The Austin Community Foundation is the Heart of Giving in Central Texas
The Austin Community Foundation is a unique, not-for-profit connection between donors from all walks of life and the broad spectrum of efforts that improve our evolving community. The Foundation brings an efficiency of scale to these donors, allowing their charitable dollars to go as far as possible toward improving life for all Central Texans.

Jack Jenkins Debate Opportunity Fund

The Jack Jenkins Debate Opportunity Fund was established to enable economically disadvantaged high school students to fully participate in debate. Jack felt it was unfair that involvement in debate was limited to those who could afford it. He wanted everyone who valued exploring and discussing ideas to be a part of the debate community that he loved. The fund was inspired by Jack's life and beliefs and was created in his honor to allow his love to continue in a tangible way. Read more...


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Austin and Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the story of Austin. Without it, Austin just wouldn't be the same. That spirit of philanthropy is embodied today in the Austin Community Foundation.

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The Barton Spring Salamander Conservation Fund
2008 Grant Guidelines

The Barton Springs Salamander Conservation Fund has been established at the Austin Community Foundation by the City of Austin in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The purpose of the Fund is to promote conservation and research projects that benefit the federally endangered Barton Springs salamander, Barton Springs, and the Barton Springs watershed.

View Grant Guidelines

The Will Sarosdy Swim for Life Fund 

The Will Sarosdy Swim for Life Fund was established in Will's memory to support swim programs throughout the country, including especially programs to help underprivileged youth participate in the sport of swimming.  As an athlete and a coach Will recognized that swimming can help young people develop life-long friendships, positive experiences and core values including discipline, integrity and self-respect. 

 To read more about Will's life

 

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Bright Leaf 

In 2006, the Austin Community Foundation aquired Bright Leaf from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The Austin Community Foundation is committed to upholding the will of Georgia Lucas and preserving Bright Leaf. The Austin Community Foundation will work with the Friends of Bright Leaf to fufill the vision of Georgia Lucas.  Guided hikes are offered to the public at scheduled times.

Click here to contact the Friends of Bright Leaf for more information

The Austin Community Foundation Celebrated 30 years of Giving
by establishing the
ACF Education Endowment Fund

The Austin Community Foundation celebrated its 30th Anniversary.  Proceeds from the celebration dinner launched the ACF Education Endowment Fund with $325,000.  For more information on the ACF Education Fund click here...

The Austin Community Foundation
welcomes

New Board Members
Bobbie Barker
Beverly Silas
Sandy Gottesman

To learn about the new board members

and announces the

2008 Officers
Christopher Kennedy - President
Sylvia Acevedo - Vice President
Steve Shook - Treasurer
Max Sherman - Secretary


View the 2008 Board

Women's Fund of Central Texas

At its 4th annual “Power of the Purse” luncheon, the Women’s Fund of Central Texas granted $100,000 to 8 area non-profits that have programs focused on Women and Children’s Education and Development. Read more about the grantees...