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The Most Trusted Philanthropic Partner in San Antonio and South Central Texas

Over $800 Million in Impactful Grants and Scholarships.

Celebrating 60 Years as YOUR most impactful and trusted philanthropic partner.

Addressing Social Challenges Through Diverse Initiatives

Transformative Community Engagement for the Past 60 Years.

Tailored Solutions for Managing Charitable Funds For Individuals and Organizations

Pioneering Philanthropy for the Past 60 Years.

San Antonio Area Foundation Through The Years

Our History

The Area Foundation was established in 1964 by Richard E. Goldsmith through a $100,000 family donation (spread over 10 years) in honor of his late father, Nate Goldsmith. The small volunteer crew got to work right away, issuing the first grant in 1965 to help children with disabilities. The college scholarships program launched in 1969. By 1973, the Area Foundation managed more than $1 million in assets. In 1978, the $2.9 million bequest left by Semp Russ became the largest gift ever to the Area Foundation.
(Pictured left to right: Toni Goldsmith and Richard E. Goldsmith)

Dubbed “the year of change,” the Area Foundation had grown to managing $22.3 million in assets in 1985. That was also the year when the organization hired its first-ever paid staff (three employees). A new official logo was unveiled in 1992. In 2001, the Area Foundation received the “Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation” award from the San Antonio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. That same year, the Area Foundation funded $7 million in grants and $875,000 in scholarships.
(Pictured: Katherine Netting Folbre, First Executive Director of the San Antonio Area Foundation)

The Area Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, the same year it awarded $32 million in grants and scholarships to the community. Later that same year, San Antonio lost a beloved friend and entrepreneur, John L. Santikos. He left his entire estate to the Area Foundation, in what then became known as the John L. Santikos Legacy Gift, totaling approximately $600 million. It also established the current system whereby proceeds from Santikos theaters are turned into grants to community nonprofits through the Area Foundation.
(Pictured: John L. Santikos)

The Area Foundation reached a milestone in 2023 by reaching $100 million granted out in scholarships since 1969. This era also saw the board approval of a five-year strategic plan including a new mission and vision driven to reach for higher leadership potential while being more intentional than ever to ensure that everyone in our community has an equal opportunity to reach for their goals no matter what zip code they call home. In 2024, the Area Foundation celebrates its 60th anniversary looking forward to 60 more years closing opportunity gaps for those who need it most.

We Owe Our Success to You

Your Achievements

Over the last 60 years, the San Antonio Area Foundation has become the epicenter of philanthropy in our region. We’ve done this by guiding investments that help our neighbors most in need. The objective is to ensure we all have the same opportunity to reach our goals no matter what zip code we call home.

All it takes is wanting to give back to your community

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Anyone Can Be a Philanthropist!

Help us celebrate 60 incredible years of impact by sharing YOUR story with us! Thousands of people have seen their lives and chances of success improve through the support of The Area Foundation. Whether you’ve been a part of our journey, contributed to our impact funds, received support, or witnessed positive changes in your community, we want to hear from YOU!

Learn How To Share Your Story

Share Your Story

Your Vision, Our Action: Amplifying Impact Across Our Community

What We Do

Elevate the Arts

Provide Lifeline

Empower Older Adults

College Scholarships

Youth Success

San Antonio Forever

Enrich Your Community Today.
Which Cause Aligns With Your Values?

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Immediate Impact

You have big dreams for your community. We have the infrastructure. Let’s collaborate.

Partner With Us

Leave Your Mark.

Legacy Impact

Excellence, Passion, Integrity & Community (EPIC) compose our Fundamental Existence.

Foundational Values You Can Count On

We invest in continuous learning and personal development. We exceed expectations in service to others. We do our best. We do it right. We do it now.

Excellence

We work with humility, energy, and joy. We explore and embrace new ideas. We value and celebrate one another.

Passion

We are honest, trustworthy, and transparent. We honor our donor’s wishes. We are accountable for everything we do.

Integrity

We collaborate to serve and build community. We invest to create positive change. We practice inclusion and diversity.

Community

You have come to us with dreams for your community and financial goals of your own. You have challenged us to expand what gifts we accept and how they are made. Thank you for fueling our growth to make philanthropy more inclusive and accessible to like-minded advocates like you. The best part? You’ve done good for the community and your wallet.