Tyler Greene was known as a friend to all and remembered for his outgoing, warm demeanor. Tyler was born with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, which he fully embraced. He spent his life sharing the message that what someone can do is much more important than what they cannot do – a message he coined “Ability Awareness”.

After Tyler passed away in 2021, his parents Paul and Gina Greene wanted to honor his legacy and continue his advocacy work. They opened three funds with the Waterloo Community Foundation to continue Tyler’s message and work – Tyler Greene Donor Advised Fund, Tyler Greene Scholarship Fund, and I’m Tyler Fiscal Sponsorship Fund.

The Greenes contemplated managing the funds themselves, but, ultimately, decided to partner with the Waterloo Community Foundation so they could focus on the impact, rather than the paperwork and legal requirements. Through the funds they have supported high school senior scholarships, UNI College of Education scholarships, inclusion speakers in the Cedar Valley, inclusion-related performances at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, an endowment for an inclusion promoting organization, and the ImTyler.org website. While thinking about their next opportunities, Paul says, “The sky is the limit for future good works.”