Our Values
Excellence
We invest in continuous learning and personal development.
We exceed expectations in our service to others.
We do our best. We do it right. We do it now.
Passion
We work with humility, energy, and joy.
We explore and embrace new ideas.
We value and celebrate one another.
INTEGRITY
We are honest, trustworthy and transparent.
We honor our donor’s wishes.
We are accountable for everything we do.
Community
We collaborate to serve and build community.
We invest to create positive change.
We practice inclusion & diversity.
Helping the community
Making an impact:
Our History
2020: Fifty-six years of Area Foundation history
The faces of our more than fifty-year history represent remarkable generosity and impact. Since our founding in 1964, we have adapted and grown, but our work with donors to address the San Antonio area’s needs through grants, programs, scholarships and training has remained constant.
1964: San Antonio Area Foundation Established with Honorarium Gift
Mannie Goldsmith sought to create a memorial to his brother, Nat, to honor his wisdom, compassion, and love for San Antonio. With guidance from Nat’s son, Richard E. Goldsmith, Mannie made a gift of $100,000 payable in $10,000 a year for 10 years that ultimately established the San Antonio Area Foundation.
1978: First Major Gift Received
A $2.9 million bequest from Semp Russ was the turning point in the Area Foundation's young history.
1981: First Paid Executive Director Hired
Katherine Netting Folbre
1996: Assets Reach $50 million
The Area Foundation reached a first with $50 million in assets.
2000: Assets Reach $100 Million
The Area Foundation reached another major financial milestone with $100 million in assets.
2020: Assets Surpass $1 Billion Mark
Through a transformational gift from an anonymous donor, the Area Foundation surpassed $1 billion in assets under management. The new gift will double the scholarships awarded to deserving students starting in the 2021-2022 school year!