Austin Community Foundation

Please join us in congratulating Adiee Gonzales, Melissa Holden, and Sara Watson on their recent promotions! While we promote staff more frequently than we share, a group of this size feels indicative of the exciting place we're in as an organization. We look forward to continuing to grow—and grow with—our amazing team.

Calling all Central Texas nonprofits—there's still time! Apply for a grant from the Hispanic Impact Fund and/or Women's Fund by July 31. This grants cycle, ACF will award $1 million in unrestricted, general operating grants, and nonprofits can apply for one or both opportunities using our single application. Learn more and get started at austincf.org/grants.

We're proud to highlight our transformative partnership with LiveOak Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests not only in promising startups but also in our Central Texas community. Since their inception over a decade ago, we've helped LiveOak create and expand their charitable giving programs. Read the full story for a powerful example of what's possible when you manage your philanthropy with ACF.

We're excited to announce that ACF is now accepting applications for the 2024 Jordan Award! This award recognizes an organization that excels in harnessing volunteer efforts to drive positive community impact. This year, we're awarding $9,500—our largest amount to date! Central Texas nonprofits are invited to apply by August 15 at bit.ly/JordanAward2024.

ACF accepts a wide variety of complex assets, and one impactful but often overlooked method of giving is real estate. Donating real estate offers numerous benefits for you and your community, regardless of the property type. You can learn more about this unique form of philanthropy in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gKe_NF6p

Join us in celebrating three staff anniversaries this summer: Jana Griggs, Stephanie Sessa, and Melissa Rupert! Read on to hear about something valuable they've learned while working at ACF. Jana Griggs, CPA / Controller / 6 years at ACF “One valuable thing I’ve learned while working at ACF is the power of collective teamwork towards our impactful strategic goals.” Stephanie Sessa / Senior Donor Relations Officer / 2 years at ACF “I’ve learned so much about the positive impact of community-based philanthropy and supporting donors in their giving journeys.” Melissa Rupert / Digital Marketing Coordinator / 1 year at ACF “Gratitude—for the amazing team here, the nonprofits working hard to better Central Texas alongside us, and everyone who has gotten involved in our journey along the way. Thank you!”

Be part of ACF's growing team! We're seeking folks passionate about making a difference in Central Texas to fill two new positions: Program Coordinator, who will work closely with our Community Impact team to organize events and meetings related to our signature programs; and Scholarship Program Manager, who will oversee the Foundation's scholarship program as part of our Donor Relations team. Interested in learning more? Visit austincf.org/careers to apply!

It was inspiring to be amongst others just as passionate as we are about bettering Central Texas! Special thanks to Squeezed Consulting for hosting this insightful session, and to Jené Shepherd, M.A. (she/her) and Leisa Stone for sharing their experiences during a panel with our VP of Marketing and Communications, Misty Whited. 

With help from ACF's Housing Accelerator Loan Fund, Mary Lee Square in South Austin will be redeveloped into Lamar Square, adding 400 new affordable units. This collaboration between Foundation Communities and the Mary Lee Foundation will provide homes for families, single adults, and residents with disabilities, all earning less than 60% of the area median income. Read the full story below.

Check out new funding opportunities from St. David's Foundation providing one-time, unrestricted grants to eligible organizations. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/gPkAUS-u.