Mission & Core Values
MISSION
The T.L.L. Temple Foundation works alongside communities to build a thriving rural East Texas.
A Thriving Rural East Texas
To establish what a “thriving” rural East Texas means, we asked our communities. We also drew on definitions offered by trustees and staff and reviewed how other rural, place-based foundations define the term. We wanted ours to be specific and reflect the perspective of community members.
The “Thriving” We Aspire To
For the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, a thriving rural East Texas means that economic opportunity and mobility are widely available and that every resident has access to high-quality goods and services, such as healthy food, education, and healthcare. A thriving region also provides plentiful opportunities for individuals and their families to both enjoy the present and build toward a promising future in East Texas. The foundation works to ensure our region inspires a sense of belonging and pride in all who live here.
Core Values
T.L.L. Temple built a business in East Texas, and in 1962 his daughter, Georgie Temple Munz, created this foundation to enhance the quality of life for the people and communities that helped the family build it. The five core values below have been adopted by the organization over the last year and are how we structure ourselves, the expectations we hold for ourselves and others, and how we strive to operate internally and externally.
Spirit of Generosity
We approach our work with openness, kindness, and the assumption of good intent. We share credit, support one another, and extend trust.
Learning & Continuous Improvement
We stay curious, seek feedback, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Pursuit of Impact
We focus on outcomes that matter, aligning time and resources toward what serves East Texans most in need.
Respect Past, Build Future
We understand and appreciate all that came before us and use forward thinking to continue growing opportunities and impact.
Service Before Self
We operate as a team and seek to act cohesively. Individual contributions lead to team solutions.