How the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley Gives in Texas

While many community foundations in Texas focus on just a single city or county, the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley (CFBV) has a seven-county region of focus. This foundation has been around since 2003 and administers over 100 funds, which collectively total more than $10.6 million.

Last year, CFBV distributed over $1.3 million in grants and scholarships, which was a significant increase from past years. Now is therefore a great time to get to know this community foundation and how it chooses to spread around its growing assets.

CFBV community grants

This community foundation’s main goal is to administer giving from funds that have been established by local donors to support nonprofits in the area. Many of these funds are set aside to support specified organizations. However, some CFBV donors allow their funds to benefit broader fields of interest, and that funding can be accessed via CFBV’s competitive grant process.

CFBV accepts community grant applications throughout the year, but typically adheres to a deadline in mid-October for applicants to be considered for the current year. There’s an annual giving celebration in November or December during which the foundation awards these community grants to nonprofits that provide local community services.

The Leo L. Livingston Fund

In addition to community grants, CFBV also administers the Leo L. Livingston Fund, which was established by the late Doris Livingston in memory of her husband. This particular fund only benefits nonprofits in Taylor, Texas, where the couple lived and were active in their community.

A committee made up of Taylor-based residents and business leaders reviews requests for these grants. For Taylor nonprofits, this fund supports both new and established programs, as well as capital needs for capacity building. The foundation accepts applications for the Leo L. Livingston Fund throughout the year, but applications must be submitted by February 15 to be considered for the current year.

Examples of recent giving

Overall, CFBV is a broad-based funder that supports many different topics of interest. However, most grants fit into the categories of housing, healthcare, community viability, the environment, children and women’s issues.

Multi-county efforts are encouraged in cases where CFBV grantseekers can serve more than just one of the following Texas counties: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington. In recent years, CFBV grants have gone to the Taylor Education Enrichment Fund, Brazos Valley Food Bank Agency Endowment Fund and Nami of Brazos Valley.

Applying for a CFBV grant

For both general community grants and the Leo. L. Livingston Fund grants, CFBV has a straightforward and accessible application process. Grantseekers can download application forms on the foundation website and either mail or email them to the foundation for consideration.

Keep up with what CFBV and other funders in the region are doing by following IP’s Southwest philanthropy blog.

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