Grant Guidelines

The Austin Community Foundation encourages grant requests for projects or programs that: 
  • are likely to have a substantial impact on the quality of life of a significant number of people in the community;
  • propose practical ways to address community issues and problems;
  • leverage other sources of support (i.e., funds or volunteers);
  • stimulate others to participate in addressing community problems;
  • are innovative, a new initiative, or an enhancement of a program;
  • assist non-profit organizations to maximize effective management;
  • are cooperative efforts and minimize or eliminate duplication of services;
  • are sustainable over time.

The Foundation has limited resources, so there are restrictions on the scope of the activities the Foundation is able to support. In general, the Foundation does NOT grant funds for:

  • unrestricted general operating expenses;
  • the use of and payment for services of a fiscal agent;
  • endowment funds;
  • religious organizations for religious purposes;
  • fundraising activities or events (i.e., annual fund drives, telephone solicitations, benefit tickets);
  • umbrella funding organizations that intend to distribute funds at their own discretion;
  • political lobbying or legislative activities;
  • individuals.

The Foundation is willing to review any proposal that has the potential to have a major impact on Austin and the surrounding community.

Review our Grantmaking Policies and Procedures.