Laughlin Family

Passing Down a Love of Giving Back

When generosity is shared across generations, its impact reaches far beyond a lifetime. Guided by a long-term vision, Tammy and Robert Laughlin approach their philanthropy with flexibility and purpose. Their charitable plans are designed to span generations and adapt to the community’s evolving needs.

Bob and Tammy are proud Western New Yorkers. Both were born and raised in the region, attended Canisius College, married, and raised their four children locally. While their careers kept them busy — Tammy in national sales within the banking industry and Bob in accounting and now manufacturing — they remained deeply involved in their community through youth sports, schools and
a variety of charitable initiatives.

When it came time to think about their legacy, a friend introduced them to the Community Foundation. The Laughlins soon established a fund to support causes that matter most to them, including education and arts and culture.

“We liked the structure and flexibility of working with the Community Foundation,” said Tammy. “It allows us to support Western New York today and well into the future.”

Through the Community Foundation, they found a way to creatively connect several of their passions. Working with NativityMiguel, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Canisius University, they helped create a pathway for deserving students to advance their education. They also support a scholarship program they helped establish in Florida, where they spend their winter months.

Their fund also enables the Laughlins to involve their children in the family’s philanthropy by inviting each of them to designate a grant each year to causes that are meaningful to them.

“Our fund at the Community Foundation allows us to involve our whole family and consistently support the charities we care about,” Bob said. “It’s perfect.” He also appreciates the Foundation’s deep local knowledge of nonprofit organizations and the flexibility the fund provides.

The Laughlins’ thoughtful approach to giving brings generations together while strengthening the communities they love — ensuring that Western New York, and beyond, will continue to benefit for years to come.