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.

The Austin Communtiy Foundation is a proud partner of the I Live Here I Give Here Campaign.

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 was an accomplished debater who thought debate, as all things in life, should be fair and open, affording everyone equal opportunity. Jack wanted everyone who valued exploring and discussing ideas to participate in the debate community that he loved. The work of the fund is tangible evidence of Jack’s ideals, giving life changing opportunities to young debaters.  Read More

    
Make a donation

To learn more about Jack, you may visit these memorials: WC Fish or the Austin American-Statesman

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.  Read more

The Austin Community Foundation supports many philanthropic efforts throught the Austin community.  Each year we join efforts with the Austin American-Statesman's Season for Caring Campaign.  Read more about 2008 Season for Caring

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

 

Make a donation

To apply for a grant - 2009 Grant Guidelines

Read about first grant to SWIM

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

Austin Community Foundation
Continues its Long Term Strategy

As we look back at 2008 and forward to 2009, many of us remain focused on the state and performance of the American economy and its impact on our families, businesses, communities and futures. 

Read more about ACF's commitment to its long term strategy...

FuturoFund Austin

The FuturoFund was created in hopes to benefit community causes while building a new generation of Latino leaders.  Each member contributes $500 a year and has one vote. 

Read more about the Futuro Fund 

Futuro Fund Members

FuturoFund Pledge Card 

Read the Austin American-Statesman Article about the Futuro Fund

Is it possible to grow a Generation of Givers?

Based on the results of its pilot year, Austin non-profit A Legacy of Giving would offer a resounding "Yes!"
A Legacy of Giving is dedicated to teaching the value of philanthropy to Austin area school children.
Read more...

Austin Students Honored at White House