Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
The number 40 often symbolizes a time of preparation, transformation, and renewal — a turning point before a new phase begins.
In 2025, we celebrate such a time.
Forty years ago, our founders dedicated themselves to preparing the way for a community foundation in Abilene. They wanted to build confidence within the community that this organization could support Abilene then, and remain adaptable enough to grow and evolve through the decades.
In a 10-year anniversary piece entitled “Touching Tomorrow,” Dr. Jess Fletcher wrote, “The most optimistic of the founders’ dreams would not have encompassed results that far-reaching.”
In our first decade, we distributed more than $10 million toward charitable causes.
Now, 40 years later, that dream has expanded beyond what even our founders could have imagined. Because of the support of our donors and community, we’ve now granted and administered more than $216 million in lifetime grantmaking.
These gifts, whether from unrestricted funds, donor-advised funds, scholarships, or awards from one of our competitive grant cycles, have transformed the Foundation into more than just a funding source. We have become an active partner, a convener, and a trusted resource for our community.
Dr. Fletcher’s reflection on our early years offered a foundation for the future — a future filled with “life-changing gifts and grants.”
While our annual report reflects the past fiscal year, it also pays special tribute to the many moments and milestones in between.
Featured in the report is a timeline of our history. A record recognizing the visionaries who, as Dr. Fletcher said, “laid the foundation for touching tomorrow.”
At our 2010 annual luncheon, Joe Canon shared a familiar Latin phrase: tempus fugit. Time flees, time flies.
How true that is now, after 40 years, and how true it will be as we look ahead to year 50 and beyond.
The times will change, but our purpose remains the same: to be here for our donors, for our nonprofits, and for our community — forever and always.
Katie Alford President/CEO
From the board chair...
I am honored to serve as the board chair during this important time for the Foundation. When the community has needed support, the Foundation has been there. When disaster impacted our local and rural neighbors, the Foundation was there. The Foundation will continue to be there because of the power of endowment. This year’s theme, forever and always, emphasizes endowment. As we look to the year ahead, possibilities abound.
Sam Vinson CFA Board Chair
Production credits: Emerald Cassidy, CFA (copywriting and project management), Zachry+ (design and production), Micah Schmidt (photography).
in total grants NEED RESPONDING
Total grants representative of all fund types during Community Foundation of Abilene’s fiscal year, July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. to the $28,828,370
creating lasting IMPACT for a THRIVING Abilene, endowed FOREVER.
OUR MISSION
The Community Foundation of Abilene empowers people to make a lasting charitable impact on our community. We connect donors to causes they care about, manage strategic investments to preserve our endowments, make grants that align with donor intent, respond to community needs and provide philanthropic leadership to enhance Abilene’s future, today.
of Impact 40 years
1985
Chartered on April 29, 1985, and in that year on October 18, the Community Foundation of Abilene received its 501(c)(3) status
In the spring of 1985, a small group of Abilene citizens met on the twentieth floor of the city’s tallest structure to consider establishing a community foundation. From this initial vision came the formation of the Community Foundation of Abilene (“CFA”).
The key to the Foundation’s initial viability was a single gift of $750,000 from
2000
A $3M unrestricted gift made to the Foundation; unrestricted assets have since grown to more than $30M
Mrs. Judy Matthews and the Dodge Jones Foundation. This gift would help support operations and establish the Foundation’s permanent endowment for unrestricted grants.
Since our inception, the Foundation has empowered people to make a lasting charitable impact on our community.
2009
Katie Alford named as new President/CEO after Jones’ 23 years of service
1991
Foundation’s assets grew tenfold from the $750,000 principal gift from Mrs. Judy Matthews and the Dodge Jones Foundation
1986
Foundation hires first Foundation President, Nancy E. Jones
1995
2002
Friends of CFA established to support operational costs, having contributed more than $1M to the Foundation and educational initiatives
Future Fund, a membership-supported endowment fund, established on May 26, 1995, which now has grown to $1M+
2014
Foundation’s assets reached $100M+
2018
Foundation celebrated both $100M+ in grantmaking and the grand opening of a new downtown office building at 850 N 1st Street
2023
Foundation’s assets reached $200M+
2020
Future Fund reached $1M in grantmaking through its membership-supported endowment fund benefiting children and youth causes
2026
Expansion into former Cloud Printing building, adding 15,000-square-feet to existing CFA spaces
2017
CFA raised $468K for 119 nonprofits in its first Abilene Gives, which now raises more than $2M+ annually for nearly 200 nonprofits
2025
Record $200M+ in cumulative grants since the CFA’s founding
2019
A $9M estate gift established the largest unrestricted gift to the Foundation to date
2021
Dr. Paula Windham Fund benefiting initiatives in rural communities established, making inaugural grants totaling nearly $300K the following year
Top: Foundation board members meeting at the Petroleum Club in 1989. Joe Canon with the Dodge Jones Foundation served as chair.
Middle LEFT: On May 18, 2019, a tornado damaged more than 400 properties in Abilene. The Foundation and United Way partnered to raise and deploy money for immediate relief needs and long-term rebuilding projects. More than $590K raised serving 153 families.
Middle Right: The Foundation held a press conference on December 11, 1985, announcing the gift from Mrs. Matthews and the Dodge Jones Foundation. Joe Canon, director of the foundation, was also a founding CFA board member (Abilene Reporter-News).
Right: Past and present Foundation trustees at the 2005 Annual Luncheon. To see a full listing, refer to the board page at the end of this report.
FOREver and Always
Our story has always been written by people — generous donors, committed board members, and passionate staff — each one leaving their mark on the legacy we honor in this 40th year.
From the very beginning, our founders imagined a foundation that would serve this community forever and always — an enduring source of generosity and care for generations to come.
In the early 1980s, several community leaders began to envision a place where people would come together to build our community through grantmaking and leadership.
Larry Gill, one of those community leaders, shared his hope and vision: that the Foundation “would sow the seeds for the initiative, the enhancement, and the expansion of philanthropy in our community through a unique gateway into grantmaking.”
Our inception is credited to the Dodge Jones Foundation and Mrs. Judy Matthews. She did much more than bolster community institutions during her time with us; Mrs. Matthews also had a long-term vision for endowed philanthropy to support local causes for generations to come.
Thus, in 1985, the Community Foundation of Abilene was born. Mrs. Matthews seeded the Foundation with a $750,000 gift from the Dodge Jones Foundation — a gift that has gone on to impact community needs for 40 years and counting.
An editorial writer with the Abilene ReporterNews noted in 1988: “The Foundation is the culmination of the vision and energy of people who care deeply about the future of this community. They have planted a vineyard, which, as its roots grow stronger, bears more and
Thus, in 1985, the Community Foundation of Abilene was born. Mrs. Matthews seeded the Foundation with a $750,000 gift from the Dodge Jones Foundation — a gift that has gone on to impact community needs for 40 years and counting.
sweeter fruit each season. This is a lasting legacy for which the community is grateful.”
The Foundation grew stronger thanks to the good work of local and rural nonprofits and donors who stewarded assets accrued during their lifetimes.
During the tough years of the multiple economic downturns, the Community Foundation stayed the course — remaining fully invested, diversified, and committed to serving our neighbors.
Our founders understood that times would come when an organization would need to navigate hardship and uncertainty.
Our region has seen tornadoes, fires, and floods. We felt how the pandemic impacted small businesses and nonprofit resources. Through it all, our mission was on full display, providing meaningful support when our community needed it most.
(1918-2016) Julia (Judy) Matthews was the eldest daughter of Percy and Ruth Legett Jones, pioneer Abilenians who were early day leaders in the business, cultural and education endeavors of the community. Her gracious spirit and her generous heart worked powerful and positive changes among legions throughout this community and beyond.
LEFT: VFDs respond to the Mesquite Heat wildfires during 2022. All donations to the Big Country Fire Relief Fund at the Foundation, totaling nearly $530K, were awarded as grants to organizations directly supporting victims’ needs and relief efforts (Trent VFD).
Middle LEFT: In 2025, nonprofits gather at Abilene Christian University’s Wildcat Stadium to kick off the the giving day, Abilene Gives. Donors, sponsors and friends join the community celebration.
Middle Right: In 2019, open forums were held at various community locations. These convenings identified ThriveABI’s key cause areas. Working groups and volunteers continue to meet, identifying opportunities to enhance our community’s key issues.
Bottom: Museum of the West Texas Frontier in Stamford, Texas, received funding from the first grant distribution of the Dr. Paula Windham Fund for Education and Community Development in 2022. The award supported the Museum’s operations and programming.
In 1990, Peggy Beckham asked a question that still guides us today: “How can the Community Foundation of Abilene make a difference?” More questions and new ideas followed.
What could happen if the entire community had 24 hours to give where they lived?
Since 2017, Abilene Gives has raised more than $14 million for nearly 200 nonprofits. With nearly 4,000 donors each year, Abilene Gives enables people who love their community to easily give back.
Could there be an outdoor concert series whose proceeds benefit grantmaking?
Across eight years, the Open Road Concert Series hosted 29 shows. Proceeds benefited Future Fund, an endowment providing funding to local organizations serving children and youth. Together, these efforts have provided $184,000 in grants to children and youth causes.
How could we drive progress toward a shared community vision?
Today, volunteers — comprising nonprofit professionals, civic leaders, and businesses — identify opportunities through ThriveABI, an initiative enhancing care for our neighbors by measuring progress across cause areas.
How could we extend our support to nonprofits in our rural communities?
The Foundation’s rural grantmaking initiative stretches across West-Central Texas, a 150-mile radius of Oplin, Texas to be exact. Made possible through Dr. Paula A. Windham, her generous fund addresses issues and improves the quality of life in rural communities.
There have been many dreams, desires, and ideas throughout our history. Many rooted in providing for the next generation.
“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone; Let it be such work as our descendants shall thank us for; And let us think, as we lay stone on stone… that some will say, ‘See! This our fathers did for us.’”
— John Ruskin (1819–1900)
It’s said that the greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. Our founders did just that — building something to serve beyond what we will ever see or know.
Forty years later, we stand on that foundation — grateful for the past, inspired by the present, and committed to the future… forever and always.
Learn more about the Foundation’s history! At the 2025 Annual Luncheon, local historian Jay Moore delivered a presentation. Scan the QR code to watch the video on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.
Open Road Founders, Taylor Sturgis and Sam Vinson, present a check to Abilene Heritage Square with funds raised from the concert series.
BuildinG ON Legacy
In 2020, we purchased the adjacent Cloud Printing building, envisioning its transformation into a dynamic nonprofit meeting center and office space for the Foundation.
Additionally, the building allows the Foundation to expand our team and enhance our support to donors and nonprofit organizations.
Progress has been made on the building project over the last year, making real a dream that first took shape in 1985.
On August 19, 2025, the Foundation hosted a building dedication. A time where donors and friends could join in prayer and offer written blessings.
“Father, may you bless this building with success. Bless those who enter with wisdom and understanding as they serve those in need.” – Steve Collins
“Blessed be this building!” – Julie Wilson
“May this be a place of ideation, collaboration, and blessing to all who
enter and the greater Abilene community.” – Mary Ross
“In HIS name for the service of others.” – Jeff Blanks
These words, along with the others written on the iconic “Abilene” bricks, now surround this special place. At the center: education, philanthropy, and impact.
The $4.3 million project will breathe new life into this 15,000-square-foot historic building. The renovated space will feature meeting rooms, training facilities, and collaborative workspaces. Construction is anticipated to be completed by summer 2026.
For updates on the project, visit cfabilene.org/cloud.
Foundation staff survey the progress of the building expansion. Weatherl & Associates is providing the architectural services for the project, while The Crowe Group is handling the demolition and renovation of the building.
Katie Alford, CFA President/CEO, and longtime CFA friends, Scott Senter and Steve Senter, outside of the Cloud Printing building.
Friends of CFA members – Gay Beitscher, Tammy Briscoe, Gayle Gray, and Nancy Brock – write their dedications.
LEgacy Society
In 1996, the Foundation created the Legacy Society to recognize the philanthropic options offered through estate planning.
The Foundation can help – alongside your attorney, financial advisor, or CPA – to create charitable giving strategies aligned with your charitable intentions as well as your estate planning and financial goals.
Leaving funds to establish an endowment fund translates to a lasting source of grants for the charitable causes that matter to the donor.
If you have already named the Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, qualified retirement plan, life insurance policy, trusts, or pooled life income funds, please contact the Foundation so we can appropriately recognize you and ensure that your wishes are met.
Contact President/CEO Katie Alford at 325-676-3883 or cfa@cfabilene.org to start planning your legacy.
Jimmy Tittle joined the Legacy Society as a charter member in 1996. These donors, including Jimmy, have entrusted the Foundation with the management of their gifts. In doing so, they advance a shared vision of building permanent charitable resources through planned gifts.
IN MEMORIAM
James D. (“Jimmy”) Tittle passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at the age of 97. Jimmy set out to bring great architecture to Abilene, saying early on, “You can’t make a living if you’re not drawing lines on paper.”
Jimmy also helped to advance local nonprofits like the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, The Grace Museum, and many others. He promoted and served Abilene through his service to these organizations.
Jimmy served as a trustee of the Foundation. We’re honored to carry out his legacy through his estate gift that supports the nonprofits he designated. His impact is forever and always.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
Steve Abel
Katie and Jason Alford
Ann Bridwell
Nancy Brock
Katie and Cade
Browning
Caroline Cammack
Kelly and Paul Cannon
Jo and Joe Canon
Carl Childers
Tom Choate
Joy Churchill *
Cay and Steve Collins
Kenneth Conrad
Mary and Vance Cooksey
Jackie and Bart Cox *
Jana and Joe Crawford
Lynn and Bud Darby
Kay Denkhoff
Rudith Drennan
Linda and Glenn Files *
Doug Ford
Loretta Fulton
Mary and Larry Gill *
Ann and Jack Griggs
Callie and Lee Hampton
Brooke and Robert Hanna
Patricia Hernandez
Pat and Delbert Hess
Becca and Scott Hibbs
Marilyn Jacobs
Myra and Paul Johnson
Nancy and Ross Jones*
Jane Jones
Saranne and Benny Judkins
Tommye Ann Leitner
Rozlyn and Jerry Love *
Gloria McDaniel
Kathy and Phil Morehead *
Michelle and Ryan Parrish
John Pearson
Cynthia Pearson
Wanda Ragsdale
Perry Reeves
Becky and Jack Rentz
Karen and Jack Rich
Barbara and Ron Richert
Michelle and Scott Senter
Debbie and Steve Senter
Rhonda Shahan
Nita Slaton
Donniece Smith
Eddy Smith
Sug Springer
Angela Nicolini and Michael Bob Starr
Jamie Villegas
Courtney Vletas
Kathy and Jim Webster *
Linda White
Larry Wolz
Joni and Bill Wood
Bill Wright *
Traci and Tim Yandell
* 1996 Charter Members
Asset Growth
In the 1995 annual report, CFA executive director Nancy E. Jones believed the Foundation would reach $15 million in assets by 2000 and $30 million by 2010. Nancy’s vision would be realized, but only much sooner. The $30 million milestone was reached in 2000, providing greater stability to the vital organizations the Foundation supports.
In 1993, the Foundation’s board embarked on a challenging mission to raise a $1,000,000 Administrative Endowment Fund. The fund would support the Foundation’s ongoing programs and operations, ensuring professional staff will always be of service to carry out the wishes of donors and to meet the needs of our community. The challenge was met in 1997. Now, in 2025, the construction of the CFA’s building expansion is underway, and the Foundation’s programming continues largely thanks to this administrative endowment.
1993 Foundation Board of Trustees: Tucker Bridwell (top), Reverend Leo Scott, Bennie Jones; Jack Ramsey, James Parker, Nancy Brock and Raymond McDaniel (standing) and Dr. B. J. Estes; Iris Nash, Sam Waldrop, Carolyn Barber, Maggy Morford, and Jim Alexander (seated). Not pictured: Dian Graves Stai and Philip Morehead.
GRANTMAKING Impact
At the Foundation, we respond to community needs through our grantmaking. Grants are awarded in a variety of ways, including competitive grants, donor-advised grants, scholarships, and more.
The Foundation offered its first distribution of grant funding from its competitive grant cycles in spring 1986. Those awards totaled $18K. We awarded to causes impacting the elderly, children and youth, outreach programs, and arts and culture.
1991 ANNUAL REPORT
“The Foundation has had phenomenal growth in its first five years. However, only a small part of its funds are unrestricted. The unrestricted funds’ income allows the Foundation to respond to applications from local nonprofit agencies. All of us can help by giving to the unrestricted funds of the Foundation.” – Maggy Morford, 1991 Grants Committee Chair
In 1987, the Abilene Fine Arts Museum was awarded $1,500 for a campaign to publicize the Museum’s plans to develop the downtown complex, The Grace Cultural Center.
In 1987, Big Brothers Big Sisters received a $1,500 grant to fund a child abuse prevention program and campaigns to encourage more youth to participate.
In 1987, a $1,000 grant assisted with the purchase of a video camera. The organization also established the first agency fund at the Foundation.
Serenity House received a $1,779 grant to purchase a commercial refrigerator in 1987. The residential treatment center opened in 1984.
Meals on Wheels was awarded a $3,000 grant in 1988 to purchase specialized commercial cooking equipment. This was used to stock a newly constructed building at 949 Mesquite.
In 2025, the Museum has established endowment funds, including a fund dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of the historic building.
In 2025, more than $1M has been directed in a combination of grants and donor-directed gifts to help children reach their potential through one-to-one relationships.
Since 1992, the growth of Kenley’s agency fund has provided more than $1.7M in support for their operations and programming.
Since opening in 1984, Serenity House has helped more than 36,000 people with substance abuse.
Meals on Wheels currently has a team of 700+ volunteers delivering 1,500 daily meals. Their mission has been supported with almost $1.2M in CFA grants since 1987.
2.7K ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED $216M GRANTS TO COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 $14M GIFTS THROUGH ABILENE GIVES
GRANTMAKING BY FISCAL YEAR
OUR IMPACT TODAY
This fiscal year, our community grant cycles awarded more than $1 million, as did our scholarships, and the ThriveABI initiative awarded a $190,000 grant to Beltway Ministry Center, marking the largest single grant the Foundation board has ever directed.
Thrive ABI is an initiative to drive and measure progress towards key areas – education, essential needs, health and wellness, workforce and economic development, family well-being and neighborhoods, and arts and culture.
A community foundation’s heart is its endowment. Careful stewardship and strategic investments assure that it will always be there. It is our investment in Abilene’s future, fulfilling our mission, forever and always.
GIFTS IN Action
GABRIELLA PACE ENDOWMENT FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Mrs. Pace was born in McCaulley, Texas, in 1904. She graduated from Sweetwater High School and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University.
Mrs. Pace taught for 26 years as a third-grade teacher at College Heights Elementary, retiring in 1970. She influenced three generations of children in her classroom.
In 2000, Mrs. Pace passed away, preceded in death by her husband, Oscar, and son, Robert. Her estate gift established this fund supporting the educational needs of children in our community.
With a principal of $153K, the fund has made grants totaling the same amount over its 20-year history.
Through the power of endowment, the fund’s balance has nearly doubled.
Her love for children and desire to help others is reflected in her fund. Because of the strategic and trusted investment, the Pace Endowment Fund will continue to grow, making Mrs. Pace’s impact lasting.
COMMUNITY Grants
JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025
$1,115,850
COMMUNITY GRANTS BY CATEGORY
RESPONSIVE
$39,349 / 4%
$145,960 / 13%
$61,000 / 5% COMMUNITY
$342,975 / 31% ARTS & CULTURE
$114,000 / 10%
$220,230 / 20%
CHILDREN & YOUTH
$192,336 / 17%
Community grants are from our unrestricted (or discretionary) fund types. Our donors have entrusted the Foundation with these funds to make grantmaking decisions each year based on the everchanging needs of our community.
Most grants from unrestricted funds are awarded to local nonprofits through our community grant cycles in the fall and spring. Eligible nonprofits apply for funds, volunteer
grant committees make award recommendations, and the Foundation’s Board approves.
Donor-advised fundholders and any community member can also contribute to these grant cycles as featured in our giving guide, Community Connections
Learn more at cfabilene.org.
COMMUNITY GRANTEES
Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce
Abilene Crime Stoppers
Abilene Education Foundation
Abilene Home Away From Home
Abilene Independent School District
Abilene Performing Arts Company
Abilene Philharmonic Association
Abilene Preservation League
Abilene Recovery Council
Abilene Spectrum Connection
Abilene Woman’s Club Foundation
Abilene Zoological Society
ACU Center for Careers and Experiential Learning (ACCEL)
ACU Marriage and Family Institute (MFI)
All For One Missions International
All Kind Animal Initiative
Alliance for Women and Children
Alzheimer’s Association of Abilene
American Red Cross
BCFS Abilene Transition Center
Beltway Ministry Center, Inc.
Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
Big Country Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.
Big Country Soccer Association
Boys & Girls Club of Abilene, Inc.
Breakfast on Beech Street
Camp Able
Center for Contemporary Arts
Chorus Abilene, Inc.
Christian Job Corps of Abilene
Christian Service Center
Cisco College
City Light Community Ministries
City of Abilene
Community Bed Project – Global Samaritan Resources
Community Dental Project – Christian Service Center
Cultura Local ABI
Dignity Health Management Center
Disability in Action
Dyess First Sergeants Council
FaithWorks of Abilene, Inc.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
First Central Presbyterian Church
Food Pantry
Food Bank of West Central Texas
For the Children Abilene
Friends for Life
Frontline Heroes Outdoors
Global Samaritan Resources, Inc.
Greater Than Three Outreach
Hardin-Simmons University
Harmony Family Services, Inc.
Houses for Healing
International Rescue Committee
Junior League of Abilene
Let Us Breathe Organization
McMurry University
Mentors Care
Ministry of Counseling & Enrichment
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc.
Operation Homefront
Paramount Theatre
Phoenix ICCD Clubhouse
Pink Cap Warriors on the Move
Play4More Foundation, Inc.
Presbyterian Medical Care Mission
Regional Victim Crisis Center
Rural Taylor County Aging Services
Serenity Foundation of Texas
Special Olympics – Big Country
St. John’s Episcopal School
Taylor Jones Humane Society
Texas Family Institute
Texas Mission of Mercy, Inc.
Texas Ramp Project
Texas State Technical College Foundation
Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center
Texas Trails Council BSA
Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation
The Grace Museum
The Mentoring Alliance
The Salvation Army
The Well Abilene
Top Three Association
United Methodist Service Center and Food Pantries
United Rescue Alliance
United Way of Abilene
West Central Texas Council of Governments – Homeland Security
West Central Texas Council of Governments – AHEC Department
West Texas Homeless Network
West Texas ONE
West Texas Tribune
West Texas Veteran Support Services
Wylie Independent School District
Young Audiences
Youth Voice, Inc.
The Mentoring Alliance was a community grant recipient receiving funding to support student scholarships for 2025 summer camps. This was Mentoring Alliance’s second summer in Abilene ISD, using Alcorta and Bonham Elementary Schools as host locations.
FUTURE FUND
Future Fund is a membership-supported endowment fund of the Community Foundation of Abilene to benefit local organizations. Membership dues are pooled into the endowment, the money is invested, and the fund grows. Revenue is used to make grants each year to nonprofits serving children and youth.
During the FY25 Future Fund grant cycle, more than $122.6K was awarded to 32 nonprofits serving kids in the Abilene community. Sixty-seven percent of the funding support came from community contributions and donor-advised funds from the Community Foundation of Abilene.
FUTURE FUND GRANTEES
Abilene Arts Alliance
Abilene Big Country Hunger Coalition
Abilene Independent School District
Abilene Performing Arts Company
Abilene Philharmonic Association
Abilene Youth Sports Authority
Abilene Zoological Society
All For One Missions International
BCFS Abilene Transition Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
Big Country Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.
Boys & Girls Club of Abilene, Inc.
Children’s Performing Arts Series
Chorus Abilene, Inc.
Day 1 Bags
For the Children Abilene Hardin-Simmons University
An additional $3,000 was awarded during the membership social at The ROC – Abilene Youth Sport Authority’s new complex for soccer and other outdoor sports. This award will help meet the scholarship needs of 25-30 local children and youth.
Future Fund members and the power of endowment make this happen. And now, thirty years since the launch of Future Fund, the endowment has reached a balance of more than $1M.
To learn about becoming a member of the Future Fund, visit cfabilene.org/futurefund.
$125.6K
Joseph Thomas Foundation Mentors Care
Mullin Abilene School for New Horizons
National Center for Children’s Illustrated
Literature
New Horizons – Audrey Grace
Noah Project
Pathways Youth & Family Services, Inc.
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
Special Olympics – Big Country
The Grace Museum
The Mentoring Alliance
West Texas Homeless Network
West Texas Tribune
Young Audiences
Young Ladies Success
Youth Voice, Inc.
REGIONAL COMMUNITY FUNDS
CFA has the ability to manage endowment funds established by another community. It is a great way to remove the administrative burden from a family or regional foundation so they can focus on the impact they wish to make. Learn more at cfabilene.org.
The Future Fund was launched in 1995. In its first year, $10K was awarded in grants to Valley View Elementary and Young Audiences. Over the past 30 years, lifetime grantmaking has reached more than $1.6M.
These are the regional funds we manage and the amount of grants they made during FY25:
$64,000 AVJ Foundation
$95,942 Coleman County Foundation
$22,000 Friends of the Coleman County Foundation
$65,000 Nolan County Foundation
$34,005 Winters Area Foundation
RURAL CYCLE GRANTS
Our rural grantmaking initiative, established in 2022, is made possible through the generosity of a fund established by Dr. Paula Windham.
Dr. Windham was a pillar of the Oplin community. She was known to be a trailblazer, a ranch woman, scholar, and woman of faith. The fund established in her honor supports special projects, capacity building, and capital projects for outlying communities in the greater West-Central Texas region.
RURAL GRANTS by Category
/ 12%
$168,250 / 53%
$60,250 / 19% (related to agriculture and ranch management)
RURAL GRANTEES $306.2K
89.5 KACU Public Radio
Buffalo Gap Chamber of Commerce
Buffalo Gap Presbyterian Ministries
Butman Methodist Camp & Retreat Center
City of DeLeon
City of Munday
Haskell County Hospital District
Museum of the West Texas Frontier
Penatuhkah Comanche Trails Partnership
Region 14 Education Service Center
Stamford Carnegie Library
Texas Small Town Young Life
Imagination Library (United Way of Abilene)
XDOT Academy
/ 16%
VFD GRANTEES $211.3K
Through 2025, the Foundation offered a grant cycle for volunteer fire departments (VFDs) in the West-Central Texas region. This funding opportunity provided added support for VFDs to purchase equipment needed to serve and protect our neighbors in these rural communities.
FUTURE FUND LIFETIME & 2025 MEMBERS
3rd Street Printing & Sign
Company
Lexi and Minor Alexander
Katie and Jason Alford
Jodie and Nick Arrott
Carolyn and John Beckham
Chelsea and Rob Beckham
Julie and Rob Beckham
Gay Beitscher
Jeannette and Josh Black
Roberta Kalafut and Edward Brandecker
Teresa and Gray Bridwell
Katie and Cade Browning
Lindi and Bryan Bruning
Dawn and Alex Burch
Gracie Carroll
Emerald and Jason Cassidy
Linda and Sam Chase
Lisa Chavez
Kelly Cheek
Megan Cheek
Misti and Clay Collier
Cay and Steve Collins
Mary and Vance Cooksey
Matt Cope
Laura and Dave Copeland
Carol and Vic Corley
Lota Zoth and Cary Corthron
Jana and Joe Crawford
Elisabeth and Barrett Danelski
Lynn and Bud Darby
Holly and Gil DeShazo
Timber and Will Donaldson
Kathryn Drury
Laura and Ted Dyer
Larry Ellis
Mandy Ellis
Jana and Ed Emerson
Katie and Eric Emerson
Shellie and Sam Evans
Evelyn and Joe Ferguson
Jennifer and Michael Fernandez
Gabriela and Andy Garcia
Brianne and Nathan George
Libby and Ryan Gibson
Mandy and Paige Gollihar
Rhonda and Tim Graves
Beverly and Russell Guthrie
Callie and Lee Hampton
Lindsay and Jay Hardaway
Abbi and Andrew Harmon
Kristen Harris
Kaye and Joe Hawkins
Becca and Scott Hibbs
Wendy and Scott Kilmer
Sherette and Stephen Kimmel
Diana and Mark Layton
Christie Leedy
Paige and Philip LeMasters
Elyse and Patrick Lewis
Debbie and Tim Lillick
J’Dana and Tom Lindley
Misty and Nathan Lowry
Joe Mangrem
Kelsi Mangrem
Libby and Kenneth Martin
Nancy and Michael Matthew
Amy and Rocky McAdams
Karla and Andy McCall
Candice and Forrest McCray
Sydney and Charles McKinney
Dawne and Jeremy Meeks
Claire and Sam Mehaffey
Kim and Tony Melnyk
Kim and Jay Miers
Jamie and Shannon Miers
Elizabeth and Aaron Miller
Zoie and Kyle Mitchell
Julianna and DonMark Nickson
Angela Nicolini and Michael Bob Starr
Kassidy and Ricky Nygaard
Amanda and Terry O’Connor
Lanny Owens
Aida, Kevin and Katie Pantoja
Kim and Mark Phelan
Amanda and David Pittman
Angel and Norm Poorman
Dorothy and Kerry Preston
Ashley Puryear
Callie and Austin Roeder
Hailey and Charles Rotenberry
Brittany and Ben Salmon
Cheryl and Jason Sawyers
Sue and Eric Schackmuth
Erin and Cactus Schroeder
Michelle and Scott Senter
Debbie and Shawn Senter
Leslie and Shay Senter
Debbie and Steve Senter
Molly and Chase Sims
Eddy Smith
Kay and Randy Spiva
Holly and Andy Stoebner
Cindy and Mike Sullivan
Jill and Brett Teague
Akane and Matt Thaxton
Sam Townsend
Sheila and Mike Warren
Meagan and Cameron Wiley
Amy and John Willey
Laura Millican and Nick Williamson
Julie Wilson
Tracy and Richard Wolfe
Donna and Terry Wolfer
Traci and Tim Yandell
Jane and Greg Yost
Names in bold indicate lifetime members
FRIENDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ABILENE
The Friends of the Community Foundation of Abilene is a core group of supporters whose membership contributes to our operational costs, allowing us to serve as an even stronger resource for the community.
Founded in 2002, the Friends have contributed nearly $1.2 million in support. Each year, members are invited to attend a Friends breakfast to hear Foundation news and community updates.
A CFA Friends membership starts at $200 per year for an individual or couple. Learn more at cfabilene.org/cfafriends
Katie and Jason Alford
Barbara and Lynn Anderson
Yvonne and Ron Batts
Carolyn and John Beckham
Julie and Rob Beckham
Gay Beitscher
Russell Berry
Debbie and Downing Bolls
Rhonda and Leroy Bolt
Lou and Robert Briley
Nancy Brock
Glenda and David Buhrmann
Kelly and Paul Cannon
Jo and Joe Ed Canon
Nancy and Jay Capra
Nell and Jerry Carter
Linda and Sam Chase
Carl Childers
Dewayne Chitwood
Cay and Steve Collins
Lynette and Charles Coody
Laura and Dave Copeland
Cary Corthron and Lota Zoth
Roxy and Bill Cox
Jana and Joe Crawford
Lynn and Bud Darby
Mary and Alan Davis
Rudith Drennan
Scott Dueser
Laurie and Bob Eagle
Chuck Erwin
Shellie and Sam Evans
Star and Ray Ferguson
Doris and Don Fitzgibbons
Deonna and Gary Galbraith
Mary and Bob Gee
Jeff Goodin
Vicki and Jeff Graham
Rhonda and Tim Graves
Gayle Gray
Ann and Jack Griggs
Beverly and Russell Guthrie
Carol and Lanny Hall
Ashley and Jason Hall
Callie and Lee Hampton
Kaye and Joe Hawkins
Holly and Jim Hays
Becca and Scott Hibbs
Linda and Barry Hoefer
Eleanor and Robert Hoppe
Edwina and Loyd Hopper
Annabel House
Cheri and Mark Hudson
Melody Hunt
J.V. and Gerald Johnson
Nancy and Ross Jones
Jane Jones
Diane and Bill Keeble
Leigh and Greg King
Elyse and Patrick Lewis
Marilyn and K.O. Long
Jackie and Roger Love
Ellen and Kirk Massey
Chris and Kade Matthews
Gloria McDaniel
Jeannette and David McQueen
Doris and Bobby Melson
Elizabeth and Aaron Miller
Royce Money
Becky and Ronnie Nail
Tootsie Nichols
Danna and Eric Oliver
Don Paige
Cynthia Pearson
John Pearson
Shirley and John Poe
Jim Price
Karen and Jack Rich
Diana and Miller Richert
Mary Ross
Sue and Eric Schackmuth
Lila and Bill Senter
Michelle and Scott Senter
Debbie and Steve Senter
Rhonda and Gary Shahan
Marelyn and Glen Shedd
Nita Slaton
Eddy Smith
Kaye and Dick Spalding
Cindy and Mike Sullivan
Karen and David Swearingen
Jana and John Thacker
Cathey and Rick Weatherl
Kathy and Jim Webster
Frances and Doug Williamson
Julie Wilson
Bernice and Bobbie Wolfe
Bill Wright
Jeannie and Mike Young
DESIGNATED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
$3.83 M awarded
DONOR DESIGNATED: Donors establish these funds to specify that the income or assets support a specific charitable organization.
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum Fund
Abilene Education Foundation Fund
Abilene Philharmonic Fund
Anton Family Designated Fund
Carolyn and Harwell Barber Fund for United Way
Beckham Family Fund for Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Beitscher Family Fund for the Abilene Philharmonic Association
Catherine M. Benson and Joseph Chaffin Benson Fund for the Abilene Opera Assoc.
Don Bierwagen Fund for the Barbershop
Harmony Society
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene Fund established by Norma Springer
Big Country Reentry Coalition Project Fund
Boys and Girls Club of Abilene Fund established anonymously in honor of Dian Graves Owen
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
Ruth and Bill Burton Fund for First Church of Christ, Scientist, Abilene
Guy Caldwell Western Heritage Fund for Hardin-Simmons University
Martha Scott Carlson Fund for Abilene Education Foundation GIFT Grants
David and Gayle Carr Memorial Musicians Fund
Center for Contemporary Arts
Harold and Pat Crawford Fund for the Alliance for Women and Children
Amber and Bill Cree Fund for Abilene Zoo and Hendrick Home for Children
Day Nursery of Abilene
Ralph and Lavern Donnell
Doscher Fund for the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest
J. Henry Doscher Fund for The Grace Museum
Drennan Family Fund
Judy Dudley Memorial GIFT Fund
Douglas and Ann Ford Fund for Disability Resources, Inc.
Nina Gifford Fund for AEF COOL Program
Paul and Sara Graham Fund for McMurry Basketball
Robert and Anita Herren Memorial Fund for Haskell
Robert and Marilyn Hitt Charitable
Home Again West Texas (HAWT) (non-endowed)
Homeless – Abilene Coalition (non-endowed)
ICAN Curtis Home Project Fund (non-endowed)
Indigent Care Fund for Taylor County
Kenneth and Marilyn Jacobs Fund for Education
Marvin and Nancy Norman Jones Fund for Winters
Morgan and Jessie Jones Fund for Day Nursery of Abilene and The Grace Museum
Beverly and Henry Kitzman Endowment
Dottie S. and Gilbert Korman, Jr. Designated Fund
Jerry and Rozlyn Love
The Matthew 25:14-46 Fund
Dr. Donald McDonald Fund for Children’s Health
Maggy Morford Fund for St. John’s Episcopal School
Mulberry Canyon VFD
Jim and Bobbi Naler Fund for Abilene State Supported Living Center
Narrow Gate Foundation established by John E. Pearson and Sons
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
Marion and Harry Neeb Fund for Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Hazel F. Nunn Fund for the Nolan County Library
Dian Graves Owen Fund for St. John’s Episcopal School
Panther Creek CISD Project Fund
Historic Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre Fund for Excellence
Parker Family Foundation Fund
Lois Caldwell Peck Fund for Cancer Services Network
Perry and Judy Reeves Family Education Fund *
Rescue the Animals
Rescue the Animals Spay and Neuter
Rock Ranch Fund
Safe Families for Children in Abilene
Wade Scoggins Memorial Fund for Young Life of Abilene
Herbert A. and Emma Bell Seidel and W. Alan Swagerty Fund for Meals on Wheels
Senter Family Fund for Abilene Hope Haven
Shackelford County Community Resource Center
Major Charles Paul Shearn, III Memorial Fund for Shearn
Elementary, Houston, TX
Ruby Shelton Endowment Fund for the Alliance for Women and Children
Hudson and Martha Smart
Dick and Kaye Spalding Fund for Serenity House
St. John’s Episcopal School
St. John’s Episcopal School Excellence
St. John’s Episcopal School Headmaster
Stone Owl Institute *
Swenson House Fund established by David and Sue Stubbeman
Taliaferro Fund for St. John’s Episcopal School
Dick and Beverly Tarpley Fund for Abilene Philharmonic and Abilene Zoo
Taylor Jones Humane Society
Texas Veterans Cemetery Wreath Fund
The Grace Museum
The Grace Museum Building Maintenance
The Grace Museum Director’s Endowment
James D. Tittle Designated Fund *
Victor and Janet Vadney
Pat Meleen Vaughn
Robert, Elsie and Roberta Watters
Elwood B. and Shug Webb
Jim and Kathy Webster
Grace Westfall Memorial
WHC Disaster Relief Fund
Wheat Family Fund for Winters
Jim Wilburn Memorial Fund for No Need for Need, Fisher and Nolan County Areas
Bill and Alice Wright Fund
Wright Fund for Photography for The Grace Museum
George and Marie Yaeger Fund for the Abilene Philharmonic Association
* New Funds
AGENCY DESIGNATED: These are designated funds established by nonprofit organizations to create a source of revenue to support their programs and/or operations.
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum
Abilene Arts Alliance
Abilene Community Band
Abilene Education Foundation
Abilene Education – AHS Alumni Scholarship
Abilene Education – CHS Alumni Scholarship
Chessmates: The Scholastic Chess Club of AISD Crosstown Rivals Scholarship
Royce Curtis Excellence in Education Scholarship
Judy Dudley Memorial Gift Grants Fund
JB & Winnie Gibbs Coaching and Counseling Fund
Edwin & Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Award
Martha Kiel Scholarship
Mary Ann Polnick 21st Century Learning Grant Fund
Abilene Hope Haven
Abilene Industrial Foundation
Abilene Library Consortium
Abilene Philharmonic Association
Thile Walker Scholarship
William Davis Scholarship
Abilene Philharmonic Foundation
Abilene Recovery Council (formerly ARCADA)
Abilene Woman’s Club Educational
Albany ISD Education Foundation
Albany ISD Dulin Scholarship Fund
Alliance for Women and Children – Elizabeth Baugh
Assoc. of Christian Childcare Administrators
Ben Richey Boys Ranch Foundation
Travis Cranfill Memorial Education
Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame
Big Country CASA
Brook Hollow Christian Church Fund
Brownwood Public Library
Center for Contemporary Arts
Christian Homes & Family Services *
Christian Service Center
Clyde Education Foundation
Coleman ISD Foundation
Day Nursery – Bea Ganson
Day Nursery of Abilene Endowment for Maintenance –
Sherry Lane
Day Nursery of Abilene Endowment for Building Maintenance
Disability Resources, Inc.
Dyess Operation Warm Heart
Expo Center of Taylor County Agency Fund
Friends of the Abilene Public Library
Frontier Texas! Operating Endowment
Global Samaritan Resources
Hendrick Hospice Care
Houses for Healing *
Keep Abilene Beautiful Endowment
Kenley School Endowment
Kenley School Endowment for Scholarships
CJ Macon Scholarship Foundation
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
Paramount Theatre Memorial
Paramount Theatre Reserves
Pregnancy Resources Legacy of Life Fund
Danna Oliver Empowering Life Fund *
Presbyterian Medical Care Mission
Travis and Mary Katherine Smith Fund for PMCM
Sam’s Place
St. John’s Episcopal School
St. John’s Episcopal School Learning for a Lifetime
Steps Big Country Project Account
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
Taylor Jones Humane Society
Taylor Jones Humane Society Flex
Texas Family Initiative Big Country Fund
Texas Prairieland Foundation
Texas Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America
Texas Trails Council BSA
Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN)
The Grace Museum
The Grace Museum Facility Endowment
United Way of Abilene
West Central Texas Regional Foundation
Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation
YMCA Endowment
Young Audiences of Abilene Residency Program
Zambia Mission
* New Funds
M
Donor-advised funds allow donors to recommend grants to a range of charitable causes throughout the year.
NON-ENDOWED
A Small Token Fund *
The 4 Musketeers Family Fund
Abilene Automotive Education Alliance
Gary Ackers
David and Kay Alexander
Alford Family
Mac and Marjorie Andrews Furniture
Tiffany and Craig Armstrong
Rob and Julie Beckham
Jody and Betsy Bellah
Charles and Leigh Black
Price and Nancy Brock
Andrew McEntire Caldwell *
Lauren and Cliff Caldwell *
Carl Childers
Condley and Company
Dave and Laura Copeland
Cordell’s Community Change Fund
Alexander-Eagle-Weatherl Giving Fund
Alexander Generation 3 Giving Fund
Minor and Lexi Alexander
Janice and Bob Allen
Lynn and Barbara Anderson
Mac and Marjorie Andrews Furniture
Anonymous Anothen Fund
Steve Arthur Family Foundation
Bahlman-Stehle Fund
Alan and Mary Catherine Barr *
Dr. Terry Bawcom Family
Bar Nothing by Wilson
Jeannette and Josh Black
Jane Varner Beard
Bob and Peggy Beckham
John and Carolyn Beckham
Rob and Julie Beckham
Bridwell Family Foundation
Tucker and Gina Bridwell
Tucker S. Bridwell
Ron and Lorilei Butler *
Bryant Journey Fund
Ruth and Bill Burton Family
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Family
Paul and Kelly Cannon
Bart and Jackie Cox
Davis-Kinard
Andrew David Durham
David and Sindy Durham
Wendy Hanks Durham
Bob and Laurie Eagle
Lale and BJ Estes Family Foundation Fund
Ray and Star Ferguson
First Financial Bankshares Employee
Disaster Relief
Doris Miller and Don Fitzgibbons
Dot and Jesse C. Fletcher and Melissa Fletcher
Galaxy Charitable Foundation *
Gerald and Christie Galbraith
Dr. Bill and Barbara Gee Gandy
Gee Family
Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie Memorial
Jay and Nancy Capra
Deborah Carson
Clarke Family *
Coleman Family
Matt and Kristi Cooley
Sara and Bill Core
Dr. Brady Cox Memorial
Denny Family Foundation
Gil and Holly DeShazo Charitable
Ed and Jana Emerson
Eric and Katie Emerson
Becky Glass Fellows
Files Family Foundation
Emily T. Files
J.B. and Patricia Fooshee
Lee and Callie Hampton
Geoff and Angie Haney
Kaye Price-Hawkins and Joe Hawkins
Hibbs Family Charitable Fund *
Eleanor and Robert Hoppe
Inspired Services
J2K Charitable
JVM Family Fund
Dwain and Mona Jones Foundation
Jane and Otis Jones
Jeff and Susan Jones Family
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Lee and Callie Hampton
Carol and Bill Haynes
Bruce and Nancy Hildebrand
Leonard R. Hoffman
Shay Shelton Hoffman
Hudson Family
John and Tina Hunter
Paul and Myra Johnson
Mark and Diana Layton
Patrick and Elyse Lewis
Life to Life
Robert and Louise Lockhart
Sandip and Mishi Mathur
Mayday Fund
The McDonald Family
McM Baseball Alumni Association
Bobby and Doris Melson
Melson Family
Keeble Family
Blake Alan Korman Memorial
Lauve Family Fund
Gerald and Bettye Lawler
James V. Lawrence Estate
Lillick Family Fund
M.A.D. Foundation
Tim and Debbie Manley
Mansefeldt Group
Lynn Beckham Marderosian
The Maroney Family Fund
Bill and Daila McAnally *
McCall Fund *
Raymond and Gloria McDaniel
Kayren and John Mingus in Memory of Roy
Helen Mingus Ackers
Hillary Moore
Lars and Anna Moore
Kathy and Phil Morehead
Morrison Family Fund *
Jennifer and Michael Murphy *
Terrell Tone Owen Memorial
Padon Family Fund *
Aubrey Chloe Pearson Memorial Fund *
Bush Ramsey
Rick and Pam Rhodes Family
$1.04 M awarded
Barbara and Bynum Miers
Tabitha Newcomb
Syd and Evelyn Niblo
C. Christine Nichols
Don and Becky Poindexter
Jack and Becky Rentz
Rich Family
Lynn and Carl Roeder Family
Shelton Family Foundation
TANSTAAFL Fund
Kirk and Kristi Thaxton Family
Trio Sharegiver Community
Two Creeks Ranch
Laura Wardroup *
Stanley and Claudie Wilson
Bill and Alice Wright
* New Funds
Rideout Family Fund
Kent and Merri Lynn Rideout Family Fund
Terry and Marka Riddle
Rosebud Fund
Eric and Sue Schackmuth Family Fund
Charles E. and Erin Schroeder Family Charities
Schultz Family Fund *
Nellie Parramore Sellers
Senter Family Foundation
Leslie and Shay Senter *
Scott and Michelle Senter Charitable
Steve and Debbie Senter
H.L. Shaw Memorial
Shelton Family Fund
Kay and Randy Spiva Family Fund
Jennifer Gilley Stringer
John Taliaferro
David Taubert Memorial
Ruby and Raymond Thomason, Sr. Foundation
Trio Sharegiver Community
Sam and Lucy Vinson *
Carolyn and Richard Young
Weatherl Family
Wood Family
Bill and Alice Wright Family Foundation
* New Funds
These funds support any range of charitable causes and are not restricted to a designated field, allowing the Foundation flexibility to respond to emerging needs.
Abilene Alpha Endowment
Jim and Jerri Alexander Fund
Ruth Guitar Alexander Memorial
Benjamin T. Allen Memorial
Mildred Morris Austin Memorial
Richard and Betty Bacon Fund
Marcia Ungren Bailey Fund for Abilene
Carolyn and Harwell Barber Fund
Grady and Ann Barr Fund
Bob & Peggy Beckham Family Fund
Mrs. L.H. Beckham Fund
Arthur, Dana and Cindy Beitscher
Memorial Fund
Glenn and Lylia Bennett Fund for Nolan County
Tucker and Gina Bridwell Fund
Cade and Katie Browning Fund
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Fund
Joe Ed and Jo Canon Fund
Jimmie and Mary Lynn Cantrell Fund
Jane Childers Fund
Ruth Ann Choate Legacy Fund
Community Foundation Memorial Fund
Harold and Pat Crawford Fund
J Neil Daniel Fund
Ben and Bonnie Davis Legacy Fund
Ray and Kay Denkhoff Charitable Fund
Joy and Gary DeShazo Fund
Ralph and Lavern Donnell Fund
J. Henry Doscher Charitable Fund
Mack and Helen Eplen Memorial Fund
Dr. B.J. and Lale Estes Fund
Louis S. Gee and Bobbie A. Gee Fund
Larry and Mary Gill Fund
Barbara B. Hardy
Jean K. Hays Fund
Robert and Marilyn Hitt Charitable Fund
Eddie and Nelda Hodges Fund
Ralph and Nelle Hooks Fund
Paul and Myra Johnson Fund
A.V. Jones Family Fund
Bennie and Diane Jones Fund
Cearley and Jane Kinard Fund
Cearley and Ruby Kinard Fund
Derwood and Billie Langston Fund
William R. Lutz Memorial Fund
J.D. and Elsie Magee Family Fund
Eileen Taylor Massey Memorial Fund
Tom McAlister and Scott Senter Fund
Raymond and Gloria McDaniel Fund
SM and Portia Moore Fund
Bob and Maggy Morford Fund
Moss Charities Fund
Linda Murphy Fund
Syd and Evelyn Niblo Fund
Dian G. Owen Fund
Dr. Jack and Joy Ramsey Fund
Wayne V. and Marie Ramsey Fund
Sam and Susan Reeves Fund
Mel Richards Memorial Fund
Lila and Bill Senter Fund
Steve and Debbie Senter Family Fund
Carl S. Shoults, Jr. Fund
Susan Stroud Fund
Bob and Elaine Surovik Fund
Jim and Doris Taylor Fund
Gail and Howard Tobin Fund
Pat Meleen Vaughn Fund
Coy and Elizabeth Gene Warren Fund
CG and Carol Whitten Family Fund
Howard and Hope Wilkins Fund
Allen and Mary Wright Fund
John A. and Virginia Wright Memorial Fund
Dr. T.D. Young Fund
SCHOLARSHIPS $1.06
M awarded
Donors can designate these funds to award scholarships for college or postgraduate education.
AAUW Endowed Scholarship
Ashley and Sara Abel Memorial Scholarship
Abilene A&M Club Scholarship
Abilene Alumnae Panhellenic Assoc., Missy Bridwell Memorial Scholarship
Abilene Founder Lions Club, Randell and Evangeline Watkins Scholarship
Abilene Geological Society Scholarship
Abilene Housing Authority
Dr. Tanya Smith Brice Rising Star Scholarship *
Vanessa Faz Bridge to Success Scholarship *
Abilene Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship
Advanced VoIP Solutions Scholarship
Bob Alvis Memorial Scholarship
Another Step Forward Scholarship
Wesley Armstrong Memorial Scholarship
Mary Bailey Memorial Scholarship
My Whole Heart: Colt Baker Memorial Scholarship
Alistair Baldwin Scholarship
Dr. and Mrs. L.M. Bayouth Memorial Scholarship
Be a Champion Scholarship *
Ken Becker Leadership Scholarship Fund
Perry Bentley Memorial Scholarship
Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship
Nancy and Ted Paup Big Country Hall of Fame Scholarship
Big Country County Medical Society Alliance Scholarship
Glenda Bryan Memorial Scholarship *
Bill and Dale Burns Scholarship
Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship
Herman Ray (Buz) Buzbee, Jr. Memorial Music Scholarship
Coach Childress Memorial Scholarship
Marguerite and Ike Chism Scholarship
Roy Churchill Memorial Scholarship
Clack Educational Scholarship
Horace M. Condley Scholarship
Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Brady Cox Memorial Scholarship
Tony Daniel Memorial FCA Scholarship
Davis Kinard-Kate Nutter Memorial Scholarship
Wilburn H. “Blue” Denham Memorial Scholarship
Marie Denham Memorial Scholarship
Ralph and Lavern Donnell Scholarship
J. Henry Doscher, Jr. Scholarship
Farrar Ranch Family Fund *
From Harm to Home Scholarship established by Angela Nicolini
Gold Star Memorial Scholarship
Cason Grant “Wild at Heart” Memorial Scholarship
Greater Abilene Ministers Alliance Scholarship
Linda Haley and Cel Cowan Memorial Scholarship *
Larry Hall Memorial Scholarship
Kemper Scott Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Edgar Martin Harp Memorial Scholarship for Medicine
The Dollie Lane Harp Memorial Scholarship for Classical Music
Haskell County Scholarship
Jay Hatcher Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Dean Hawkins Scholarship
Jean and Curly Hays Scholarship
Bob R. Hefner Scholarship
Hispanic Leadership Council Scholarship
Hispanic Senior Recognition Scholarship
Floy Hodge Scholarship
Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship
Lady Clyde Hooper Memorial Scholarship
RC and Elizabeth Hoppe Memorial Scholarship
James P. Hopper Memorial Scholarship
Casey Leo Huff Memorial Scholarship
Fred Lee Hughes Memorial Scholarship
Bonnie and Bill Kiker and Virginia Kiker Hughes Memorial Scholarship
Independent Insurance Agents of Abilene Scholarship
Pearl Jackson Scholarship
Ross Jones Memorial Scholarship
Charlie Jordan Memorial Scholarship
Saranne and Benny Judkins Scholarship In Memory of Billie and Zane Judkins
GySgt. Robert K. Keller Memorial Scholarship
Margaret Wheeler Kennedy Scholarship
Eula M. Kruse Scholarship
Tom Kutch Memorial Scholarship
Mary Alice Terry Larson Memorial Fund
Brock Latham Memorial Scholarship
Cathy Springer Leavell Memorial Scholarship
Love Like Jazz Scholarship
LULAC Council 605 Scholarship
McClellan “Think On” Memorial Scholarship
Raymond A. McDaniel Memorial Scholarship
McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C. Scholarship
Sheriff John Middleton Memorial Scholarship
Jack Mildren Memorial Scholarship
Mary and George Minter Memorial Scholarship
Todd Moore Memorial Scholarship
Zach Moore Memorial Scholarship
Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship
My Whole Heart: Colt Baker Memorial Scholarship *
NAIFA - Abilene Assoc. of Ins. Financial Advisors Scholarship
Jack and Donna Nall Band Scholarship
Nolan County Foundation Scholarship
Hazel Nunn Scholarship Endowment for HSU
Hazel Nunn Scholarship Endowment for TSTC
Tillie Odam Memorial Scholarship
Janet Parkey Memorial Scholarship
Petroleum Club of Houston Scholarship
Hollis Hayes Pinkston Scholarship
Randy Polk Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Barney and Janie Popnoe Memorial Scholarship
Karen Adair Price RN Memorial Scholarship
Jesse M. and Bernice M. Pyeatt Scholarship
FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS
Ranger Class of ’86 Scholarship Fund
Reach for a Difference Scholarship
Reed and Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship *
Mary Louise Reid Nursing Scholarship *
Rentech Boiler Systems, Inc. Scholarship
Jane A. Rhodes Scholarship
Zach Robinson Memorial Scholarship
Selma and Mary Elizabeth Russell Scholarship *
Ginny Ryan Memorial Scholarship
Salute to Citizens Scholarship
Second Chances Scholarship
Señora Stacy Horton Sanchez Scholarship
Schuman Family Scholarship
Leo and Piney Scott Scholarship
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing Scholarship
SHS Class of 1961 Scholarship
SHTX Nathan & Norma Belcher and Zinn Lindsey Scholarship
SHTX Amy Bell Scholarship Fund
SHTX Darlene Hicks Memorial Scholarship
SHTX Doug Householder Memorial Scholarship
SHTX Ben Tyner Memorial Scholarship
Barbara and Norman Smart Memorial Scholarship
Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship
Kim and Jim Snyder Scholarship for Texas A&M
Stick Horses and Capes Scholarship
Stock Horse of Texas Scholarship
Hal and Jean Stockton Scholarship
Stone Owl Scholars Scholarship
Tarpley Family Scholarship
Texas Society of CPA’s (Abilene Chapter) Scholarship
Texas Tech Center for Excellence Scholarship
Johnathan Tschaar Memorial Scholarship
Harold Dean Wade Memorial Scholarship
Sam and Ellen Webb Albany Heritage Scholarship
WesTex Drilling Co., Robert B. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship
West Texas Fair and Rodeo Scholarship
West Texas Hereford Association, Curly Hays Scholarship
Wheat Family Trade Scholarship
Nicholas Whitaker Memorial Scholarship
Cleve Whitener Memorial Scholarship
Kay Whitton and Lessie (McCormick) Terry Scholarship
Ruth Hatcher and Joe Williamson Memorial Music Scholarship
Stanley and Claudie Wilson Scholarship
Winters Area Foundation Community Scholarship
Winters Area Foundation Scholarship
Winters Area Red Raider Scholarship
Winters Dove Fest Scholarship *
Mabel Winton Educational Scholarship
Robert Macario Ybarra Memorial Scholarship
Abilene Christian University Scholarship Endowment
Hardin-Simmons University Scholarship Endowment
McMurry University Scholarship Endowment
* New Funds
$1.15 M awarded
Grants from these funds support a specific charitable field, according to the donor’s interest.
Abilene Disaster Relief
Abilene Fund for the Arts
Abilene Fund for Helping Others
Abe and Sariet Allen Critical Health Care
APC Endowment for Mental Health
Apostle Paul Fund
Arch and Patti Batjer Fund for Children and Youth
Arch and Patti Batjer Health Care
Beckham Family Fund for Youth and Elderly in Need
Don and Lora Lynn Christensen Fund
Glen and Joy Churchill Fund
E. G. and Janell Cockerell Fund for Animals
Dr. David Lamont Collins Memorial Fund for Dental Health
Mary L. Reams Collins Memorial Fund for Women’s Health
Diane Denkhoff Fund for Children’s Health
Lale and BJ Estes Human Service
Future Fund
Elsie Lou and Edward H. Martin Memorial Fund for Elderly Care
Raymond and Gloria McDaniel Fund for Youth
NAIFA - Abilene Fund for Children
Norman-Stevens Memorial Fund for Winters
Gabriella Pace Endowment for Early Childhood Education
Pete and JoAnn Peterson Fund for Children and Health
Juanita T. Pollard Cultural
Mary Ross Fund for Workforce Development *
Serendipity Fund
Steve and Nita Slaton Fund for Humane Treatment of Animals
Support Big Country Disaster Relief Fund
Paula Windham Fund for Education and Community Development
Pat Meleen Vaughn Fund for Celebration of Life
Pat Meleen Vaughn Fund for Humane Treatment of Animals
Volunteer Fire Dept. Endowment Funds
Brown County
Callahan County
Coleman County
Eastland County
Shackelford County
Taylor County
Paul and Vera West Fund for Children
Charles and Sue Simmons White Endowment for the Needy
Women’s Fund for Health and Empowerment
* New Fund
2025
BOARD of Trustees
FORMER TRUSTEES as of October 1, 2025
Jim Alexander*
Clyde Allen
Tom Allen
Lynn Anderson
Jill Bailey
Harwell Barber*
Carolyn Barber
Grady Barr*
Yvonne Batts*
Jane Varner Beard
John Beckham*
Peggy Beckham*
Rob Beckham
Jeff Blanks*
Vianei Lopez Braun
Tucker Bridwell*
Nancy Brock
Cannon*
Canon* Lisa Chavez
Mishawn Childers
Tom Choate*
Dave Copeland
Jackie Ramsey Cox*
Harold Crawford
Joe Crawford
Bud Darby
Gil DeShazo
Laura Dyer
Laurie Eagle
Robert Eagle
Dr. B.J. Estes
Charles Ezzell
Ken Burgess Lee Caldwell*
Sarah Ferguson
Don Fitzgibbons
Dr. Jesse Fletcher
Bill Franklin
Allan Frizzell
Deonna Galbraith
Bobbie Gee
Larry Gill
Gayle Gray
Myrle Greathouse
Elbert E. Hall
Lee Hampton
Scott Hibbs*
Mark Hudson
Fred Lee Hughes
Petty Hunter
Joe Johnson
Bennie Jones
Patti Jones
Leigh King
Tim Lancaster
Kirk Massey
Mishi Mathur
Raymond McDaniel
Bobbie Melson
Kathy Merrill
Bynum Miers
Chris Montoya
Philip Morehead
Maggy Morford
Ken Musgrave
Buddy Napier
Iris Nash
George Nichols
Ian Nickerson, Sr.*
Danna Oliver
James Parker
Mindy Patterson
Billye Proctor-Shaw
Frank Puckett Jr.
Dr. Jack Ramsey
Dr. Wayne V. Ramsey, Jr.
Betty Ray
Sam Reeves
Becky Rentz
Sam Reyes
Jack Rich*
Carlos Rodriguez
Rev. Leo Scott
Lila Senter
Scott Senter
Steve Senter
Marelyn Shedd*
John Shelton, Jr
Kim Snyder
Dian Graves Stai
Dr. John C. Stevens
Bob Surovik*
David Swearingen
Jimmy Tittle
Sam Waldrop
Kathy Webster
Howard Wilkins
Anthony Williams
Stanley Wilson
Bobbie L. Wolfe
Williams P. Wright
H. C. Zachry
* Board Chairman
Italics – deceased
DAVID MCQUEEN
ELIZABETH
OUR Staff
EMERALD CASSIDY Marketing and Communications Director
BARBARA RICHERT Office Administrator
JENNIFER WEBER Scholarship Director
KATIE ALFORD President / CEO
MISTI COLLIER Donor Relations Director
KASSIDY NYGAARD Community Grants Manager
PATRICK LEWIS Chief Financial Officer
DRU PRUITT Finance Administrator
PARRISH Grants Director
MICHELLE
PO Box 1001 • Abilene, TX 79604
cfabilene.org
cfa@cfabilene.org
Ph 325-676-3883
Abilene Gives is the Foundation’s largest community event, connecting community members with more than 170 nonprofits. Since its launch in 2017, Abilene Gives has raised more than $14 million.
Abilene Gives makes a significant impact for charitable organizations serving our communities! The Community Foundation of Abilene is honored to host this giving day for the 10th consecutive year in 2026.
Learn more about Abilene Gives at abilenegives.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Abilene Gives 2026 Tuesday, May 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
