The Decker Foundation is rooted in the life and legacy of Decker Paravato, whose brief but profound presence continues to inspire everything we do. Born in November 2021, Decker spent all 54 days of his life fighting to live. His diagnosis came without warning and altered the course of his family’s life in an instant. Alongside the grief of his passing came the deep sorrow of a future lost, the milestones never reached, the laughter never heard, the dreams never fulfilled.
We imagined his first steps, his friendships, his first day of school. We dreamed of graduations, wedding days, and watching him raise a family of his own. We had worked hard to give him the world, but he never got the chance to step into it.
In his absence, we carry those dreams forward, not just for him, but for every child. His life, though short, has become a powerful call to action. We believe every life holds deep significance and that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Through this foundation, we are building a legacy not only in Decker’s name, but in the lives of countless others – one opportunity at a time.
At The Decker Foundation, we connect generous donors with trusted schools and educational programs that are transforming lives. Through a careful vetting process, we identify local leaders and organizations already making a difference and help provide what students need most: scholarships, tuition, meals, books, housing, internet, and more.
Our vision is to create a world where every student can access the education they need to become self-reliant and lift their communities. We believe both students and donors are transformed by the journey of giving and growing together. Through meaningful partnerships, legacy giving, and a shared commitment to hope and opportunity, we remove barriers to education and build lasting impact for generations to come.