The Tam High Foundation is asking families to open their wallets before students open their backpacks.

With Tamalpais High School's first day of classes set for Wednesday, Aug. 19, the foundation launched its 2026-27 Annual Donation Campaign on Thursday, Aug. 13, seeking contributions to fund tutoring, mentoring, arts programming, field trips and student wellness services.

Board chair Michele Kuhns announced the campaign in the foundation's annual back-to-school letter, the only printed mailer the nonprofit sends each year, which reaches thousands of Tam High families.

"Every gift helps fund innovative academic programs, student wellness, the arts, field trips, and enrichment opportunities that make the Tam experience so special," Kuhns wrote in the Aug. 13 letter.

The foundation, which has invested more than $20 million in Tam High programs since its founding in 1996, reported total annual revenue exceeding $1 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to Enjoy Mill Valley's summary of a Marin IJ report. Its suggested donation last year was $950 per student. No suggested amount for 2026-27 has been announced.

Specific programs the donations support include Bridge the Gap tutoring, Young Scholars Academy mentoring and specialized classroom equipment.

30th anniversary event set for March

The campaign also marks a milestone year. The foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an event at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley in March 2027. Kuhns called the school year "especially meaningful" as the organization enters its fourth decade.

Tamalpais High principal Sam Pasarow voiced support for the foundation's direction on Aug. 2, when incoming executive director Emily Uhlhorn's appointment was announced. "The Tam High Foundation is an essential partner in helping our students and teachers thrive," Pasarow said at the time.

Uhlhorn, a current TUHSD board trustee, will take over as executive director in January 2027 after her board term ends in December. Interim development director Anne Nowlin is leading fundraising efforts through that transition.

Families can contribute at tamhighfoundation.org. The foundation's newsletter reaches more than 1,000 Tam High families.