About – Tripoli Foundation

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About Charles Tripoli

The Tripoli Foundation, a 501c3 public charity, commemorates the memory of Charles J. Tripoli, MD (born April 17, 1930, in Derry, PA; died November 5, 2022, in Washington, PA). Charles Tripoli was a brilliant light in the world; a physician, humanitarian, scholar, Navy medical officer, family man, and a tireless advocate of the unfortunate.

He had deep religious faith and lived by the golden rule. The very image of the small-town Family Physician, he devoted countless hours to the care of his patients. Following his military service, he practiced medicine in Washington, Pennsylvania, where he lived and worked for over 60 years. His marriage to Rita Tripoli, who survives him, prospered for 66 years.

The Tripoli Foundation and its board cherish and respect all of humanity and believe that every student should have an opportunity to contribute to a better society.

How to apply

Applicants will read a biography of Charles J. Tripoli, MD, and write an essay as to how they reflect his values. Grants may be used to support any type of material need in connection with study and can be used at any level from grade school to postgraduate.

The Foundation does not support any demographic group. Anyone is welcome to apply. Any course of study may be considered; however, the Foundation will not support education that is aimed at furthering the interests of any political group or religion; grants for study at institutions that are affiliated with religious groups can be approved.

The Foundation will consider the institution where the applicant expects to study based on its approach to cost-effective education. The Foundation is cautious about supporting educational institutions that engage in wasteful activities that do not further legitimate educational interests.

Typical grants will be around $5000, one-time grants. Students who receive a grant may apply for renewal the following year. The board of directors may vote to provide more than $5000 if funds are available. Grants will be provided directly to students. Educational grants from tax-exempt entities are tax-free to students. The Foundation will follow all laws and regulations regarding reporting to federal and state agencies with regard to tax reporting. The number of grants available in any year will be based on the financial situation of the Foundation. Aside from hiring and providing benefits to the staff necessary to provide services, the Foundation will endeavor to ensure that a significant majority of funds collected will be distributed to students in the form of grants.

Applications are not currently being accepted. Information will be posted here when another round of applications is announced.

Please contact us below or at marissa.morrison@TripoliFoundation.com with any questions.

Download application form (PDF)

Download application form (Word)

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✝️ About Charles J. Tripoli, MD and the Foundation’s Mission
The Tripoli Foundation is approved by the IRS as a public charity and is, by its nature, non-denominational. It does not endorse or support any religion, religious purpose, or specific religious cause.

Honoring the Man, Inspiring the Mission
While the Tripoli Foundation is strictly secular, no tribute to the life of Charles J. Tripoli, MD, would be complete without acknowledging the profound personal faith that shaped his character and professional life.
Dr. Tripoli was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, a deep and abiding faith instilled in him by his mother. Early in life, he aspired to the priesthood. However, the untimely loss of his mother to leukemia when he was 20 became a pivotal moment. His mentor at St. Vincent College, Father Owen, encouraged him to pursue healing as a physician—a literal “healer” in the truest sense of the word. Dr. Tripoli embraced this calling, matriculating early into the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Throughout his life and medical career, Dr. Tripoli held onto his faith, serving in the Church as a Deacon and a dedicated supporter. More significantly, his faith manifested in a lifelong commitment to service and compassion for his fellow man.
He lived by the core principle of the dignity and worth of every human being. His medical practice welcomed everyone; whether a patient could pay was never a concern. He was often paid in food or goods by patients of modest means. He treated every person with the same respect and care, regardless of their religion, race, or financial standing.

🎓 The Foundation’s Secular Purpose
The Tripoli Foundation was established to commemorate this legacy of selfless service and commitment to education. It fulfills this mission by providing non-sectarian educational grants to students, following his example of supporting those who aspire to learn and contribute to society.
As a public charity, the Foundation is legally bound to remain neutral on religious matters. The educational grants provided are available to all qualified students without regard to—or inquiry into—religion, race, or creed.