The Austin Story

People who live here feel passionate about the city.

Since the village of Waterloo became the City of Austin in 1839, it has been the beneficiary of many of its citizens' philanthropy, which grew out of the love they felt for the community.

Take a look at some of the gifts Austin can credit to local philanthropists:

  • Zilker Park
  • Barton Springs
  • Mt. Bonnell
  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden
  • The Long Center
  • Dell Children's Medical Center
  • Ann Butler Hike & Bike Trail
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Bright Leaf Nature Preserve

These gifts represent a spirit of philanthropy from people who loved Austin and wanted to give back to a special community.

Philanthropy is the story of Austin.

That spirit of philanthropy is embodied today in the Austin Community Foundation. The Austin Community Foundation has touched literally every part of Austin. Whether it's arts, education, healthcare, human services or the environment, the Austin Community Foundation works to keep Austin a very special place to live, now and in the future.

In 35 years, the Austin Community Foundation has been the heart of giving in Central Texas.

Together, we can shape our city for future generations. Together, we can help you build your own history of philanthropy. Let's meet the needs and aspirations of Austin today and tomorrow.

The Austin Community Foundation. Fostering philanthropy for the lasting good of the community.

ACF offers opportunities for high-impact generosity to shape and define Austin. For 35 years, we have used our deep knowledge of local issues, local leaders and local needs to provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to give back to the city they love. With services ranging from strategic philanthropic consultation to asset management and allocation, ACF multiplies the power of charitable gifts by providing opportunities for growth, connection and perpetual investment in the Austin way of life.

Created in 1977 with a $30,000 gift from Fanny Gray Leo, the Foundation has grown over the past 30 years to more than $100 million in assets. Today we manage almost 1,000 funds for individual donors, and the number of funds is growing every day.

LEARN MORE about how you can be a part of Austin's great history of philanthropy.