ACF: Jordan Award

Background

While many community foundations across the country were created by several donors, Austin Community Foundation was created through the generosity of one woman. After her husband’s death in 1963, Fannie Gray Leo met with bank trustee George K. Meriwether, seeking his advice about how to provide for her family and favorite charities including the cancer center where Jack received care, as well as homes for orphans and for the elderly. Upon her death in 1975 it was discovered that Fannie Gray Leo had earmarked 5% of her estate, or $30,000, to create Austin Community Foundation (ACF). In 1977, two years later, Austin Community Foundation was established.

We work together with individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to address the greatest needs and opportunities in Central Texas. We primarily serve Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties.

We carry out this work through two signature programs, the Hispanic Impact Fund and the Women’s Fund —collective-giving networks led by community members who share responsibility for the vision, fundraising, and grantmaking.

The Jordan Award

Nonprofit organizations often count on volunteers to help efficiently deliver on their mission. The Jordan Award recognizes a Central Texas nonprofit that effectively leverages the time and talents of volunteers to effect positive change in our community.

About Dr. Wylie Jordan

Dr. Wylie Jordan became part of the Foundation’s community of givers when it was founded in 1977. In fact, he was a board member for Recording for the Blind—one of the first organizations to receive a grant from ACF. Over the years, he became increasingly impressed with volunteers on the boards at Austin Community Foundation and other nonprofits in the community, and began to think about how volunteerism should be recognized.

In honor of Dr. Wylie Jordan’s legacy and passing, ACF will close out the Jordan Award in 2025 by awarding two grants, each $11,500 in value, focusing on exceptional volunteer programs.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• In order to be considered eligible for the Jordan Award, an organization must:
  • Have tax-exempt status under Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code and units of government, or have a 501(c)(3) Fiscal Sponsor
• Work in the following counties
  • Travis, Burnet, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson

Ineligibility

• In general, the following are not eligible for the Jordan Award:
  • Endowment funds
  • Scholarships
  • Religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Fundraising activities or events
  • Umbrella funding organizations that intend to distribute funds at their own discretion
  • Political lobbying or legislative activities
  • Individuals