making a donation today, please click here.

  • Who is eligible to apply for TTF grants?

    All eligible PAHGCC employees can apply for a financial grant from TTF.

    What circumstances qualify for a grant?

    Financial grants are considered for short term situations creating financial challenges for the employee, such as, but not limited to:

    • Family emergencies

    • Loss of transportation to work

    • Essential home appliance repair

    • Bereavement and funeral expenses

    • Unexpected medical expenses

    • Certain educational expenses

    *Grants are not intended for long-term financial assistance or for routine living expenses.

    How do employees apply for a grant?

    Eligible employees may complete a grant request application, available through the club’s HR representative. The application will require explanation of the critical financial hardship and supporting documentation of the amount owed. An employee may apply more than one time in a calendar year but is limited to a total grant amount per year.

    What is the grant process?

    Interested employees may submit a completed application (along with any supporting documentation) to the TTF’s Grants Committee, who will review the application. If additional information or clarification is needed, the Grants Committee may contact the employee for further details. Once the application is thoroughly reviewed, the Grants Committee will then make a recommendation to the TTF Board for final approval of the grant. All decisions by the TTF Board will be made without any knowledge of the identity of the employee applicant. The final approval or denial of the grant request will then be communicated to the employee. Where approved, payment will most often be made by TTF to the creditor or entity to whom the established debt is owed and not directly to the employee.

    Do Grants need to be paid back?

    No, employees do not pay back grants to TTF. Further, grants are not considered taxable income to PAHGCC employees.

    How is the Tall Trees Foundation different from the Staff Holiday Fund?

    These two funds serve completely different functions: (i) the Staff Holiday Fund provides members the opportunity to express their appreciation for the Club’s staff each year during the Holidays; (ii) in contrast, contributions made to TTF are meant to provide relief from financial hardships for employees and their immediate family in times of need.