The San Antonio Area Foundation on July 10 announced it awarded $1.5 million to 51 local nonprofits in its first round of new three-year grants.

What happened

According to a news release, SAAF chose the 51 nonprofits out to 187 applicants for their ability to positively impact local cultural development and the success of local youths.

Some of the grant recipients include Agarita Chamber Players, Esperanza Peace And Justice Center, San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, Brighton Center, Communities In Schools of San Antonio, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, Pride Center San Antonio, SAY Si and YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

The big picture

SAAF officials said the current grant-making cycle is more reflective of the foundation’s aim toward helping local low-income residents. In this effort, 88% of 2023-25 first-round grantees serve residents in San Antonio’s poorest ZIP codes, the release states.

What they’re saying

Patricia Mejia, SAAF’s vice president of community engagement and impact, said the foundation's leaders are pleased to provide support to a growing number of diverse nonprofits.

SAAF officials said nearly 1 in 5 new grantees is either a first-time recipient or received foundation funding for the first time in five years. The count of smaller nonprofits being funded is also growing: 33% of new grantees have a total annual budget of $250,000 or less.

“It’s a great sign to see a significant increase in engagement, from organizations both small and large, each playing their role in meeting our vision of working to close opportunity gaps for those in our community who need it most,” Mejia said in a statement.

What’s next

This fall, the area foundation will announce additional three-year grants for nonprofits in the organization’s other two main impact areas: successful aging, and livable and resilient communities.