2025 was a year that reminded us of what Central Texans do best: show up for one another in times of need. Across the region, many organizations were stretched thin, but community generosity and shared commitment helped sustain critical work when and where it was needed most. This year affirmed a simple truth: everyone has a role to play in creating a thriving community. Neighbors, nonprofit partners, and donors alike stepped forward, using their voices and resources to support each other through uncertain moments.
Meeting the Moment
When deadly floods devastated parts of Central Texas and the Hill Country this summer, ACF fundholders raised over $855,000 in eight weeks to support recovery and relief efforts. ACF directed the surge of gifts to trusted organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Central Texas Community Foundation, and Austin Disaster Relief Network. After national funding cuts for public media, ACF fundholders increased their grantmaking support for Austin PBS and KUT, Austin’s NPR station. And when the Central Texas Food Bank experienced a 30% increase in demand of its services amid a government shutdown, ACF issued a $50,000 unrestricted grant followed by an additional $123,000 in grants from fundholders. This year, our community’s resilience and kindness showed the impact we can have when Central Texans come together to support one another.
Expanding Access to Affordable Homes
Mike Nellis, CEO, accepting ULI Austin Award.
Not only did the Central Texas community respond to urgent needs, but they also invested in housing affordability—a critical foundation for stability and opportunity. Our Housing Accelerator Loan Fund, which received the “Next Big Idea” award from the Urban Land Institute this year, continued to expand access to safe, affordable homes across Central Texas.
Additionally, ACF invested $6.3 million in three new projects in 2025: Bailey at Berkman, Ovetta Rosedale, and Goodnight Ranch. Once complete, these developments are expected to provide approximately 221 units for vulnerable populations like veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals with disabilities or experiencing chronic homelessness.
A Permanent Resource for Central Texas
ACF launched the Forever Austin Fund, a permanent community resource that invests in Austin’s most pressing needs and greatest opportunities, now and for generations to come. The response from the nonprofit community was immense, with over 530 proposals submitted in its inaugural year. After four months of review by ACF staff, board members, donors, and 90 trained community reviewers, the Forever Austin Fund awarded $2.3 million in unrestricted, general operating support to 99 local nonprofits. Supported organizations represented a diverse pool of applicants, encompassing a range of sizes, geographies, and populations served. See a full list of grant partners.
To improve the 2026 cycle, we have introduced an eligibility quiz and letter of intent (LOI) stage to make the process more equitable, transparent, and accessible. The LOI opens January 5. Learn more about the 2026 grant cycle here.
Guided by Research, Grounded in Community
Attendees at the report launch reading Advancing Latino Futures.
In January, the Hispanic Impact Fund released an updated status report, “Advancing Latino Futures,” building on research conducted in 2021 and 2018. Grounded in data and community voice, the report highlights progress in Hispanic communities across Central Texas and identifies persistent barriers and emerging opportunities. These findings, alongside the Women’s Fund 2023 status report “Women’s Issues are Community Issues,” help guide the focus areas, priorities, and strategies for ACF’s signature programs.
This data-driven approach was reflected in the conclusion of another successful grant cycle for the Hispanic Impact Fund and Women’s Fund, celebrated at our Grants Celebration breakfasts in December. Thanks to generous contributions from donors and corporate sponsors, ACF awarded $1.1 million to 29 nonprofits working to advance economic mobility for Central Texans. See a full list of 2025 grant partners.
Leaders Behind the Work
In addition to organizational and community milestones, we are proud to celebrate several professional achievements among our staff this year. The following team members stepped into new leadership roles:
ACF staff photo at our annual retreat.
- Rebekah Anthony, CAP®, Senior Director of Donor Engagement
- Jana Griggs, CPA, VP of Finance
- Cybil Guess, Chief of Staff
- Meagan Longley, Chief Impact Officer
- Kim McCrary, PHR, Director of HR & Executive Aide
- Elizabeth Peña, Senior Director of Advancement
- Misty Whited, Senior VP of Marketing & Communications
Several staff also earned professional certifications this year and took on leadership roles within the philanthropic sector:
- Stephanie Sessa, Senior Donor Relations Officer and Rebekah Anthony earned their Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certifications.
- Shannon Stagner, Donor Relations Officer, earned her Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) certification.
- Jana Griggs, CPA, VP of Finance, was elected board president of the Finance Administration & Operations Group.
- Zoë Morrisey, Grants Coordinator, joined the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) board.
We are deeply proud of our staff’s continued commitment to learning, leadership, and service in support of Central Texas.
A Community Celebration Returns
Attendees at Austin in Common 2025.
Central Texans have shown what’s possible when we come together with shared purpose. Austin in Common is the ultimate celebration of that. This year, more than 700 people gathered to celebrate the impact of local philanthropy, connect with community-minded leaders, and hear inspiring stories from people contributing to a better Austin.
Join us in continuing this momentum. Austin in Common returns on April 14, 2026. Early-bird tickets are on sale now through January 15, 2026! Use code “earlybird26” to snag your discount at checkout.
To stay connected in 2026, sign up for our e-news or follow us on social media. As we look ahead, we remain committed to learning, mobilizing ideas and resources, and stewarding generosity—both for today and for the long term.
