The Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families financially and emotionally as they cope with a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Founded by the Grammy Award-winning band Imagine Dragons and the family of Tyler Robinson, the foundation provides direct financial aid to cover non-medical expenses, allowing families to focus on their child’s health and treatment.
What is the Mission of the Tyler Robinson Foundation?
The mission of the Tyler Robinson Foundation is to strengthen families financially and emotionally as they navigate the immense struggles of pediatric cancer.
TRF’s core focus is on alleviating the significant financial burdens that often accompany a diagnosis, such as out-of-pocket expenses for:
- Rent and mortgage payments
- Utility and car bills
- Travel and lodging for treatment
- Food and other day-to-day living costs
The foundation operates on the belief that a family’s financial situation should not be an added source of stress during an already difficult time.
Who Was Tyler Robinson?
The foundation is named in honor of Tyler Robinson, a young fan of Imagine Dragons who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, at age 16.
Despite his intense battle with the disease, Tyler maintained an incredibly positive and resilient outlook.
His story and friendship with the band became the inspiration for the foundation. After Tyler’s passing in 2013, at the age of 17, Imagine Dragons and his family created the foundation to carry on his legacy by supporting other families facing similar challenges.
How Does the Foundation Help Families?
TRF provides help through several key programs and initiatives:
- Financial Grants: The foundation gives direct financial grants to families to help cover essential non-medical expenses. These grants can be used for things like paying bills, transportation to hospitals, and even end-of-life costs.
- Holistic Support: Beyond financial aid, TRF offers emotional support and a sense of community. The foundation’s programs are designed to help families feel less isolated, providing a network of support from others who understand their journey.
- Partnerships: The foundation collaborates with a network of over 50 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and in Canada. Social workers from these hospitals recommend families who can benefit from TRF’s support, ensuring the grants reach those in dire need.
According to recent data from Charity Navigator, the Tyler Robinson Foundation has a strong financial standing, with a high percentage of donations going directly to its programs. It also has a perfect score for its impact and measurement, proving its effectiveness in providing crucial assistance to families.
Last modified: September 17, 2025
