Investing in Early Learning, Literacy, and the Next Generation
At TD Bank, supporting education isn’t just a philanthropic priority—it’s a deeply held belief. As part of the TD Ready Commitment, the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, TD focuses on Early Learning because it provides children with the critical foundation they need to succeed in school and in life. This commitment is part of TD’s broader pledge to invest $1 billion by 2030 toward community giving across North America.
“Education of our nation’s youth is extremely important to TD Bank,” said Clayton A. B. Tadler, Senior Vice President/Regional Vice President: Palm Beach/Treasure Coast and Board Member of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. “All children should be equally prepared to start the new school year, and we are proud to support those who don’t have access to the same resources.”
Living Their Values Through Community Partnership
One of TD Bank’s guiding principles is to “act like an owner; lead with integrity to drive business results and contribute to communities.” For Clayton, that principle comes to life through TD’s partnership with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
“It’s important that we not only serve and support the financial needs of our customers and clients, but also enrich the communities in which we work,” Clayton explained. “Contributing to making a difference is at our core, and supporting the children and education system of Palm Beach County goes a long way in fostering that pillar.”
A Personal Connection to Education
Since joining the Education Foundation’s Board in 2023, Clayton has seen the mission from both the inside and the outside. With his sister serving as a public-school teacher in New York City, he also understands firsthand the challenges students and educators face each day.
“The Education Foundation makes an impact, both financially and through volunteer efforts, that I have rarely seen in my 30+ years working in finance,” Clayton shared. “The workers, volunteers, and board make a demonstrable impact felt across the entire county.”
Rolling Up Their Sleeves to Make a Difference
From packing over 30,000 backpacks for students in need to unloading a school bus full of donated supplies on a rainy night, Clayton and his TD Bank colleagues have experienced firsthand the energy and teamwork of the Education Foundation’s volunteers.
“Our impact was palpable,” he said. “We all felt invigorated to be part of such an outpouring of generosity.”
Philanthropically, TD’s investment runs deep. Since 2019, the TD Charitable Foundation has funded the Foundation’s STARS Program (Supporting Teachers to Accelerate Readers’ Success). What began at one school has now expanded to six, equipping K-2 teachers with research-based strategies and coaching to build strong reading skills in young learners across underrepresented communities.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch this program grow,” Clayton noted. “Improving literacy at the earliest stages truly sets children up for long-term success.”
Why Other Businesses Should Get Involved
When asked why other companies should support the Education Foundation’s mission, Clayton didn’t hesitate.
“The Education Foundation not only helps meet the needs of the county’s children but also provides unparalleled programs that introduce students to fields of education and training they would not otherwise be exposed to,” he explained. “The robotics program in Pahokee, for example, is changing the lives and trajectory of children who may not have had access to this opportunity without the Foundation.”
A Shoutout to the Team
Clayton was quick to highlight the people behind the mission.
“Beyond all the good work the Education Foundation does, I would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing team,” he added. “They punch well above their weight—you’d think there are dozens of staff, but it’s really a handful of passionate, committed people who are the beating heart of the Education Foundation. That’s why people are so eager to volunteer and follow their lead.”
