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Our Stories
The Inspiration
Community Impact
Community Impact
The Foundation's inspiration comes from two life-long educators. Archibald and Jerolene Mosley, were born in the 1920s, in homes where education was a priority.
Living in Jackson and Williamson counties in southern Illinois, the Mosleys attended separate and unequal schools that did not have a sufficient level of books and supplies. This lead both to challenge themselves inside and outside of the classroom particularly after they met at Southern Illinois University.
They each earned multiple degrees along the way. Rev. Mosley received two bachelors in education and theology, two masters in education and communication, and a doctorate in communication, leading him to become a presiding elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a public school superintendent, and a city administrator. Mrs. Mosley received a bachelors in elementary education and a masters degree in teaching spending more than 20 years as an elementary school instructor in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
With these achievements, they continuously gave back to their communities through public service, political activism, and charitable organizations. And, they have passed this legacy to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who equally value education, community involvement, leadership and philanthropy.
To continue the work of the Mosleys' life journeys, the Foundation's giving program fosters continued access to education.
Community Impact
Community Impact
Community Impact
The Sebastian-Tunis Foundation invests in programs that give children stronger educational foundations through music education, books, and preschool learning. These investments are supported by research showing that early enrichment, literacy access, and high-quality preschool experiences can improve school readiness, engagement, and long-term opportunity.
Our MUSIC GRANTS support student engagement and achievement. National music-education research has reported that schools with music programs had higher attendance and graduation rates than schools without music education, including estimated graduation rates of 90.2% compared with 72.9%, and attendance rates of 93.9% compared with 84.9%. By supporting music education, we help expand access to creative learning that can strengthen confidence, discipline, collaboration, and school connection.
Our funding of BOOK SCHOLARSHIPS help reduce a barrier to higher education. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, schools reported that in 2023–24 the average estimated cost of books and supplies for full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students ranged from approximately $1,170 to $1,825, depending on institution type and level. A 2026 Student PIRGs report found that 70% of students reported skipping the purchase of a required course material because of cost, 38% said course-material costs affected course-taking or enrollment-related decisions, and 32.5% said these costs forced them to work extra hours, skip meals, or delay paying bills. By helping students purchase required books and learning materials, we support persistence, preparation, and access to credentials that can improve long-term earning potential and employment opportunities.
Our support of PRESCHOOL EDUCATION is another critical area of impact. The National Academies reports that high-quality preschool can foster critical development and learning that prepares children for success in school and life.
Through these targeted funds, the Sebastian-Tunis Foundation helps children gain access to music, books, and early learning experiences that support academic growth, creativity, emotional development, and future success.
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In 2022, the Sebastian-Tunis Foundation awarded a grant to support the Nashville Symphony Orchestra's Accelerando program, an intensive talent development and music education program designed to prepare gifted young students of diverse ethnic backgrounds for pursuing music at the collegiate level and beyond. The grant also supported the Symphony’s After-School Strings Residency in Nashville elemen
"Support from Jerolene T. Mosley Early Childhood Education Music Grant has been extremely beneficial to Detroit Waldorf School’s Music Program. These funds have introduced students to new music, instruments, musicians, and cultures which allows students to explore and expand their communication, collaboration, and music literacy and performance skills. On behalf of all of us at DWS, thank you