News & Announcements

For more information about News & Announcements, contact MariBen Ramsey, Vice President, 512-472-4483.

MariBen Ramsey Named Interim President/CEO

ACF Wins $185,500 Knight Foundation Community Information Challenge Grant

July 2, 2012

ACF, Philanthropy and A Medical School

The efforts to build a medical school and teaching hospital in Austin are led by Senator Kirk Watson and a consortium of government and nonprofit agencies. Although philanthropy is anticipated to play an important role in the effort, details of those opportunities are not yet fully developed as funding details for the full cost are still being determined and other funding sources identified.

In the meantime, HealthyATX, a fiscal sponsorships of the Austin Community Foundation, is a campaign to increase the knowledge of our area's healthcare needs. It also promotes the "10 Goals in 10 Years," a checklist by State Senator Kirk Watson of facilities, partnerships, resources and goals. Accomplishing those would help Central Texas get closer to meeting our healthcare needs and access.

So far there have been financial commitments made by two not-for-profit organizations. In May, University of Texas regents promised $25 million annually, contingent on Austin community members’ ability to come up with $35 million a year. The local commitment could come from a variety of sources including taxes, assessments and private donations. The regents also committed $5 million for the first eight years to help recruit the best faculty and staff available.

Seton Healthcare Family has pledged $250 million to build a new hospital to replace the existing, publicly owned University Medical Center Brackenridge, which they operate under a lease agreement with Central Health. Seton anticipates $50 million of that pledge will come from private donations.

In the future, there will likely be “naming opportunities,” where local philanthropists will be asked to make a sizable donation toward a bricks-and-mortar facility. There will also be opportunities to donate toward chairs, research efforts and scholarships associated with the medical school. Significant increases in behavioral health facilities and services will also be an opportunity for philanthropic involvement.

What is clear is that Austin will not be tapping into the state government for funding. Most medical school efforts across Texas – in the Valley, El Paso and others – are hinged on state funding. But according to Watson, Austin is going to tap its own resources to achieve his “10 in 10” goals.

“It means getting creative about joint ventures that various public-sector, private-sector, nonprofit and philanthropic partners can launch to create and fund these new resources,” says Watson.

LEARN MORE HealthyATX.org

June 4, 2012

Austin Community Foundation Names Interim President and CEO

The Austin Community Foundation has selected Jim Pendergast to be Interim President and CEO. Pendergast will lead ACF's operations during its transition to a new permanent president. May 30 was his first day.

Pendergast has been an admired civic and business leader for decades. He is the former chairman and honorary lifetime member of the Texas State University Development Foundation Board of Directors and is a past chair of the City of San Marcos Sunset Commission, evaluating 30 city commissions, boards, and committees.

Professionally, Pendergast was the president of San Marcos Telephone Company (now CenturyLink) and the CEO and co-founder of Fiber America, Inc., a facilities-based broadband fiber optic network serving Austin and San Antonio.

"Jim's unique blend of service in the business and philanthropic sectors will serve ACF well," says Steve Shook, ACF Board of Governors Chair. "We're excited to have his leadership while the board continues its comprehensive search for a new president."

May 21, 2012

ACF announces more than $800,000 in grants for wildfire recovery

Final round of grants made from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund to 9 organizations.

The Austin Community Foundation announced today that it is awarding the final round of grants from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund (CTWF), totaling more than $830,000. The CTWF was created by the Austin Community Foundation to support long-term recovery efforts in those communities affected by the wildfires of Labor Day weekend.

Since the CTWF was created on September 6, 2011, more than $1.4 million was raised from donors across the country. The largest donation was made as a result of the “Fire Relief” concert held in October 2011 and featuring Willie Nelson, George Strait, the Dixie Chicks and more.

“We’re excited to put this money into the communities that are still recovering from the wildfires of last fall,” said MariBen Ramsey, VP, COO and General Counsel of the Austin Community Foundation. “The organizations selected by the grants committee are those working on the ground now to assist families, build homes, restore the environment and keep these communities on the road to recovery.”

Mike Fisher, Emergency Management Coordinator for Bastrop County said that the decision by ACF to delay the latest round of awards for a few months was likely very beneficial to the citizens of the county.

“As I look at this latest and last award cycle, I see projects that address problems that were not even contemplated at the first round of funding,” said Fisher. “I appreciate the thoughtfulness and hard work from the ACF in assisting our recovery efforts.”

The first round of grants from the CTWF was made in December 2011. At that time, 10 organizations received grants totaling more than $560,000.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was one December grant recipient, receiving $90,000 to provide disaster case management in Bastrop.

“Thanks to the $90,000 grant from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund, we were able to leverage our grant to provide over $900,000 in direct services for clients across Central Texas,” says Elizabeth Disco-Shearer, Associate National Executive Director-South Central Region of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

In this second round of grants, 10 organizations received grants totaling more than $830,000. Money from the fund was also used while the wildfires were still burning to assist families and volunteer firefighters with basic needs like food and shelter.

During a time of disaster, the Austin Community Foundation serves as a central location for collecting donations into disaster funds. There is no fee paid to ACF from its wildfire relief funds. Grants from the fund are made to nonprofit organizations and government agencies, not to individuals, that are identified as providing direct services and have established systems in place to assess needs and get help to wildfire victims.

The grants are being made from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund, which is led by a volunteer committee of community leaders who are focused on getting people’s lives restored from the wildfires, stretching every dollar, making highly informed grant decisions and retaining flexibility to address emerging needs.

Today, all the money donated to the CTWF is being used to help these communities recover. While there are no more funds available to grant at this time, donations continue to be accepted.

Learn more about the Central Texas Wildfire Fund

April 19, 2012

Austin Community Foundation Announces Departure of CEO Jeffery Garvey

Austin Community Foundation has announced the resignation of Jeff Garvey, the organization’s CEO since 2011.

“Our board accepts Jeff’s decision to leave his full-time role at ACF with genuine appreciation for his service,” Steve Shook, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Austin Community Foundation, said. “Our staff and search plans in place promise a smooth transition,” Shook added, noting Garvey remains CEO until May 15.

“ACF’s 34 year-long history is about being a trusted philanthropic partner by helping generous people give wisely where they wish,” Shook said, “and we accept change, knowing from our long history that change often goes hand-in-hand with our region’s dynamic growth.”

With current assets of more than $100 million, the Austin Community Foundation helps Central Texans connect donors to causes they care about. ACF manages assets and provides a variety of services for more than 900 donor-advised funds for individuals, families, corporations and non-profit organizations.

April 1, 2012

Check out our new timeline on Facebook!

We've updated our Facebook page to the new timeline layout, and it is now easier than ever for you to learn about prominent events in the Austin Community Foundation's 35 year history. On the right side of the page is the timeline. Click anywhere on it to learn what was happening at ACF that year.

For instance, the above is of the Austin Community Foundation's first Board of Governor's ceremony at the Austin Hotel in 1977.

March 28, 2012

"The Fundraising School" a Huge Success; ACF & AFP Partnership Brings World-Class Training back to Austin

Last week development professionals from across Central Texas gathered at the Long Center for an in-depth course called, Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Indiana University's baseline course for all of The Fund Raising School courses. The course was taught by IU Center for Philanthropy faculty members, Deborah Eschenbacher, M.A.

Linda Brucker, Executive Director for A Legacy of Giving, said: "What a gift it was to be able to attend the Fundraising School! The instructors from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University were among the best trainers I've encountered and the training was the best I have received since I left Procter & Gamble. It was a great investment for our organization to make; to help look at our sustainability. Thank you ACF for bringing this opportunity to our city and to A Legacy of Giving."

On Facebook? See class photos and read more about The Fundraising School on the ACF Facebook page.

February 17, 2012

Austin Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

President & CEO Jeff Garvey adds to the ACF board's leadership for 2012.

February 17, 2012, AUSTIN- Today, the Austin Community Foundation welcomes six new members to its Board of Governors.

The ACF Board of Governors consists of respected community leaders who represent the rich diversity and broad interests of Central Texas. Their knowledge and sensitivity to local issues and needs provide invaluable leadership to the Austin Community Foundation. The Board of Governors is charged with establishing policies, setting organization-wide priorities and program strategies, and ensuring that the financial stewardship and operations of ACF are conducted with integrity and accountability.

"These six individuals represent the broad diversity of the thriving city Austin has become," says Jeff Garvey, ACF CEO and President. "We're excited to have their leadership and vision to help guide and strengthen the foundation for the benefit of the entire region."

In addition to Garvey, the newest members of the Austin Community Foundation Board of Governors includes the following:

Ray Benson

Ray Benson is the front man of the Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, which has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy awards. Benson is also a founding member of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which raises money to help aging R&B artists, and past member of the board of directors of the SIMS Foundation which provides low-cost mental health services to Austin musicians and their families.

Carmel Borders

Carmel Borders is president of the Tapestry Foundation whose primary focus is early childhood education and social emotional learning. Borders is past chair and board member of the National Institute for Literacy. She's also served on the boards of Texas State Board for Educator Certification and the Texas Book Festival. She currently serves on the National Jump Start Board, Westcave Preserve, and the Advisory Council for Success by Six of Central Texas. Borders is a member of the University of Michigan President's Advisory Group and the Chancellor's Board for the University of Texas Systems. An educator for 20 years, she has seen the benefits of early education and social emotional learning. Borders received her bachelor's and master's from the University of Michigan. She has three children and lives in Austin with her husband, Tom.

Jan Lehman

Jan Lehman founded Lehman Associates in 1981 to provide retained, customized searches for the public and private sectors. An Austin native, Lehman has served on the boards of numerous private and nonprofit corporations including the St. David's Foundation, the Salvation Army, the North Austin Medical Center, KLRU and others.

Rosie Mendoza

Rosa Mendoza is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Texas. She has more than six years of experience as a comptroller of a major nonprofit entity and more than 15 years of public accounting experience, including experience with the national accounting firm of KPMG. In her 25 years of service, she has provided audit and consulting services to a wide variety of clients including nonprofits, governmental entities and other commercial entities. Mendoza currently serves as the managing shareholder for R. Mendoza & Company, P.C., and as the chairperson for Central Health. Mendoza has been an active volunteer for numerous charitable organizations throughout her career. In addition to serving a four-year term as Treasurer and a Board of Manager for the Travis County Healthcare District, she also serves as Treasurer and Board of Director of Annie's List, Board of Director of the Austin Geriatric Center, Inc. and Austin Recovery. In 2006, she also served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

David Porter

David Porter serves as A Glimmer of Hope Foundation's Executive Director. Before joining the Glimmer Austin Team in 2003, he worked for a broad range of companies and organizations including IBM, UPS, Boys and Girls Club of Austin, Austin ISD, Austin/Travis County Youth Advocate Program and City of Austin Police Department. He continues to work with various organizations in the city and county to provide after-school programs and basic services to those who are underprivileged and often neglected.

Evan Smith

Evan Smith is the editor in chief and CEO of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, non-partisan digital news organization based in Austin. Before co-founding the Tribune, Smith spent nearly 18 years at Texas Monthly, including eight years as editor and a year as President and Editor in Chief. On his watch, Texas Monthly was twice awarded the National Magazine Award for General Excellence. Smith currently serves on the Medill School of Journalism board of advisers and the Texas Book Festival board of directors. Smith has also served on the boards of The Blanton Museum, The Austin Film Society, KLRU and Trinity Episcopal School.

January 19, 2012

Funding for Wildfire Recovery Announced

The grants are being made from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund, which is led by a volunteer committee of community leaders who are focused on getting people’s lives restored from the wildfires, stretching every dollar, making highly informed grant decisions and retaining flexibility to address emerging needs.

During a time of disaster, the Austin Community Foundation serves as a central location for collecting donations into disaster funds. There is no fee paid to ACF from its wildfire relief funds. Grants from the fund are made to nonprofit organizations and government agencies, not to individuals, that are identified as providing direct services and have established systems in place to assess needs and get help to wildfire victims.

"We take our responsibility seriously," says MariBen Ramsey, VP, COO and General Counsel of the Austin Community Foundation, "and we are committed to making sure the generosity of donors meets the needs they intended their donations to meet."

Grants from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund are still available, and ACF continues to seek applications from qualifying organizations serving wildfire victims.

For more information about the grants process, please visit "About the Central Texas Wildfire Fund."

For a complete listing by category of the grants, click here.

November 1, 2011

ACF to Suspend Creation of New Fiscal Sponsorships

The Austin Community Foundation is proud of our services to the philanthropic community, including donor services, scholarship funds and fiscal sponsorships.

Fiscal sponsorships allow ACF to offer our legal and tax-exempt status to projects related to our mission. Hundreds of projects in Central Texas have relied on our administrative services in the past few years, and we’ve been happy to offer these services with minimal fees.

Unfortunately, the administrative services available to fiscal sponsorships are at capacity. Therefore, we cannot create new fiscal sponsorships at this time. As ACF continues to grow, we will reexamine our ability to accommodate new fiscal sponsorships in the future.

If you’d like to learn more about pursuing a 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt nonprofit, we recommend you contact the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (www.tano.org) or Texas C-Bar (www.texascbar.org). Both offer guidance and services for projects such as yours.

October 20, 2011

Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas Raises $725,000 to Help Victims of Central Texas Wildfires

Bill Powers, president of The University of Texas at Austin, presented a check for $725,000 to the Austin Community Foundation Thursday, Oct. 20, representing the net proceeds from the Oct. 17 Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas at the university's Frank Erwin Center.

The concert, organized by musicians Ray Benson and Eric Johnson, Peter Schwarz (Bismeaux Productions), Michael Hall (Texas Monthly) and others from the Austin music community, was a sellout performance with more than 16,300 in attendance.

The all-star lineup of Texas musicians performing to raise money for victims of the late summer Central Texas wildfires included Christopher Cross, Terri Hendrix, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Asleep at the Wheel, The Texas Tornados, Randy Rogers Band, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, The Dixie Chicks and George Strait. Actor/filmmaker Turk Pipkin and actor Kyle Chandler served as emcees for the event.

"Part of being a great university is being a good neighbor, helping to solve problems and supporting the community in which you live," said Powers. "I'm delighted that UT could help make this benefit a reality, and I'm gratified by the enormous response from the people of Central Texas. Every catastrophe eventually leaves the headlines, but we should all continue to think of ways to help those who are rebuilding their lives in Bastrop County."

Jeff Garvey, president and CEO of the Austin Community Foundation, accepted the "Fire Relief" check presented by Powers on behalf of the university and the many people who contributed their time, talent, money and resources to help the fire victims.

"The Austin Community Foundation is honored to receive the proceeds from the Fire Relief: Concert for Central Texas," said Garvey. "We are grateful to the organizers, the musicians, the University of Texas and all the volunteers who made this both a meaningful and memorable event to support our friends and neighbors who have been affected by this disaster. ACF will work diligently to ensure this money is used as effectively as possible to assist Central Texas communities with their recovery."

The concert was produced by The Messina Group/AEG Live. The net proceeds will go to Central Texas community organizations and charities via the Central Texas Wildfire Fund at the Austin Community Foundation. The goal of "Fire Relief" is to help fire victims with long-term issues and problems, such as regaining livelihoods.

Major sponsors of the concert included H-E-B, AT&T, Dell, Big House Sound, Southwest Airlines, Chevron, Delaware North Companies, ExxonMobil and Farmers Insurance. Midnight Lighting, Fender, Global Event Group, MobileJets, Ilios Lighting, W Hotel Group, Peavey, Soundcheck Austin, Sysco, Ben E. Keith Foods, Onstage Systems, Telescript West and Republic Print also supported the concert.

Between acts during the concert, the emcees encouraged the audience to donate $10 to Austin Community Foundation's Central Texas Wildfire Fund by texting FIRE to 84465, a number set up for contributions that is still accepting donations. About $11,000 has been raised through the texting initiative.

October 20, 2011

Free Glasses for Kids at Texas Book Festival

Kids 5-12 years old invited to get free exams and some will get glasses on the same day

The Essilor Vision Foundation, the Austin Community Foundation and other members of the Austin Kids Vision Coalition will offer qualifying young children free eye exams and glasses at the annual Texas Book Festival, October 22-23, in Austin near 9th St. and Congress Ave.

A screening team and optometrists will be on-hand to offer free vision screenings and eye exams from a tent and a large van. The project will offer new, prescription glasses to the children who need them but can’t afford the exam or glasses. Some glasses can be made on-site the same day. The free 2-day “Kids Vision for Life” program to offer glasses for needy kids is a collaboration lead by Essilor Vision Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Essilor, the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses.

According to Essilor Vision Foundation’s research, 25% of school children living in the U.S. have a vision problem significant enough to affect learning. Studies also show that 70% of juvenile delinquents have uncorrected vision problems.

“It’s not acceptable to let a child fail simply by ignoring an easily corrected vision problem,” said Ken Engelhart, President of Austin based VisionWeb, which provides software portals to the eye care industry. “This effort is the result of many Austin organizations and leaders who are identifying ways to ensure that all the children in Austin who need glasses get them.”

FREE GLASSES FOR KIDS
Free eye exams and glasses for kids 5 – 12 years old
Prescription lenses and designer frames offered at no cost to families

When:
Texas Book Festival
Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm (be in line by 4 pm)
Sunday, October 23 from 11:00 am-5:00 pm (be in line by 4 pm)

Where:
Texas Book Festival, South of the Capitol,
corner of 9th Street and Congress Ave.
Free parking 9th St. at Colorado

Who is eligible?
Children ages 5-12
Qualify for free or reduced lunch (no proof of income or birth certificate necessary)
Targeting children without vision insurance or CHIP

Details
Parents must sign a consent form before exam
Proof of residency or income not required
Exams and prescription glasses and frames will be provided at no cost to families
Dozens of volunteers will be on hand
Se habla espanol

October 17, 2011

Text "FIRE" to 84465 to Donate $10 to Central Texas Wildfire Fund

Today, in conjunction with tonight's FIRE RELIEF: The Concert for Central Texas, the Austin Community Foundation launched a "text-to-give" campaign that allows anyone with a cell phone to make an immedite $10 donation to the Central Texas Wildfire Fund.

To donate $10 by cell phone:

1. Text FIRE to nmber 84465 to give $10 to CTX Wildfire Fund

2. When prompted, reply with YES to confirm the donation and have it added to your phone bill

3. Wait a moment and when prompted reply with YES again to join the mobile community and continue the conversation

$10.00 donation to Austin Community Foundation Central Texas Wildfire Fund. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 84465 to STOP. Text HELP to 84465 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T

"The text-to-give opportunity is just another way we can make it easy on donors to support the long-term revovery of the areas affected by wildfires," says Jeff Garvey, ACF President and CEO.

The text-to-give information will be announced during the concert and on posters, banners and on screens. Those not attending the concert are also invited to donate.

Donations are also accepted by credit card online at AustinCF.org/wildfirerelief and by checks made to "Central Texas Wildfire Fund" and mailed to Austin Community Foundation, 4315 Guadalupe St. Ste 300, Austin, TX 78751.

All donations by text, credit card and check are tax deductible. For more information, contact Monica Williams at 512-472-4483 or mwilliams@austincf.org.

September 21, 2011

Concert to Raise Money for Central Texas Wildfire Fund

On Wednesday, September 21, Ray Benson, Eric Johnson, Mike Hall, Jimmy Earl and John Graham will announce performers, ticket information and details about Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas.

All proceeds will be dispersed to central Texas community organizations and charities via the Central Texas Wildfire Fund at the Austin Community Foundation.

An all-star lineup of Texas musicians will come together to help the victims of the devastating central Texas wildfires that have destroyed 34,000 acres and more than 1,500 homes. The fires outside Bastrop have destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Texas history. Losses are estimated to reach $250 million, and odds are the disaster isn’t over yet since it is still very hot and dry in Texas.

AEG Live’s The Messina Group, the Southeast’s premier concert promoter, has secured several renowned musicians for the lineup. There will be a silent auction at the concert for fans to buy specialty items autographed by the artists. T-shirts with the concert’s logo will also be for sale.

September 6, 2011

ACF Announces The Central Texas Wildfire Fund

Individuals, organizations and companies invited to donate to fund to help victims of Labor Day weekend fires in Bastrop, Steiner Ranch, Leander and more.

To donate online, go to www.AustinCF.org/WildfireRelief

The Central Texas Wildfire Fund was created to help donors assist the people and organizations affected by the fires over Labor Day weekend across Central Texas, including Bastrop, Leander, Steiner Ranch and more.

The fund will allow ACF to support large and small Austin-area nonprofit agencies that are providing services to victims in Central Texas. The funds will assist with the short- to intermediate-term financial burdens caused by fire relief efforts.

All donations to the fund are tax deductible and will be accepted by phone, in person or online, by check and credit card.

“The fund will support the work of organizations like the American Red Cross of Central Texas as well as smaller organizations that are on the ground helping fire victims directly,”says MariBen Ramsey, vice president, COO and general counsel of ACF. “We don’t know which organizations will receive the money right now,” she says, “but we will accept requests for the funds as soon as they start to become available.”

The Austin Community Foundation has a strong network of nonprofits in the region and can identify those working to help fire victims. Because of these relationships as well as ACF’s status as a charity and a foundation, ACF is well suited for collecting and distributing the
donations, and helping donors track their donations for tax purposes.

“We’re happy to help,” says Jeff Garvey, president and CEO of ACF. “Our job is to be responsive to the needs in our community, and to give friends, family and neighbors an opportunity to help, too.”

Organizations receiving the grants must be either (i) non-profit organizations exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) a governmental entity that does not have emergency relief as its primary purpose (e.g. a public school or public health clinic). Organizations will be asked to complete a short application to qualify for the funds. Organizations wishing to apply for the funds should contact MariBen Ramsey at info@austincf.org.

August 14, 2011

Announcing the Establishment of The Barton Springs Salamander Conservation Fund

The Barton Springs Salamander Conservation Fund has been established to promote conservation and research that benefit the federally endangered Barton Springs Salamander, Barton Springs, and the Barton Springs watershed. The funds may be used to study Eurycea salamander biology, captive breeding and refugium populations, watershed dynamics, and potential maintenance techniques for Barton Springs Pool. The funds may also be used for educational tools or land acquisition. The Austin Community Foundation is managing this fund on behalf of the City of Austin in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Public or private entities are eligible, including qualified individuals, firms, governmental agencies, academic and private institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Applicants should submit three paper copies and one electronic file of the proposal to the Austin Community Foundation at:

Austin Community Foundation
Attn: MariBen Ramsey
4315 Guadalupe Street
Suite 300
Austin, TX 78751

*Information on the City's Barton Springs Salamander program is available online at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watershed/salamander.htm

For initial inquiries concerning the City of Austin's federal and state permits, salamander biology, and/or high priority salamander conservation topics, applicants can contact Dr. Laurie Dries, Environmental Scientist, City of Austin, at 512-974-6340 or laurie.dries@ci.austin.tx.us.
Copies of the Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan may be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; 512-490-0057 or online at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/recovery/index.html.

Deadlines: None. Proposals will be reviewed as they are submitted. Applicants will be notified within 6 months from the date of proposal submission whether or not funding will be awarded.

August 8, 2011

MariBen Ramsey Honored by Austin Business Journal

MariBen Ramsey, ACF vice president, legal counsel and COO, was named one of the Austin Business Journal's "2011 Women of Influence/Profiles in Power" n July. As a leader, donor and volunteer in the nonprofit community, Ramsey demonstrates her commitment to the betterment of Austin every day.

"I'm honored to receive this award from the business community," says Ramsey, "because it shows us how much they value the work we're doing to make Central Texas better for everyone."

August 3, 2011

Women's Fund Grant Application Process Begins August 8, 2011

The Women's Fund of Central Texas is a philanthropic fund established to benefit women and children. It is administered by the Austin Community Foundation. Grant requests should be for programs that effect women and/or children.
PLEASE NOTE: Requests should be for programs that solely benefit women and/or children.

The Women's Fund of Central Texas grants process is now online! From August 8, 2011 we will begin accepting Letters of Inquiry online only-click here to begin. The final deadline for your Letter of Inquiry is 5:00 pm, Friday, August 26, 2011. For questions please contact Rachel Lasseter at rlasseter@austincf.org or call 512-472-4483.

*You will need to sign in using your ACF login, if you have one. If not, you will need to create one.

July 20, 2011

Austin Community Foundation Awards $483,100 in Scholarships in 2011

More than 350 Central Texas students will receive scholarships through Austin Community Foundation this year. The amount sets a new record for ACF scholarship funds.

The Austin Community Foundation is a charitable organization working to improve the quality of life for everyone in Central Texas, and every year it awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students pursuing secondary education at accredited schools throughout the United States.

A total of $483,100 is being awarded to students from more than 142 scholarship funds within the foundation this year.

Austin Community Foundation scholarships are established by individuals, companies, and civic groups and assist students with tuition and other school-related expenses. The scholarships may be set up as memorials, by mentors to a specific school, by alumni of high schools for current students or by other Austin nonprofits that raise money to support the education of the clients they serve.

"Anyone can open a scholarship fund at the Austin Community Foundation," says Amy Allen, Scholarship Director. "We're proud to offer this important and meaningful service to the community."

Each year, the Austin Community Foundation works with individual scholarship committees to review applications on behalf of donors who entrust the foundation with administering the annual awards. Scholarship applicants are considered based on the criteria for each scholarship fund.

The Austin Community Foundation scholarships have grown from 32 scholarships in the amount of $52,945 in 1996 to 352 scholarships totaling $483,100 today. "This is all because of the generosity of Austin and our fund holders," says Jeffery C. Garvey, Austin Community Foundation President and CEO. "The growth and success of our scholarship funds reflect the commitment we show as a community to the education of our young people."

###

July 13, 2011

Humana Invites Austin Charities to Apply for $100,000 Grant

Thanks to a charitable grant program sponsored by health-benefits company Humana, Inc., Central Texas charities now have a way to apply for additional funding for their programs this year. Non-profit organizations in the Austin area are invited to apply for the $100,000 Humana Communities Benefit- Austin grant. Applications from eligible non-profit organizations are being accepted now through Friday, July 22nd. Please visit www.humana.com/HCB to download a copy of this year's application and review program guidelines. Questions can be directed to Humana by email to HCBAustin@humana.com.

June 20, 2011

"The Fundraising School" a Huge Success; ACF & AFP Partnership Brings World-Class Training to Austin

Last week 30 development professionals from across Central Texas gathered at the Long Center for an in-depth course called, Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Indiana University's baseline course for all of The Fund Raising School courses. The course was taught by IU Center for Philanthropy faculty members, Dr. Tim Seiler and Deborah Eschenbacher, M.A.

Brett J. Barnes, development director for LifeWorks, said: "Thanks, ACF, for making this incredible training possible. To say this was a week well-spent is a HUGE understatement. I am rejuvenated, inspired and ready to raise more money! Having The Fund Raising School in our community made the training even richer since we were able to get more from the practical aspects and pose community-relevant questions to the enitre class. Thanks for giving us new tools to be better at our jobs that ultimately enrich our community."

On Facebook? See class photos and read more about The Fundraising School on the ACF Facebook page.

June 2, 2011

ACF Names Jeff Garvey New President & CEO

The Austin Community Foundation (ACF) announced today that Jeffery C. Garvey has been selected by the Foundation’s Board of Governors to serve as President & CEO. Garvey will lead ACF’s mission to promote local philanthropy and make enduring investments aimed at improving the quality of life for Central Texans. Garvey will begin work at the Foundation on July 5.

Garvey has been an admired business and philanthropy leader in the Austin community for more than 30 years. He is a founder of Austin Ventures, one of the largest venture and growth equity firms in Texas. Garvey has also served on the boards of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, KLRU, Center for Childhood Protection, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and St. Edward’s University. Garvey is the Vice Chairman and Founding Chair of the LIVESTRONG Board of Directors and served as the executive director of LIVESTRONG from 2001 to 2003.

"Jeff Garvey's background and experience demonstrate a tradition of excellence and high achievement," says Jolynn Free, ACF board chair. "We are looking forward to Jeff's leadership and philanthropic stewardship in Central Texas."

Garvey and his wife, Bonita live in Austin, Texas and have two daughters, Gyllian and Sloane.

May 5, 2011

Tony Werley- Austin Breakfast at Headliners

Please join us for a discussion on navigating the current market environment, asset allocation and best practices for foundations and endowments with Anthony Werley.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
7:30 -9:00 a.m.

The Headliners Club
221 West 6th Street
Austin, TX

Please RSVP to Elizabeth George at elizabeth.george@jmorgan.com or 713-216-0012 by May 13, 2011.
Download a flyer here.

April 27, 2011

Non-Profit Endowment Matching Initiative

The Austin Community Foundation seeks to promote and support the concept of area non-profits creating and building permanent endowments. The Foundation is pleased to announce its third Non-Profit Endowment Matching Initiative. The objective of the Initiative is to strengthen the non-profit sector through endowment building by assisting organizations to establish or grow endowments.

The Austin Community Foundation will be requesting proposals from Austin area non-profit organizations for participation in a Non-Profit Endowment Matching Initiative. By offering a total of $200,000 in matching grants, the Austin Community Foundation seeks to inspire local non-profit organizations to help secure the future of their missions by establishing an endowment fund or adding to an existing endowment fund.

Following a proposal review process, up to 10 organizations will be selected and challenged to raise $20,000 each year for four years beginning in 2012. Each successful organization will receive a 1:4 match of up to $5,000 from the Austin Community Foundation each year of the Initiative. All endowment funds will be administered by the Austin Community Foundation. Deadline- May 20th.

To download the Request for Proposal packet, click here.

Adoption Coalition Awarded $162,000 Collaboration Prize

The 2011 Collaboration Prize is a national award presented by the Lodestar Foundation to nonprofit organizations that collaborate effectively to gain greater impact. The Adoption Coalition of Central Texas has been a fund at ACF since 2003.

After receiving a record-breaking 800 applications, the panelist chose The Adoption Coalition of Texas, which was founded by five nonprofit organizations and the State of Texas. The award was presented at a luncheon held in New York City on Friday, April 8, 2011.

“We work with one mission – to help kids of all ages and ethnicities get adopted,” said Bruce Thompson, executive director, Adoption Coalition of Texas. “It is an honor to be named the grand prize winner of the 2011 Collaboration Prize and we hope our example encourages others in the nonprofit sector to create new partnerships, share resources and establish joint programs, as collaboration has been extremely successful in our efforts to provide assistance to more kids, teens and families throughout the state of Texas, while also establishing our organization as a national expert on teen adoption.”

“The Collaboration Prize was established to celebrate nonprofit organizations that join forces to deliver substantive community or field impact – showcasing how collaboration is a strategy that can lead to greater social good,” said Jerry Hirsch, The Lodestar Foundation Chairman.

“The Adoption Coalition of Texas has demonstrated that agencies working together, instead of competing, can effectively advance a shared goal, and in this case, help hard to place children and teens find permanent homes.”

Read about Adoption Coalition of Central Texas in ACF Stories: http://www.austincommunityfoundation.org/?nd=acfstories

April 7, 2011

ACF Collaborates to Bring Kids Vision pilot to area schools

More than 26,000 kids in Central Texas who need glasses don't get them.

Many children who can't see well aren't even aware of their vision problem. When a child can't see, their poor performance in school and tendency toward behavior problems can put them on the track toward academic failure and even cause them to drop out before graduating.

A new pilot project in Austin is helping to identify these children and get them an exam and the glasses they need, free of charge.

The project is called Kids Vision for Life, a consortium of local and statewide organizations organized by the Austin Community Foundation, all on a mission to help more children do better in school- and life.

"Anyone who wears glasses or contacts knows what it's like to not be able to see well," says AISD School Health Coordinator, Tracy Lunoff. "Imagine how many children can't learn to read simply because they have a vision problem. So we're trying to remove at least that barrier, and partnering with these local organizations, businesses, and Essilor will help."

Right now, Kids Vision For Life pilot programs are taking place in a select number of Title-1 schools in the Austin area. Children are screened at the school and identified for potential vision problems. Those who need glasses will get a prescription and head over to the Kids Vision van on-site where they'll then receive a doctor's exam and free prescription lenses and high quality designer frames.

The lenses and exams are donated by the Essilor Vision Foundation, the charitable arm of the Paris-based lens manufacturer. Essilor also provides the exam equipment and free frames

"The success of this project in Dallas and Fort Worth prompted us to expand this to other areas of Texas," says Ed Fjordbak, president of Essilor Vision Foundation. "Dozens of organizations in Austin who care about kids' health and success are working on this with us. Now we need more partners to pitch in and help accomplish the goal of getting glasses on every kid who needs them in the greater Austin area."

For more information, contact MariBen Ramsey at mbramsey@austincf.org

April 6, 2011

ACF: Multi-Cultural Engagement Training Series Kicks Off in May

In collaboration with Engage 501, TANO and Cultural Strategies' statewide multicultural engagement initiative, the Austin Community Foundation will offer a training series to equip nonprofit organizations, funders, and community partners with the tools and understanding on how to engage with multicultural and diverse residents in the communities.

The goal of this collaboration is to share some strategies and tactics nonprofits can use to enlist more people from this untapped population to support their causes.

"Put simply, it's about building cultural sensitivity," says MariBen Ramsey, ACF interim president and CEO, "but with a real goal in mind. We don't want the nonprofit community to miss this opportunity."

Local newspapers report a shift in the demographics of Central Texas to a younger, more diverse population. "Hispanics in particular are looking for more ways to engage in a civic and philanthropic life," says Mando Rayos, vice president for engagement at Cultural Strategies, "and local nonprofits would do well to create new entry points for this audience."

The training will kick off with an event on May 3 at the ACF offices and will offer monthly half-day trainings through October. For more information, contact Monica Williams at mwilliams@austincf.org.

Board Members, Fund Holders Celebrate the Season at Holiday Party

Graciela and Chancellor Cigarroa graciously hosted the ACF Board Meeting and Holiday Party at The University of Texas System Bauer House. Board Members, spousespartners, former Board Members, spousespartners, and fund holders attended this annual event. We were pleased to gather 100 or so of our biggest supporters in the beautifully decorated home.

Click here to see photos from the event.

December 1

Giving Card Lets Austin Give the Gift of Giving

Today the Austin Community Foundation introduces Giving Cards for the holidays. The Giving Card is a simple way to give a unique and meaningful gift, and all proceeds benefit charity.

“Giving Cards are another way we hope to foster philanthropy in Austin,” says MariBen Ramsey, interim president and CEO of the Austin Community Foundation. “We’re pleased to provide a unique service to the community and, as a nonprofit ourselves, continue our support of other nonprofits in Austin and beyond.”

Giving Cards can be purchased by anyone in any amount. Much like retail gift cards, Giving Cards make a great gift for friends, family, colleagues, co-workers, employees, grandmothers… anyone! Giving Cards can be redeemed to benefit any public charity in the United States, including schools, churches and synagogues.

How to buy a Giving Card:
1. The buyer goes online to www.austincf.org and clicks on the picture of the Giving Card.
2. The buyer chooses from a variety of designs and purchases one or more Giving Cards in any amount.
3. ACF mails the card to the buyer, who then sends the Giving Card to the recipient. The buyer also gets a tax deduction for their purchase.

How to redeem a Giving Card:
1. Giving Card recipient goes online to www.austincf.org and clicks on the picture of the Giving Card.
2. Using the 6-digit card number on the back of the card, the recipient redeems the card by choosing from a list of Austin-area nonprofits or by entering in the name and address of the nonprofit of their choice.
3. It’s that easy! We send a check for the whole amount on the card to the charity you indicated.

ACF has already sold hundreds of Giving Cards in the pre-launch phase to individuals, corporations and nonprofits. “We’re ready to introduce Giving Cards to all of Austin,” says Ramsey, “and we’re pleased to be meeting the needs of a community that obviously wants to give.”

Giving Cards are available for purchase now at www.austincf.org. ACF can also accommodate orders of 10 or more cards or even customized cards. Please contact us at 512-472-4483 for more information.

November 17

ACF Celebrates Georgia B. Lucas Birthday & 15th Anniversary of Fund

On November 17, 2010, Georgia B. Lucas, a lifetime resident of Austin, would have been 93 years old. To celebrate her generosity and spirit, more than 30 people gathered at the Austin Community Center for cake and stories.

"Miss Lucas was an extraordinary person with a big heart," says MariBen Ramsey, interim president and CEO of ACF. "

In 1995, Miss Lucas left her estate to the Austin Community Foundation to create a permanent endowment, the Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Fund. At inception, the Fund was valued at $5 million. Today, the Fund is valued at more than $15 million and more than $8 million has been granted to 200 non profits in Central Texas. Thanks to her extraordinary generosity, Miss Lucas will continue to benefit our community now – and forever.

For more information about an endowed fund, click here.

October 21

ACF Launches First Issue of GivingCity Austin

The new issue of GivingCity Austin features an inside look at The Junior League of Austin, plus a listing of 75+ Ways to Give this holiday season. The issue is filled with news, information, profiles and features about the Austin philanthropy community. And it's all online.

Click here to start reading the online GivingCity Austin.

The issue has already received some feedback from the foundation community. See a blog post on The Communications Network, an organization for professional foundation communicators, here.

Says foundation President and CEO Ken Gladish: "GivingCity is a perfect partner for a community foundation interested in stimulating the conversation about giving in our town. A creative and independently associated 'voice' that shares our passion for building the culture of generosity just makes sense. We are not viewing the magazine as a house organ…but we definitely want it under our roof."

Click here to read the post on The Communications Network.

October 20

MariBen Ramsey Chosen for Special Recognition Award from Austin Fundraising Professionals

At its monthly luncheon, the Austin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals named the winners of their annual Philanthropy Day Awards. Among the winners was MariBen Ramsey, who will receive the Special Recognition Award at AFP-Austin's annual Philanthropy Day event.

This award is presented to an individual, an innovative project or an organization that does not fit into any of the pre