Both Tumwater Falls Park and the
Schmidt House are operated and maintained by the nonprofit
Olympia Tumwater Foundation.
Established in 1950 by
members of the Schmidt family and other local citizens, the
Foundation has become the largest source of college
scholarships for Thurston County high school students. Since
its inception, the program has aided more than 380 local
students with over $925,000 applied toward their college
educations.
In addition to making the Schmidt House
and Tumwater Falls Park available to the public, the
Foundation also contributes to local projects. The
spectacular replica of the Tivoli Fountain on the grounds of
the State Capitol is one of the Foundation's creations
outside the boundaries of the Park.
The Foundation is
operated by a board of trustees. Tax-exempt contributions to
the Foundation are used to permit year-round operation of
the Park and the Schmidt House or for assistance to
college-bound students.