We believe in building a city where San Antonio residents are deeply connected, have equitable opportunities to thrive, and contribute to the vitality of our community.
Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to fuel innovative strategies and improve alignment of investments to close opportunity gaps for those who need it most.
The San Antonio Area Foundation invests in the nonprofit community through funds established by caring donors who entrust us with their philanthropic goals. We always seek to understand our community needs, nurture relationships, and support organizations that drive meaningful change.
In addition to our grantmaking, investment and endowment services and leadership on key community-wide initiatives, the Area Foundation offers nonprofits a range of additional programs and resources.
Community Initiatives
ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME BY SUPPORTING THESE VALUABLE INITIATIVES.
Grants
WE TAKE A TRUST-BASED APPROACH TO GRANT MAKING.
Resources & Training
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR NONPROFIT LEARNING PROGRAMS TO SUSTAIN & BUILD YOUR ORGANIZATION.
SUPPORTING NONPROFITS
We support, strengthen and sustain you in a variety of ways.
The San Antonio Area Foundation uses a variety of approaches to address the root causes of social challenges and advances equity through Trust-Based Philanthropy.
We provide leadership, funding, research, and strategic collaboration while building relationships within the community to create a city where one’s ZIP code or background no longer determines their future. By supporting, strengthening, and sustaining nonprofits, we progress toward realizing a vision where San Antonio residents are deeply connected, have equitable opportunities to thrive, and contribute to the vitality of the community.
KEY INVESTMENT AREAS
THE AREA FOUNDATION SUPPORTS
The San Antonio Area Foundation imagines a vibrant arts and culture community that increases connectivity, empowers all San Antonians, and reflects the cultural diversity of our city. This impact area aims to preserve San Antonio’s rich culture and history and enhance community connectivity through the arts.
The San Antonio Area Foundation envisions a thriving, connected and resilient San Antonio where residents can enjoy safe and stable lives full of opportunity in every zip code. Utilizing a multi-faceted approach to reduce economic segregation, this impact area focuses on approaches that:
- Build capacity for under-resourced non-profits through professional development, general operating support and learning circles.
- Mobilize communities through advocacy expanded access to information.
- Catalyze collaboration by convening cross-sector actors and shifting resources and priorities to support zip codes with limited access to resources.
- Generate knowledge through investments in research and innovations that build on existing assets in under-served communities.
The San Antonio Area Foundation believes in building an attractive and livable community that supports the improved health, well-being, and autonomy of older adults and values the contributions of all older adults. Knowing that aging begins well before an individual reaches their 50s and 60s, this impact area engages the community and adults of all ages through approaches that:
- Support programs focused on strengthening safety nets and caregiving support for older adults.
- Catalyze collaboration by supporting innovative, effective collaborative efforts and partnerships between system actors and supporting older adults in San Antonio.
- Shifting the narrative on aging by building awareness and reframing mental models around aging and the assets and contributions from older adults.
- Generate knowledge by sharing data, learnings and building capacity within aging adult-serving organizations.
The San Antonio Area Foundation supports a broad spectrum of organizations in San Antonio and the surrounding areas that support the improved educational, social-emotional success, and autonomy of young people, fostering equitable outcomes within the communities we serve. This this impact area supports organizations that create opportunities for all youth to thrive in adulthood, closing opportunity gaps for youth ages 0-24:
- Informing policy by supporting programming, research and advocacy that seeks policy solutions addressing systemic inequities.
- Mobilizing communities by supporting young people in advancing their own educational vision and elevating youth voice and leadership.
- Catalyzing collaboration by convening cross sector stakeholders to develop integrated, experiences for youth both in and out of school.
- Expanding post-secondary support to ensure youth are prepared for and can succeed in college, career, or other pathways to adulthood.
The San Antonio Area Foundation engages in several strategic partnerships and initiatives intended to build community capacity by responding to community needs, help organizations grow and advance equity.
The Area Foundation engages community stakeholders in fulfilling its mission and achieving its vision, San Antonio area residents are deeply connected, have equitable opportunities to thrive, and contribute to the vitality of the community, by creating space for community leadership and community led collaborations.
Trainings & Classes
The Area Foundation offers a range of nonprofit-related courses and certificate programs to build your capacity and sustain your organization. In addition, we regularly partner with university faculty and world-class businesses to bring you our training programs.
LEARN HOW WE SUPPORT
THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY
Learn how Janie Barrera makes a difference with the San Antonio Area Foundation.