More than one hundred years ago, in 1914, the community foundation concept was born in Cleveland, Ohio, giving rise to a new type of philanthropy, a new way of participating in community and a new vision for the future. Community foundations turn collective giving into big impact. Community foundations give everyone access to the power of endowment. Community foundations are devoted to the people and places you love.

We invite people with a vision and a passion for community to create something together- for good, forever. Community foundations collectively manage more than $48 billion in assets and make grants of approximately $4.5 billion a year to improve life in their communities.

When you contribute to the endowment managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, your gift is invested over time. Earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift—and all future earnings from your gift—is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work today and in the future. This philanthropic model has spread beyond U.S. borders, with approximately 1,800 place-based foundations established in 68 countries.

We are proud to be confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, meeting the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Program requires community foundations to document our policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. The Standards are audited and accredited through a peer-review process.