ABOUT the STANTON E. and M. ELAINE TEFFT FOUNDATION

In 2005, I decided to carry on with the work my late husband and I had been doing. The mechanism I chose was to establish a Foundation. The Tefft Foundation became a 501C(3) in 2013. Prior to that year, it was funded entirely from my personal funds.

The primary function of the Foundation is the preservation of our culture and heritage. We do that primarily by supporting and recognizing seniors in eleven New Hampshire schools who act to preserve and promote jazz music, civil rights and track and field sports.

Stan and I devoted substantial time, effort and resources to those areas. The Foundation maintains that focus wherever there is some aspect of our culture and heritage that is threatened. That has resulted in awards being given in New Hampshire, Louisiana and Massachusetts.

After graduating from Concord High School, Williams College and Columbia Law School, Stanton E. Tefft practiced law for 52 years in both New York and New Hampshire. He devoted substantial time and resources in attempting to slow the erosion of those legal rights and to work for equal protection for all. The Tefft Foundation is strongly committed to continuing and advancing these efforts.

Civil Rights applications must demonstrate what was done by the student to promote, defend or protect rights guaranteed by the NH and/or US Constitutions and the Bill of Rights. In the past, students organized workshops on “Knowing Your Rights” and “Truth in Recruitment”. They’ve organized anti-war rallies, worked to undo racism and against gender inequality.

Jazz Music is truly an American art form. Some applicants play more than one instrument as is customary in jazz. One winner played four different instruments, many compose and play in bands, and pre-virus, played in VA hospitals and nursing homes. My second favorite winner played jazz on an euphonium.

Track and Field provides applicants the opportunity to not only do well for themselves but to help others achieve. The most recent winner accomplished that by organizing virtual training and virtual relay races. One winner who broke his leg couldn’t compete, so he led the exercise program for the rest of his team, while he was on crutches.

Preservation of Our Cultural Heritage is awarded to someone who preserves and promotes our American Heritage. There is no specific application for this award. The first winner built an iron forge out of an old hibachi and his red wagon, sought help developing his skill in iron working and as a senior was juried into the NH League of Craftsmen. Occasionally an organization will send in a grant request such as the Chapin Library and the Preservation Hall Foundation.

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Andrew Dunn, Dunbarton, NH
Paula Joyce, Durham, NH
Jon Meyer, Manchester, NH
Elizabeth Murray, Boston, MA
David Penchansky, Manchester, NH
M. Elaine Tefft, Bedford, NH

If you have any questions or suggestions, you can contact us at: Stanton E. and M. Elaine Tefft Foundation, 5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110.

Phone: 603-472-3557
Email: tefftpara@aol.com

Your gift to the Tefft Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization, is tax deductible.