Tatiana's Heart Foundation serves eligible children across the United States from the beginning, creating access to scholarships and meaningful opportunities without limiting the program to a single focus state.
Scholarship recipients will be celebrated through an awards banquet and/or a special presentation in the recipient's home state, allowing Tatiana's Heart to honor each young person and the community supporting them.
This is the story of a little girl with a big heart, her twin brother by her side, and a dream that refused to fade.
The Heart Behind the Mission
Meet Tatiana
Tatiana RuckertFounder
Letter from the Founder
Hello,
My name is Tatiana Ruckert, and I am the Founder of Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
When I was eight years old, I learned that not all children have the same opportunities, support, and experiences that I have been blessed to have. I remember feeling sad knowing that some children face difficult situations and challenges through no fault of their own.
That day stayed with me. I kept thinking about how I could help children who needed encouragement, opportunities, and someone to believe in them. For years, I talked about a dream called Tatiana's Heart.
When my twin brother, Octavius, and I were twelve years old, we decided it was finally time to start turning that dream into reality. Tatiana's Heart Foundation was created because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
We know we cannot solve every problem, but we hope we can help open doors for children who may need a little extra support to pursue their goals and dreams. We are beginning with scholarships because opportunities can change lives.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for supporting children. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Tatiana Ruckert
Founder, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
Letter from the Co-Founder
Hello,
My name is Octavius Ruckert, and I am the Co-Founder of Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
When Tatiana first shared her dream of helping children, I supported her because I believed it was important to help people whenever we can. Sometimes all a child needs is a chance — a chance to attend a camp, learn a new skill, participate in an activity, or discover their potential.
At twelve years old, Tatiana and I decided to begin building Tatiana's Heart Foundation so that we could help create some of those opportunities. My hope is that every child we help will know that they matter, that they have value, and that their future is full of possibilities.
Octavius Ruckert
Co-Founder, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
Letter from the Chairperson
Dear Friends,
As a parent, there are moments you never forget. One of those moments occurred when my daughter, Tatiana, was eight years old. After learning that many children face abuse, neglect, foster care placement, financial hardship, and other difficult life circumstances, she was heartbroken. What impacted me most was not her sadness — it was her response. She did not ask what someone else was going to do. She wanted to know how she could help other children.
That evening, she and her twin brother, Octavius, came downstairs with a dream. Most childhood dreams fade with time. This one did not.
When the twins turned twelve years old, our family challenged them to create a meaningful project as part of their homeschool education. Without hesitation, both Tatiana and Octavius chose to build Tatiana's Heart.
As parents, my husband, John-Thomas, and I recognize that Tatiana and Octavius are still young. While they provide the vision and heart behind this organization, it is our responsibility, along with our Board of Directors, to provide the governance, oversight, accountability, and stewardship necessary to ensure the Foundation is managed responsibly and ethically.
Through Tatiana's Heart Foundation, our goal is not simply to provide scholarships. Our goal is to create opportunities. Together, we can help children heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
Serena Ruckert
Chairperson, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
The Story Behind Tatiana's Heart
The story of Tatiana's Heart began with an eight-year-old girl asking questions about the world around her. While the Ruckert family was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England, during John-Thomas Ruckert's service with the United States Air Force and the 48th Security Forces Squadron, Tatiana watched the beginning of "A Chance in the World," a movie based on the life of Steve Pemberton. While the movie ultimately tells a story of hope and success, the early scenes introduced difficult realities that shocked her.
Tatiana and her twin brother, Octavius, began asking questions. Their parents talked with them about how some children do not live the life they have or receive the same opportunities because of financial hardship, abuse, neglect, or circumstances beyond their control. Some children grow up in foster homes, as Steve Pemberton did, without the consistent support and resources every child deserves.
Tatiana was heartbroken, but she wanted to do more than feel sad. Her original idea for Tatiana's Heart was to help children who had experienced abuse. Based on eight-year-old Tatiana's vision, every child helped by the Foundation would also receive a comforting blanket and teddy bear as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved.
As the family continued talking and learning, the vision grew. Tatiana's Heart would not serve only one group of children; it would create opportunities for many different groups of young people who could use a lifting hand. Scholarships would help children participate in educational programs, camps, activities, and experiences that financial hardship might otherwise place beyond their reach. The teddy bear and blanket would remain an important part of the Foundation's care, while its services will continue to grow in the years ahead.
For Tatiana, the idea of helping children became more than a passing thought. She began talking about an idea she called Tatiana's Heart and told people for years that one day she would create it. Most childhood dreams fade with time. This one did not.
When Tatiana and Octavius turned twelve years old, they were challenged through homeschooling to create a meaningful project that could positively impact the lives of others. Without hesitation, they chose Tatiana's Heart. What began as a homeschool project quickly became something much bigger. It became a mission.
Nationwide from the Beginning
Tatiana's dream has never been limited by state lines. Tatiana's Heart Foundation is launching its scholarship program nationally so eligible children throughout the United States can be considered for life-changing opportunities.
Our nationwide approach reflects a simple conviction: every child is a gift, and geography should not determine whether a child can receive support. Recipients will be honored through an awards banquet and/or a special presentation in their home state.
"You may not be able to remove the mountain, but you can remove a stone or two."
Every scholarship awarded through Tatiana's Heart Foundation represents a stone removed from a child's path. One child. One opportunity. One scholarship at a time.
Our Timeline
The Journey So Far
Age 8 — The Dream Begins
Tatiana learns that not every child has the same opportunities she's been blessed with, and decides she wants to help.
Age 12 — A Homeschool Project Becomes a Mission
Tatiana and Octavius are challenged to create a meaningful project — and choose to build Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
2026–2029 — Foundation Building
Nationwide scholarships and responsible organizational development across the United States.
2030–2035 — Youth Development & Leadership Growth
Leadership workshops, mentorship programs, and expanded community engagement.
2036 & Beyond — Expanded Impact
Expanded scholarship capacity, strategic partnerships, and youth leadership conferences.
Our Mission
Every Child Deserves An Opportunity
Tatiana's Heart scholarships open doors to a brighter future by supporting children with opportunities that build confidence, spark potential, and change lives.
Mission Statement
The mission of Tatiana's Heart Foundation is to empower children and youth by providing opportunities that support healing, education, leadership development, personal growth, and future success.
Vision Statement
Tatiana's Heart Foundation envisions a future where every child has access to opportunities that inspire hope, build confidence, encourage growth, and create pathways toward lifelong success.
Because sometimes one opportunity can change a child's future.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Compassion
We lead with empathy, understanding, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of children and families.
Opportunity
We believe access to opportunities can change the trajectory of a child's life.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
Leadership
We encourage youth to become leaders within their families, schools, and communities.
Service
We believe meaningful service creates lasting impact.
Stewardship
We honor the trust placed in us by donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the communities we serve.
Foundation Motto: Healing Today. Empowering Tomorrow. Raising Winners.
Foundation Philosophy: You may not be able to remove the mountain, but you can remove a stone or two.
Rising Winners Scholarship Program
Scholarships
Investing in today. Inspiring tomorrow. Tatiana's Heart scholarships provide children with opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential — because every child deserves a chance to win.
Nine Scholarship Opportunities
Rising Above Scholarship
For low-income students and families experiencing financial hardship.
Patriot's Promise Scholarship
For military-connected youth, including children of Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Veteran service members.
New Beginnings Scholarship
For current and former foster youth.
Independent Learner Scholarship
For homeschooled students using an approved homeschool curriculum. May be applied for by a parent, provided the application includes one additional recommendation from someone who is not a relative or personal family connection.
Future Leaders Scholarship
For students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
Limitless Potential Scholarship
For students with special needs, disabilities, or learning differences.
Champions Scholarship
For student athletes from low-income or military families.
Young Entrepreneur Scholarship
For youth pursuing entrepreneurship education and approved business development opportunities.
A Special Scholarship Chosen by Our Young Founders
Founder's Choice Scholarship
This is the only scholarship whose recipient is personally chosen each year by Tatiana Ruckert and Octavius Ruckert. They select a child who demonstrates courage, kindness, perseverance, leadership, and service to others.
Their selection is presented to the Board for approval.
Approved Provider Requirements
Approved organizations, camps, programs, and curriculum providers must be an LLC, Corporation, and/or registered Nonprofit that has been in business for a minimum of 3 years.
Scholarship funds cannot be awarded to a parent-led camp or parent-created curriculum.
All applicants must be legal residents and/or citizens of the United States of America.
Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This applies to scholarship eligibility, selection, volunteer opportunities, employment, and every other activity of the Foundation. All scholarship decisions are based solely on Board-approved criteria applied equally to every qualified applicant.
What Scholarships May Cover
College Tuition
Trade School Tuition
Professional Certifications
Accredited Online & Continuing Education Programs
Camps, including church, music, arts, academic, STEM, leadership, athletic, and other approved camps
Arts, Music, and Performance Programs
Leadership Development Programs
Entrepreneurship & Youth Business Development Programs
Scholarship Payment Policy
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Important to Know
Funding & Award Policy
Funding Availability
Scholarship awards are dependent upon donations received, available funding, the number of qualified applicants, and Board-approved priorities. The number of scholarships and award amounts are determined annually by the Board of Directors.
No Guarantees
The Foundation does not guarantee annual scholarship availability, scholarship categories, number of awards, award amounts, or percentage of costs covered. Award amounts may vary annually.
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and recommended to the Board of Directors. Final scholarship approval rests solely with the Board.
Applications open January 6 and close March 6 every calendar year. Scholarships are awarded in May of every calendar year. The first Rising Winners Scholarships will be awarded in May 2028.
We are not looking for perfect children. We are looking for children with potential.
Eligibility Requirements
Ages 10–18
Legal resident and/or citizen of the United States of America
Completed application
Supporting documentation if required
Parent / guardian approval
Demonstrated interest in personal growth and learning
Founder's Choice Scholarship: ages 8–18. Because Tatiana's Heart began with the dream of an eight-year-old girl, applicants for this scholarship may be between 8 and 18 years of age.
Scholarship Payment Policy
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Application Timeline
January 6
Applications open every calendar year
March 6
Applications close every calendar year
May
Scholarships awarded every calendar year
The first Rising Winners Scholarships will be awarded in May 2028.
Application Process
Five Simple Steps
1
Complete
the online application.
2
Submit
supporting materials and a recommendation letter.
3
Review
by the Scholarship Committee.
4
Notification
of selection decision.
Step 5: Scholarship awarded directly to the approved organization or program on the child's behalf. Scholarship recipients will be celebrated through an awards banquet and/or a special presentation in their home state. Scholarship awards may cover all or only a portion of the cost; 100% of fees is not guaranteed.
Start Your Application
Take the first step toward your future. We believe in you!
Every scholarship. Every opportunity. Every act of kindness. Makes a difference. You don't have to change the whole world — sometimes changing one child's world is enough.
Donate
Help provide scholarship opportunities for children.
Sponsor a Scholarship
Businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals can sponsor scholarships that directly impact children.
Become a Partner
Partner with Tatiana's Heart to expand opportunities and resources available to children.
Volunteer
Give your time, talents, and heart to support children and families.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help Create Opportunities
Future sponsorship opportunities may include:
Academic Scholarships
STEM Scholarships
Arts & Creativity Scholarships
Athletics Scholarships
Leadership Scholarships
Founder's Choice Scholarships
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Join the Journey
One Child. One Opportunity. One Act of Kindness.
Together, those small moments become something much bigger.
More Than a Donation
Your support helps create opportunities. Opportunities help build confidence. Confidence helps children discover their potential.
There Is a Place for Everyone
You don't have to change the whole world. Whether you donate, sponsor a scholarship, volunteer, or simply share our mission, you become part of the story.
Share the Mission
One conversation can change a life. Help spread the message of hope and opportunity.
Tatiana's Heart is led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and guided by the vision of its young founders. Together, we work to create opportunities that help children heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
SR
Serena Ruckert
President & Chair of the Board
Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Arrius Field Solutions and proxy for Tatiana's Heart Foundation. Serena provides strategic leadership, organizational development, governance, partnerships, and long-term vision to ensure every child has the opportunity to heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
VR
Vicky Ruckert
Secretary
Serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors, maintaining official records, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation for Tatiana's Heart Foundation, and supporting the Board's commitment to transparency and accountability.
JT
John-Thomas Ruckert
Treasurer
24+ year United States Air Force senior leader with an MBA and extensive expertise in project management (PMP) and Six Sigma Lean (Black Belt, May 2027). Provides financial oversight, stewardship, operational excellence, and compliance for the Foundation.
RR
Rashad Reynolds
Director of Community & Youth Engagement
Prior United States Air Force Security Forces member. IT Specialist and Cybersecurity Specialist with extensive experience in technology, systems, and security. Retired professional dodgeball player and current referee. Builds relationships with schools, youth organizations, community partners, and educational programs to expand opportunities for children nationwide.
MR
Michelle Reynolds
Director of Corporate Affairs
Oil Services Executive who brings professional leadership and industry experience to the Board of Directors. Leads corporate affairs, strategic outreach, and relationship-building efforts that support the Foundation's responsible growth and nationwide mission.
T&O
Tatiana & Octavius Ruckert
Founding Youth Directors (Non-Voting)
Tatiana founded Tatiana's Heart at just 8 years old with the dream that every hurting child is loved and that opportunities can change lives. Octavius has supported the mission since the beginning, bringing ideas, encouragement, and the voice of youth to help shape our future.
As minors, Tatiana and Octavius serve in an advisory capacity only. They do not vote on financial or legal matters and hold no fiduciary authority over the Foundation. Upon reaching the age of 18, they may be considered for full voting membership on the Board of Directors in accordance with the Foundation's bylaws.
Founding Youth Directors
The voices of today, leaders of tomorrow. Our Founding Youth Directors provide insight, ideas, and feedback to help shape programs and opportunities that matter most to children.
Our Commitment
We uphold integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
We are committed to empowering children through opportunities that heal, inspire, and transform lives.
Guided by Purpose
Together, we are creating a future where every child has the opportunity to discover the unique gifts and potential with which they have been blessed and become the winner they were created to be.
Donate
Give a Child an Opportunity
Every donation helps create opportunities that allow children to heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win. Because sometimes one opportunity can change a child's future.
Secure Giving
Donate and Receive a Numbered Receipt
Every completed gift receives a unique Tatiana's Heart receipt number and an immediate printable tax receipt. Employer-match details stay linked to that same receipt.
Payments are securely processed by Stripe through WP Full Pay. A tax receipt is issued only after the Foundation confirms that the funds were successfully received.
Planning to request an employer match? Keep your donation receipt number and complete the matching request below.
Scholarship Payment Policy
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Where Donations Go
Donations may be used for scholarship funding, program development, educational initiatives, fundraising, administration, technology, insurance and compliance, and outreach — always in service of the Foundation's mission.
Tatianas Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity under IRC Section 509(a)(2). EIN: 42-3645737. Federal tax exemption is effective July 8, 2026. A numbered, printable receipt is released after payment confirmation.
Other Ways to Give
More Ways to Make a Difference
Honor a Loved One
Make a gift in memory or in honor of someone special.
Monthly Partner
Sustained giving helps us plan, grow, and reach more children.
Legacy Giving
Leave a lasting impact for future generations of children.
Corporations may apply to participate in the Tatiana's Heart corporate matching program. After Foundation approval, donors can select their employer and submit a verified matching-gift request.
Verification required: Corporate applications are reviewed before a company appears in the approved employer list. A matching request does not guarantee a match and is completed only after the original donation and employer eligibility are verified.
For Corporations
Apply to Match Employee Gifts
For Donors
Request an Employer Match
Restricted & Restricted-Purpose Giving
The Foundation may accept restricted donations when the restriction aligns with our mission and receives Board approval, including the General Scholarship Fund, Military Youth Scholarship Fund, Foster Youth Scholarship Fund, and Founder's Choice Scholarship Fund. No donor may direct the selection of scholarship recipients.
Contact
We'd Love to Hear From You
Every great journey begins with a conversation. Whether you have questions, ideas, partnership opportunities, scholarship inquiries, or volunteer interests, we welcome you to reach out.
Get In Touch
Email:info@tatianasheart.org Service Area: Tatiana's Heart serves children and families throughout the United States through scholarship opportunities and future programs.
Questions About Scholarships?
If you have questions about scholarship opportunities, eligibility, application requirements, sponsorship, or future programs — we would be happy to help.
Send Us a Message
Thank You for Visiting
Tatiana's Heart began with the simple dream of an eight-year-old girl who wanted every hurting child to know they were loved. Today, that dream continues to grow. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our story, our mission, and the children we hope to serve.
Policies
Our Commitment to Trust
These website policy summaries explain how Tatiana's Heart Foundation protects information, administers its programs, and supports responsible governance. Board-adopted policies and applicable law control if a summary differs from an official document.
Privacy Policy
We collect information voluntarily provided through scholarship, contact, corporate matching, donation, and other Foundation forms. This may include contact details, application information, organization and program information, donation-verification details, and uploaded recommendation letters.
Information is used to administer Foundation programs, evaluate applications, verify eligibility, communicate with applicants and partners, maintain records, prevent misuse, and meet legal or compliance obligations. Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not sell personal information.
Access is limited to authorized individuals with a legitimate Foundation purpose. Records are retained only as reasonably necessary and are securely disposed of when no longer required, subject to legal holds and recordkeeping obligations. Parents or guardians should supervise submissions involving minors. Privacy questions may be sent to info@tatianasheart.org.
Terms of Use
This website provides general information about Tatiana's Heart Foundation and its programs. Submitting a scholarship, corporate matching, volunteer, contact, or other form does not create a contract, guarantee eligibility, or promise funding.
Scholarship availability, categories, amounts, and the percentage of eligible costs covered depend on available funding and Board approval. 100% of fees is not guaranteed. Scholarship payments are made directly to an approved organization or program on the child's behalf and are never distributed directly to individuals.
Users must provide accurate information and may not misuse the website or upload unlawful, harmful, or misleading content. External links are provided for convenience and do not transfer responsibility for another organization's website or practices.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in the administration of its scholarship programs, volunteer opportunities, employment practices, or any other activities.
Scholarship eligibility and selection decisions are based solely on Board-approved criteria applied equally to all qualified applicants.
Document Retention Policy
The Foundation maintains records for periods appropriate to their legal, financial, operational, and program purpose. Records may include governance documents, financial records, scholarship applications, recommendations, award records, donation documentation, corporate matching records, contracts, and correspondence.
Records subject to an audit, investigation, claim, subpoena, or anticipated legal proceeding will not be destroyed until the matter is resolved. When retention is no longer required, paper and electronic records will be securely destroyed or deleted.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Directors, officers, committee members, and other decision-makers must disclose actual or potential financial, personal, or organizational conflicts. A person with a conflict may provide relevant facts but must not improperly influence or vote on the matter.
The disinterested Board members determine whether a conflict exists, document the decision, and approve only actions that serve the Foundation's best interests. No donor may direct the selection of a scholarship recipient.
Whistleblower Policy
Board members, volunteers, employees, applicants, partners, and members of the public may report in good faith suspected fraud, misuse of funds, unlawful conduct, unsafe practices, policy violations, or other serious concerns to the Foundation.
Good-faith reports will be reviewed promptly and handled as confidentially as reasonably possible. Retaliation against a person who raises a good-faith concern or participates in a review is prohibited. Reports may be sent to info@tatianasheart.org.
These summaries are intended for website transparency and should be reviewed by the Foundation's qualified legal and tax advisors before formal Board adoption or reliance.
