The San Antonio Area Foundation began as a tribute to Nat Goldsmith, a unique man who cared deeply for our community. Gregarious and fun-loving, Nat was a well-respected civic leader, beloved and generous friend, talented businessman and devoted father.
When he died in 1963, Nat’s brother, Mannie, challenged Nat’s son, Richard, to find a permanent way to honor Nat. “What our community really needed was a permanent endowment that could fund a variety of causes. I discovered that there were such things. They were called community foundations,” said Richard. He created the Nat Goldsmith Memorial Trust in 1963, leading to the Area Foundation’s establishment in 1964.
From humble beginnings, starting with a $10,000 gift from the Nat Goldsmith Memorial Trust, the San Antonio Area Foundation is now a powerful force for community good. The Area Foundation awarded its first grant of $868 in 1965 and its first scholarship of $100 in 1969 and over $500M since its founding.