Impact
We use data to identify the areas of greatest need and opportunity in Austin, invest in philanthropic dollars in those areas, and measure our results.
A community foundation is a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in a specific region and beyond. Community Foundations bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support local causes and address the needs in their communities.
Through funds established at Austin Community Foundation, donors award grants and scholarships to people and organizations residing primarily in Central Texas, specifically Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties.
Austin Community Foundation was created through the generosity of one woman, Fannie Gray Files Leo. She wanted a way to provide for her favorite charities and upon her death, she earmarked five percent of her estate ($30,000) to create Austin Community Foundation. In 1977, a group of business leaders, led by Fannie Gray’s bank trust officer, officially founded Austin Community Foundation. In creating the foundation, Austin followed the example of hundreds of cities across the country with the goal to meet community needs and inspire local philanthropists to create endowments to generate earnings and distribute grants.