The Community Foundation of Abilene (CFA) offers Community Grants to nonprofit organizations serving Abilene and Taylor County, Texas. Established in 1985, the Foundation's permanent unrestricted endowment supports a wide range of projects that address changing community needs. Grant cycles occur twice yearly, in fall and spring, and applications are managed through the online Foundant GLM system.

Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be recognized government entities, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations with programs that benefit the community at large. All funded projects must serve populations within Abilene and Taylor County. Organizations may receive only one community grant per 12-month period, and failure to submit required evaluations renders them ineligible for future grants.

Funding requests generally range from $5,000 to $35,000, though capital requests up to $50,000 may be considered. Grants exceeding $20,000 are rare and require additional documentation, such as information on organizational qualifications, leadership, and sustainability plans. Applicants seeking amounts over $35,000 must complete an interview with Foundation staff prior to submission. Eligible expenses include operating costs, special projects, capacity building, and innovative programs. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that address prevention, respond to emerging needs, leverage resources, and promote collaboration among nonprofits.

Applications for the fall grant cycle open on June 15 and close on August 1, while the spring grant cycle begins on December 1 and ends on January 15. Documentation requirements include project-specific budgets, organizational financials, and board listings. Larger requests may necessitate additional materials like impact stories or audits. Evaluation of submitted applications occurs in two phases over approximately six weeks, followed by final approval from the Foundation Board. Notifications of funding decisions are sent within 12 weeks of the application deadline.

Organizations must submit an online evaluation form detailing outcomes, expenditures, and future plans before participating in subsequent grant cycles. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Kassidy Nygaard, the community grants manager, at knygaard@cfabilene.org or 325-676-3883. This program offers nonprofits a meaningful opportunity to address local challenges and improve the quality of life for Taylor County residents.