Since 2008, Austin Community Foundation (ACF) has distributed more than $9.9 million in scholarship awards to 5,338 students, helping unlock opportunities and advance economic mobility across Central Texas. Students who complete postsecondary education are likely to have higher earning potential, lower unemployment rates, and healthier life outcomes, making higher education one of the most powerful drivers of economic mobility.
Through one common application, ACF offers students more than 60 donor-directed scholarship opportunities and ACF’s pooled scholarship, Austin Futures. Together, our community invests in students—and in the future workforce and leadership of our region.
Austin Futures: ACF’s Pooled Scholarship Fund
Austin Futures is ACF’s scholarship fund designed to support Central Texas students pursuing postsecondary education—whether at a two-year college, four-year university, or technical program. Austin Futures uses a pooled scholarship model, combining gifts from individuals, families, and businesses into one collective fund.
Pooling resources allows gifts to grow together, increasing flexibility, responsiveness, and ultimately, impact. Each contribution, large or small, combines into something transformational. Most importantly, pooling funds allows Austin Futures to adapt over time, ensuring we continue to meet students’ evolving needs and respond to changing conditions in the Central Texas region.
This is community philanthropy at its best. For Central Texans, funded by Central Texans, to invest in our future leaders and workforce.
Who Austin Futures Serves
Austin Futures supports students in Austin and five surrounding counties who are graduating high school, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need through a narrative-based application process.
But Austin Futures offers more than financial assistance.
Laura Gómez, ACF’s scholarship program manager, stated, “It’s a vote of confidence in their dreams. The dollar amount alone doesn’t guarantee a degree, but it gives students confidence to continue and shows them that someone believes in their journey.”
Austin Futures is Volunteer-Powered
Each year, ACF recruits volunteers to review scholarship applications. This community-centered approach ensures that the people we serve are reflected in the people making award decisions, bringing lived experience, insight, and equity into the process. Past scholarship awardees make excellent reviewers.
Austin Futures Scholar: Michelle
In 2025, Austin Futures awarded scholarships to 15 graduating high school students attending four-year, two-year, and technical programs. One of those students is Michelle, who graduated from Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and is now attending Austin Community College.
Michelle shared her gratitude to Austin Futures donors:
“This scholarship will make a tremendous impact on my success at Austin Community College, where I will begin my studies to pursue my degree in nursing.
“Being awarded this scholarship—my very first—has not only lifted a weight off my shoulders but also reminded me that my dreams are within reach. Your support has inspired me to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacle. This opportunity would not be possible without generous donors like you. Thank you again for believing in students like me and for investing in our futures.”
Looking Ahead
Education is a pathway towards economic mobility, but only if students aren’t overburdened by loan debt. Looking forward, ACF’s goal is to continue growing Austin Futures so we can support not only students’ entry into college, but their persistence and success through graduation.
“It’s an honor to support students on their journey to higher education,” Gómez says. “More than the award or the degree they’ll eventually receive, I appreciate the opportunity to show students that they matter and that their dreams are possible.”
Empower Central Texas Students
If you’re looking to make an immediate, meaningful impact on the lives of Central Texas students, consider donating to Austin Futures. A gift to this pooled scholarship fund is one of the most effective and accessible ways to support students pursuing higher education.
Your gift to ACF is an investment in what can be. Because donations are combined, every contribution—no matter the size—goes further. Instead of supporting a single award, your gift joins others to create a flexible, growing fund that can reach more students, respond to changing needs, and deliver greater long-term impact. Be a part of something bigger, donate to Austin Futures today.
Contact Elizabeth Peña, senior director of advancement, at epena@austincf.org for more details on giving to Austin Futures, or to find other ways to support this important work.
