Our Vision
A world where every person—regardless of ability, age, or background—can access transformative healing experiences in nature and thrive within an inclusive, interconnected community.
What We Fund
Our foundation exists to remove financial barriers to healing and wellness by providing scholarships and mini-grants. Unlike direct service providers, TGCF does not host retreats or trainings itself; instead, it empowers individuals, organizations, and practitioners to participate in and deliver mission-aligned, accessible programs offered by a vetted network of partners.
Scholarships
Financial Support
TGCF offers scholarships aimed at facilitating access to nature-based wellness programs for individuals in need. These scholarships are vital for promoting inclusivity within the wellness sector and enriching the lives of participants.
Mini-Grants
Fostering Initiatives
The mini-grants provided by TGCF support grassroots wellness projects and organizations that serve equity-deserving communities. They are designed to kickstart innovative approaches to holistic healing that reflect community needs.
Mission Statement
The Giving Cypress Foundation (TGCF) increases access to nature-based wellness and holistic healing by providing scholarships and mini-grants for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, senior citizens, youth, people with hearing loss, and other equity deserving individuals, enabling them to participate in inclusive, mission-aligned programs nationwide.
Current Team of
Visionaries
Summer Crider
Summer is the founder and vision-holder of The Giving Cypress Foundation. With a focus on weaving together nature therapy, accessibility, and collective healing, Summer leads TGCF’s mission alignment, storytelling, and partnership development. They brings deep commitment to making healing accessible and inclusive for communities nationwide.
Shana brings extensive experience in organizational leadership and inclusive community engagement. Currently expanding her expertise into outdoor recreation and nature therapy, she serves as a bridge between the healing power of the outdoors and the diverse communities TGCF supports. Shana oversees scholarship and grantmaking processes to ensure accessibility, fairness, and alignment with TGCF’s mission.
Shana Gibbs
Mario Essig
Mario specializes in translating vision into actionable systems, combining expertise in legal, financial, and organizational structures. He provides essential support in refining TGCF’s goals, compliance practices, and operational framework. Mario’s leadership ensures TGCF maintains transparency, fiscal responsibility, and strong organizational foundations.
Liann Osborne (Advisory Board)
Want to be part of our Circle?
Dedicated to Accessibility and Wellness
Our Core Values
Accessibility
We are committed to creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, has access to healing, growth, and community.
Community
We center relationships, mutual support, and co-creation in everything we do.
Equity in Access
We work toward a world where Deaf, Disabled, senior citizens, veterans with hearing loss, and underserved people can thrive on their own terms.
Nature Connection
We believe healing is rooted in our relationship with the natural world and each other.
Cultural Humility
We honor lived experience, practice deep listening, and continuously learn from our communities.
Sustainability
We strive for ecological and organizational practices that support long-term well-being for people and the planet.
