Still Water Foundation
Still Water Foundation is a private family foundation based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to strengthening communities through high-impact philanthropy. The foundation operates with a sophisticated, relationship-driven approach to grantmaking and strategic partnerships with other philanthropic organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$19.8M
+69.4% YoY
Grant Count
91
+15.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$217K
+47.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Still Water Foundation is committed to making a positive, lasting impact through visionary grantmaking and strategic partnerships. The foundation focuses on:
- Arts and Culture
- Education
- Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Protection
- Social Services and Human Services
- Spirituality and Faith-Based Programs
- Community Strengthening and Development
The foundation emphasizes rural Texas development, with particular focus on Central and rural West Texas regions, including the Permian Basin and Trans-Pecos areas, as well as statewide initiatives to increase access to rural broadband.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $86 to $17,000,000
How to Apply
** Still Water Foundation does not consider unsolicited proposals. The foundation's staff regularly identifies and cultivates relationships with nonprofit organizations and other foundations to explore prospective funding opportunities and partnerships. Nonprofits and prospective partners may submit a brief description of their work aligned with Still Water's focus areas through the foundation's contact form. Due to limited capacity, not all inquiries will receive a reply.
Ready to take the next step with Still Water Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Still Water Foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Texas (emphasis on Central and rural West Texas, including the Permian Basin and Trans-Pecos regions)
- California
- New Mexico
- District of Columbia
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $147,119,911 (2024)
Total Revenues: $14,645,033 (2024)
Total Expenses: $13,440,429 (2024)
Total Giving: $19,756,834 (based on most recent IRS 990 filing)
Staff: 5 employees
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Ellen Ray – Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
Ellen has led Still Water Foundation for over two decades, overseeing all philanthropic endeavors and community partnerships. Prior to joining Still Water, she served as Executive Director of FotoFest, an international photography festival in Houston, and worked at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. She is a long-time trustee of St. Stephen's Episcopal School and served as Executive Chair of the Board. Ellen also serves on the board of the Austin Community Foundation and is the founding President of MINDPOP, an organization dedicated to expanding creative learning in Austin classrooms. She is a founding member and President of the Board at Texas Rural Funders, a coalition of philanthropic organizations focused on rural Texas development.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JULIA M WILKINSON | CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| JAMES A FLIELLER | TREASURER | 8 | $156,360 |
| DUNCAN E OSBORNE | VP/SECRETARY | 12 | — |
| ELLEN O RAY | CEO | 55 | $432,033 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Still Water Foundation gifted $5 million to LANDMARKS at the University of Texas at Austin
Still Water Gifts Landmarks $5 Million | LANDMARKSBlanton Museum of Art received a $5 million grant from Still Water Foundation
Still Water Gifts Landmarks $5 Million | LANDMARKSThe foundation celebrated 40 years of operations
Celebrating 40 Years at Still Water FoundationThe foundation continues to support historic preservation initiatives, including work related to the Martin County Convent
Contact Information
Address: 1606 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
Website: stillwaterfdn.org
Contact: Available through website contact form at stillwaterfdn.org/contact/
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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