Helping leaders make real change
Tillman Scholars are finding comprehensive solutions to everything from water scarcity, to human rights, to national security. With your contributions and support, we’re able to identify and empower the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to service beyond self. The Tillman Scholar community is making a real impact in the world.
Honoring a Legacy
Pat’s story on the football field and the Army is well-known, but it is his principles and service that are his true legacy. Pat believed in something bigger than himself, and dedicated his life to serving it. We’re dedicated to honoring that legacy.
Pat’s family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward that legacy by giving military service members, veterans and spouses who embody those principles the educational tools and support they need to reach their fullest potential as leaders – no matter how they choose to serve.
“To err on the side of passion is human and right and the only way I’ll live.”


Our Values
Pat inspired us all to live our lives to fullest, and we’ve shaped this foundation around key principles that mattered to Pat the most.

service

Scholarship

Humble Leadership

Impact
The Tillman Scholar Network
Tillman Scholars are military service members, veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self.
Tillman Scholars
Million Dollars Invested To Date
Universities and Growing

Foundation Leadership
We’re honored to help the next generation of leaders live selflessly, creating a better world. With your effort, we’ll continue to honor Pat’s legacy to inspire future generations.
Our Partners
Without loyal support, our mission would go unfulfilled. Meet our partners and sponsors who are empowering the Tillman Scholars.
See all partners






Looking to join the Pat Tillman Foundation?
Our team is passionate and purpose-driven, and as we grow our community, we’re looking to recruit individuals who want to help us achieve the mission.
News & Media Highlights
All of the latest news and press releases for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

COACH KENNY DILLINGHAM ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL RACE STARTER FOR 21st ANNUAL PAT’S RUN
The Pat Tillman Foundation is proud to announce Coach Kenny Dillingham, head coach of the Arizona State University football team and 2024 Big 12 Football Coach of the Year, as the official race starter for the 21st Annual Pat's Run, presented by TEKsystems. The...

Our 2024 Impact Report: Empowering Leaders, Driving Impact
Dear Friends and Supporters, I'm thrilled to share our 2024 Impact Report with you, highlighting the achievements of our Tillman Scholars and the impact of our programs. As we honor 20 years of Pat Tillman's legacy, we're proud of our progress in empowering the next...

Becoming a Tillman Scholar: Top Tips for Crafting a Strong Application
Pointers from the PTF team about putting together a great Tillman Scholar application.

Action Tank Addresses Philadelphia’s Toughest Challenges with Tillman Scholars at the Helm
While out to lunch in 2016 with several other Philadelphia-based veterans, Tillman Scholars Chris Diaz and Matt Miclette found themselves engrossed in conversation about the many social issues affecting the Philadelphia community. As they shared their experiences, the...

Pat Tillman: 20 Years, One Legacy.
Twenty years after Pat Tillman’s passing, his legacy lives on through a strong network of nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars, family, friends, and individuals who embody the values he stood for: scholarship, humble leadership, service beyond self, and impact. To honor the...

2024 Tillman Scholar Earl Brown Drives Innovation in Adaptive Sports
Earl Brown’s journey in Orthotics and Prosthetics is just beginning, but the 2024 Tillman Scholar has already made a significant impact in the adaptive sports community. After serving in the Navy and the Army for a combined 26 years, Earl discovered his passion for...