About Pham Foundation
A private family foundation shaped by immigration, education, service, and a lasting commitment to support students, families, schools, and community institutions.
About the Foundation
Pham Foundation is a California-based private family foundation founded by Scott H. Pham and Tammy T. Duong to support education, charitable giving, and community programs in a responsible and practical way.
The Foundation reflects a Vietnamese-American family story shaped by immigration, education, hard work, and gratitude. Its purpose is to turn those values into practical support for students, families, schools, and community institutions.
Our approach is simple and steady: give thoughtfully, manage responsibly, keep clear records, and build charitable traditions our family can continue for generations.
Why We Give
The Foundation’s charitable philosophy began long before the organization itself was formed.
Scott Pham grew up watching both of his parents dedicate their lives to serving others. His father spent most of his life as an educator, helping young people pursue education and opportunity. Even when resources were limited, he worked tirelessly to support poor relatives in Vietnam, students he had never met, and families who needed help continuing their education. He continued this work throughout his life until his passing.
His mother was deeply involved in community leadership and youth development, helping organize youth groups and continuing charitable and community-focused work throughout her adult life. Together, they demonstrated that generosity is not measured only by wealth, but by consistency, sacrifice, and a willingness to help others over a lifetime.
These family examples helped shape Scott and Tammy’s shared commitment to philanthropy, education, mentorship, and community support. His early experiences with giving began through the Boy Scouts, later serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, volunteering through church communities, and eventually mentoring young engineers during his professional career at San José State University.
In business, the same philosophy continues. Through many years of property ownership and management, efforts have been made to support working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities by maintaining stable housing opportunities and community-oriented operations.
Giving back is a choice. Our family has chosen this path for ourselves and for our children. The Foundation exists not only to provide charitable support today, but also to carry forward a family tradition of service, responsibility, gratitude, and care for others.
Founders
Scott H. Pham and Tammy T. Duong established the Foundation to build a lasting family tradition of philanthropy centered on education, community support, and responsible giving.
Scott H. Pham
Scott H. Pham was born in Quang Ngai, Viet Nam in 1971 and immigrated to the United States in 1981. He later graduated from San José State University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. His life and work reflect the belief that education, family responsibility, and opportunity can transform not only one person’s future, but the future of many generations.
Tammy T. Duong, Ph.D.
Tammy T. Duong was born in Quang Ngai, Viet Nam. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and pursued advanced studies in biotechnology and fermentation sciences, completing her Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia in 2023.
Her professional experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research helps inform the Foundation’s interest in science education, innovation, environmental care, and organizations that promote public understanding of science and technology.