Since its founding in 1977, the Yawkey Foundation has carried on the philanthropic legacy of Tom Yawkey, a well-known Boston Red Sox owner and wildlife conservationist, and his wife, Jean Yawkey, the first woman elected to the board of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. By focusing on charitable giving in the form of grants and scholarships, the Yawkey Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for children, families, and underserved populations in the communities that were most important to Tom and Jean – Boston, Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. The Yawkey Foundation upholds the charitable mission of Tom Yawkey: "Do what is right. Do it quietly. And don’t expect praise for being kind." With that in mind, the Foundation gives back to nonprofits that strive to make a meaningful difference, concentrating on areas of giving that were meaningful to the Yawkeys, including conservation and wildlife, healthcare, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, and arts and culture. Through the Foundation’s work, the unwavering passion that Tom and Jean had for quietly giving back to those in need continues today. Since 1977 the Yawkey Foundation has contributed more than $530 million to nonprofit organizations that provide resources and opportunities to those most in need.