Looking beyond the GPA
Abigail, a 2026 Scholarship Recipient
For scholarship reviewers, the process begins with getting to know the students behind the applications. A scholarship application offers a glimpse into a student’s educational goals, experiences, responsibilities, and aspirations. Reviewers see not only where a student is today, but where they hope to go—and how a scholarship can help them get there.
ACF intentionally invites community members, especially past scholarship recipients, to participate in the process, ensuring funding decisions are informed by the communities they affect. For reviewers, reading these applications can also offer fresh perspective and inspiration as they learn about the next generation of leaders in their community.
Learning from local organizations
Austin Parks Foundation, a 2026 Forever Austin grant partner
The Forever Austin Fund offers a different window into Central Texas. Reviewers read applications from nonprofit organizations working to address urgent and systemic challenges across the region. Some organizations may already be familiar to volunteers, while others introduce them to work they had never encountered before.
Through training and a shared rubric, volunteers learn equitable, trust-based review practices while considering each organization’s approach, community knowledge, and potential impact. The process provides a deeper understanding of both the challenges facing Central Texas and the organizations developing solutions. It can also inspire reviewers to deepen their community engagement by volunteering, donating, or serving on a board—creating a ripple effect beyond the grantmaking process.
As one 2026 reviewer, Nora, put it: “I was reminded of or learned about organizations that were not on my radar that deserve support, and I was reminded why I love Austin—it’s the caring people.”
Beyond the review process
The experience often stays with volunteers long after the applications have been scored. For Kay, volunteering was a way to return the support they had once received: “As someone that has utilized services in Austin to help me while in need, this gives me a chance to pay that kindness forward. I believe it’s our civic duty to help our communities and this is one of the most impactful ways to do so.”
For others, the experience creates a stronger sense of connection. Willie, for example, shared that it helped him “be more connected with the Austin community” and gave him insight into the work happening behind the scenes to strengthen our region.
By contributing their time, perspective, and attention to the review process, volunteers support a more community-informed approach to philanthropy—and gain a deeper understanding of Central Texas along the way.
Your perspective can help shape a stronger, more equitable Central Texas. If you’re ready to turn your experience and insight into meaningful community impact, fill out our interest form to learn about future volunteer reviewer opportunities.
