CFA: Community Grants

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers community grants to enhance the quality of life in the Abilene area. Established in 1985, it supports local nonprofit organizations through a flexible funding model, addressing various sectors such as health, education, and community development. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with occasional larger requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve populations within Taylor County, ensuring impactful community development through strategic funding.

The Community Foundation of Abilene (or "Foundation") is a public foundation committed to improving the quality of life in the Abilene area. In 1985, the Foundation was established with a permanent unrestricted endowment whose earnings benefit the local community through grants to charitable nonprofit organizations serving within Taylor County. These funds give the Foundation the flexibility to support the changing needs in our community through competitive community grant cycles, offered yearly each fall and spring.
Funding Guidelines
Grants through the community grant cycle are awarded from the unrestricted endowment and field of interest funds held at the Foundation. The Foundation maintains full discretion over all grantmaking decisions.
In regard to funding, the Foundation considers the following: operating expenses, special projects, innovative programs, capacity building, and capital requests.
Funding Amount
Requests should range from $5,000 to $35,000. Occasional capital requests of up to $50,000 may be considered.
Grants exceeding $20,000 are awarded infrequently.
Any request exceeding $35,000 requires an applicant interview with staff prior to application submittal

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must hold a current tax-exemption status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. This includes traditional nonprofit agencies with current 501(c)(3) status, recognized government entities requesting funds for public charitable purposes, K-12 schools, community/junior colleges, colleges and universities, or faith-based organizations with programs or projects that benefit the community at large.Grant funds are restricted to nonprofits serving populations within Abilene and Taylor County, Texas.Eligible organizations can receive one community grant per 12-month period

Ineligibility

Organizations who receive a fall community grant are not eligible to apply in the spring cycle immediately following, and vice versa.Organizations that do not submit community grant evaluations will be ineligible to apply for future grants.
In regard to funding, the Foundation does not award grants for:Activities which do not benefit the citizens of Abilene, Texas, or Taylor County
Membership fees
Tickets or sponsorship sales for charitable fundraising efforts
Church-related activities unless they involve the community as a whole
Travel for groups, such as school classes, clubs or sports teams
Deficit budget expenses or retroactive funding for current projects, programs or equipment
Capital debt reduction
Individuals, except through the Foundation's educational scholarships
Political projectsThe Foundation does not approve multi-year grants.