The Forever Austin Fund, administered by the Austin Community Foundation (ACF), is a permanent philanthropic resource aimed at addressing the evolving and pressing needs of Central Texas. This grant opportunity funds nonprofit initiatives aligned with the foundation’s goals in economic mobility, health and humanities, and environmental sustainability. The 2025 grant cycle will focus its investments on the six counties of Central Texas: Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson.

For the 2025 cycle, applications open on March 11 and must be submitted by April 25 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Award decisions will be announced on July 15. Grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000, and ACF anticipates awarding 50 to 75 grants in total. Grant amounts may be partially or fully funded, but may not exceed 30% of the applicant’s annual budget. All funding is for general operating support, intended to help organizations build capacity and sustain their missions.

Three primary funding areas guide the grantmaking: Economic Mobility, Health and Humanities, and Nurturing Our Region. In the Economic Mobility category, grants will support housing stability, workforce access, entrepreneurship, and reduction of systemic financial barriers. The Health and Humanities category will support health and wellness programs, as well as arts and culture initiatives that expand access and creative expression. The Nurturing Our Region category focuses on environmental sustainability, green space preservation, and animal welfare.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, religious organizations (excluding religious purposes), and governmental entities serving Central Texas. Fiscal sponsorships are allowed. Only one application per organization may be submitted to one category, although collaborative applications between nonprofits are welcomed, with a designated lead applicant. All current ACF grantees must be in good compliance standing to apply.

Ineligible uses of grant funds include endowments, fundraising events, support for individuals, scholarships, political lobbying, and unrestricted re-granting through umbrella organizations. Each application will be reviewed by a team composed of community members, donors, board members, and staff. Applicants are encouraged to utilize ACF's provided resources such as the application guidelines, scoring rubric, budget template, and webinar. ACF also offers technical assistance and office hours throughout the application period.