Dear Members of the Area Foundation Family,
Our gratitude is immense as we work side-by-side with you, our fund advisors and donors through this crisis. We are only able to provide services, and amplify impact in community because you chose to create a philanthropic legacy through the San Antonio Area Foundation. Your fund, whether individual, family or corporate-based, continues to make a difference to so many in need! Together, we are helping our community as we manage the crisis and begin the recovery process.
Integral to Crisis Response And Recovery Efforts
COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
The good news continues on the COVID-19 Response Fund, which has now reached $6.3 million in donations! The H. E. Butt Foundation renewed their initial major gift, and a new substantial gift from The Humana Foundation created the latest round of synergy.
Over 160 nonprofits have been awarded more than $5 million since the fund’s inception on March 20. Virtually every sector of the nonprofit community has been awarded funds, and thousands of their clients are being served during this time of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our website has all the latest details on funders, nonprofits awarded, and more.
We look forward to sharing in a future edition how our donor advised funds have made a tremendous impact during this difficult time for so many.
San Antonio’s Luminaries share their thoughts on the Area Foundation’s Impact
San Antonio is blessed by a cadre of caring, collaborative philanthropic leaders. Gordon Hartman, Janie Barrera, Harvey Najim, Aaronetta Pierce, along with David Robinson, Sr., and Jr., all shared their thoughts on how the Area Foundation is making a difference in community. We are honored by their support, and are delighted to share this video with you.
SEMMES FOUNDATION – BUILDING SOCIAL CAPITAL
Semmes Foundation, Inc., a San Antonio based family foundation, was established by D. R. Semmes in 1952 for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. It awards grants primarily in San Antonio. Thomas R. Semmes serves as President and Cory Albracht as Executive Director.
John “Chico” Newman, Jr., investor and president of The John and Florence Newman Foundation, suggested to Tom that they look into developing a relationship with the San Antonio Area Foundation. “Tom is a wonderful and wise fellow who innately understands how to build social capital,” said Chico Newman.
In March 2019, the Semmes Foundation established a fund with the Area Foundation to make additional gifts to the community. The fund has already awarded over half-a-million dollars.
The COVID-19 crisis required a rapid response to community needs at the same time organizations had to adapt to a changed work environment. The COVID-19 Response Fund, jointly managed by the Area Foundation, the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, provided a vehicle for the distribution of funds and the Semmes Foundation made an initial six figure gift. The fund grew to $3 million and was nearing depletion when the Semmes Foundation invested again, ultimately forming part of a larger community response.
Quoting Mr. Semmes, “Cory and I were very pleased with the ability of the San Antonio Area Foundation to rapidly funnel grants to our designated charities and the Covid-19 Response Fund, especially when our office was essentially closed.”
Stronger Together
If our team of professionals can provide any assistance or answer any questions, please engage with your relationship manager, or email us at givenow@saafdn.org. We will continue to update you as our community’s needs evolve during the crisis and recovery efforts.
Thank you for your support as we care for each other and our community through this time.
With appreciation,
