Austin Community Foundation is excited to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards a more equitable Austin. Since its inception in 2020, The Black Fund has been a beacon of hope and change, granting $855,000 to 46 Black-led and Black-serving organizations. These funds have catalyzed critical work within our community, fostering growth and empowerment.
ACF is pleased to support The Black Fund on its path to becoming an independent nonprofit organization. In doing so, The Black Fund has transitioned to a fiscally sponsored project of ACF as it awaits its 501(c)(3) designation. Now called The Black Fund of Central Texas, this move is a significant milestone and represents ACF’s continued partnership with the Black community.
ACF remains committed to working with The Black Fund of Central Texas and helping it build its capacity to become an independent organization. We encourage you to follow its activities during this next phase by visiting its new website, theblackfundcentraltx.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with The Black Fund?
The Black Fund has transitioned to a fiscally sponsored project of ACF while it works on obtaining 501(c)(3) status. The ultimate goal is to operate as an independent organization. The project is now called The Black Fund of Central Texas.
What does it mean to be a fiscally sponsored project?
As a fiscally sponsored project, The Black Fund of Central Texas has more autonomy, making decisions through its advisory board and executive director. ACF provides charitable tax status and receives and distributes charitable gifts and grants. The Black Fund of Central Texas will manage all day-to-day operations, including staff, donors, marketing, finances, etc.
Who made this decision?
When The Black Fund was originally created as a program of ACF in 2020, its leaders’ intent was for it to eventually operate independently. Together, we’ve made remarkable strides in empowering the local Black community through grants exceeding $855,000 to 46 deserving organizations. These achievements allowed us to move up the timeline and transition the Fund to a fiscally sponsored project of ACF, with the ultimate goal of becoming an independent organization. This move is a significant step in the Fund’s progression toward autonomy and represents ACF’s continued partnership with the Black community.
Why was The Black Fund created at ACF and not as an independent organization initially?
The co-founders of The Black Fund selected Austin Community Foundation as its initial home because of its expertise in impactful grantmaking, established community impact programs (e.g., the Women’s Fund and Hispanic Impact Fund), and its mission to create a more vibrant and equitable Central Texas. After many conversations with ACF leadership, the co-founders decided that ACF was the right place to establish the Fund, with the goal of eventually operating independently.
When can my nonprofit organization apply for a grant?
The Black Fund of Central Texas plans to open the next grant application in August 2025. More information, including eligibility and criteria, will be provided on the new website, theblackfundcentraltx.org.
How will this transition affect current grantees of The Black Fund?
ACF will continue to fulfill its grant commitments with current grant partners. Additionally, The Black Fund grant partners are eligible to submit proposals for any future ACF grant opportunities.
Will ACF continue to support The Black Fund of Central Texas even though it is no longer a program of the Foundation?
Yes, ACF has annually invested resources in The Black Fund since 2020 and is committed to helping build the capacity of The Black Fund of Central Texas on its journey to become an independent nonprofit organization.
Will the Hispanic Impact Fund and Women’s Fund remain programs of ACF?
The Hispanic Impact Fund and Women’s Fund continue to be a critical part of ACF’s economic mobility strategy to close the opportunity gap in Central Texas. ACF will continue to manage and support these community-led programs.
How do I stay informed about The Black Fund of Central Texas?
Visit the new website, theblackfundcentraltx.org, for the latest information, and subscribe to the newsletter.