COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
a grantmaking publication of the Community Foundation of Abilene
Community Foundation Staff:
Katie Alford, President/CEO
Emerald Cassidy, Marketing & Communications Director
Misti Collier, Donor Relations Director
Meagan Harris, Rural Grants Manager
Patrick Lewis, Chief Financial Officer
Kassidy Nygaard, Community Grants Manager
Michelle Parrish, Grants Director
Dru Pruitt, Finance Administrator
Barbara Richert, Office Administrator
Jennifer Weber, Scholarships Director
Contact the Foundation:
cfa@cfabilene.org 325-676-3883
850 N 1st St, Abilene, TX 79601 PO Box 1001, Abilene, TX 79604
At the Community Foundation of Abilene (CFA), we typically have multiple grant cycles each year. Through the Windham Fund, the CFA is honored to provide grant opportunities to eligible organizations in counties within a 150-mile radius of Oplin, Texas.
Those counties include: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton.
Organizations wishing to apply to the Windham Fund grant cycle must complete a preliminary interview with CFA staff prior to applying. Requests below have completed the interview and application requirements.
Please consider contributing to those nonprofits in this rural edition of Community Connections that are seeking funds for projects you are most passionate about.
Meagan Harris
CFA Rural Grants Manager
mharris@cfabilene.org
NONPROFIT GRANT APPLICANTS
Grant Requests & Summaries
CURRENT NEED 2Ingage – Texas Family Initiative
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Texas Family Initiative (TFI) is requesting funding to support kinship caregivers who are currently caring for more than 70 youth at risk of care. These youth range from ages 14 to 21 years old and are located within the 19 counties that make up West-Central Texas. The requested funds will be used for essential items, licensing support, and trauma-informed guidance to help caregivers navigate the emotional and behavioral needs of youth.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED 89.5 KACU Public Radio
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
KACU is requesting funding to support an oral history initiative, West Texas Roots. Through the weekly program West Texas Dispatch, KACU shares the voices of ranchers, elders, veterans, educators, and descendants of early settlers. This grant would allow KACU to expand the project into additional outlying areas, improve the quality and accessibility of recordings, and engage more community partners in storytelling and preservation efforts.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Baylor University – Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty
$56,337
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Baylor University is requesting funding to launch a coordinated program to improve quality of life by decreasing food insecurity. In Brown County, the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty will develop, lead, and launch a new coalition to join Hunger Free West Texas, a network of coalitions in 11 counties with a rural lens. In Coleman and Runnels counties, staff will coordinate with partner organizations to prepare for future coalition launches.
Counties Served: Brown, Coleman, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Lubbock, Mason, McCulloch, Nolan, Tom Green, Runnels, Schleicher and Sutton
CURRENT NEED Big Brothers Big Sisters – West-Central Texas
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) West-Central Texas is requesting funding for their One-to-One Mentoring program in Erath County. The program’s safe and secure mentoring model nurtures match relationships, enabling children to achieve success in their lives.
County Served: Erath
CURRENT NEED Boys and Girls Club of the Big Country
$9,880
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Boys and Girls Club is requesting funding for their Coleman Club to expand access to after-school care by providing scholarships to under-served youth in Coleman County. The after-school care offers a safe, structured, and engaging environment where children ages 6-18 can participate in educational, recreational, and character-building activities. This funding will directly support scholarships for families, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to benefit from learning, mentorship, physical activity, and social connection.
Counties Served: Callahan, Coleman and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Butman Camp and Retreat Center
$24,000
CAUSE AREA
Quality of life
Butman Camp and Retreat Center is seeking funding for parts and equipment to replace 24 doors at Irvine Lodge with durable steel exterior doors, complete with updated locks and hardware. This project will improve weather resistance, enhance energy efficiency, and increase the overall safety and security of the facility. Upgrading the doors ensures a more welcoming and protected environment for all guests who attend retreats, camps, and events.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED Callahan County Aging Services
$5,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Callahan County Aging Services respectfully requests funding to purchase a two-door commercial freezer to enhance food storage capacity at its facilities in Baird and Clyde. The organization serves elderly and handicapped individuals in the community by providing vital nutrition support. The addition of this freezer will allow Callahan County Aging Services to reduce food costs by purchasing in bulk and taking advantage of sales, ultimately stretching limited resources to better serve clients.
County Served: Callahan
CURRENT NEED Christian Family Ministries
$25,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Christian Family Ministries is requesting funding for capital improvements to their aging building to better serve the growing Coleman community. Planned upgrades include two ADA bathrooms, improvements to kitchen facilities for the hot meal program, and security of the food pantry entryways. These improvements will increase efficiency, safety, and capacity to meet the needs of those served.
County Served: Coleman
CURRENT NEED Cisco College
$35,000
CAUSE AREA
Quality of life
Cisco College is requesting funding for the college’s recreation area project. This project will transform the existing open campus space into a vibrant hub for social interaction and community-wide engagement. By providing an inclusive recreational space, the project aims to increase participation in physical activities and community events, fostering a sense of belonging and improving overall well-being. The area will serve as a central gathering place, strengthening community ties and encouraging collaboration among students, residents, and local organizations.
County Served: Eastland
CURRENT NEED Citizens EMS
$10,424
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Citizens EMS is requesting funding for the RapidFlow Infusion Project to enhance emergency medical care in rural Callahan County. The project will equip Mobile Intensive Care Units with advanced Sapphire Multi-Therapy Infusion Pumps to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of medications during extended transports. Funding will support the purchase of pumps, carry cases, mounts, and accessories. This project will enhance patient care, support EMS personnel, and improve health outcomes for both residents and travelers in the region.
County Served: Callahan
CURRENT NEED City of Anson
$20,000
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
The City of Anson is requesting funding for structural repairs to the historic Anson Opera House. Structural issues, including visible cracks in several walls, need to be addressed to maintain the building’s integrity and safety. Timely repairs will help prevent further deterioration and protect the Johnson Hall Community Center located on the first floor, as well as nearby structures. Requested funds will be used to stabilize and repair the affected walls, ensuring the continued use of this historic facility for community gatherings and events.
County Served: Jones
CURRENT NEED City of Snyder
$50,000
CAUSE AREA
Quality of life
CURRENT NEED
$50,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
The City of Snyder is requesting funding to transform a vacant downtown lot into a vibrant public green space. This community-led project will convert an inaccessible area into an inviting and inclusive gathering place with native landscaping, seating, and walkable paths. Designed to foster beautification, connectivity, and civic pride, the space will serve as a cornerstone for ongoing downtown revitalization. It reflects the City of Snyder’s broader vision to reimagine underused spaces and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
County Served: Scurry
Coleman County Center for Senior Citizens
The Coleman County Center for Senior Citizens is requesting funding for a capital campaign to renovate its facility to better serve local seniors and the broader community. Planned renovations include a fully updated kitchen and dining area designed to accommodate small groups and meetings, ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible entryways, and the installation of new air conditioning and plumbing systems. Additional funding is being sought to complete this vital project and ensure a safe, welcoming, and functional space for all who use the Center.
County Served: Coleman
CURRENT NEED
$40,000
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
Coleman Heritage, Arts, and Preservation Society (CHAPS)
Coleman Heritage, Arts, and Preservation Society (CHAPS) is requesting funding to replace the roof of its historic Museum building to preserve the structure for future generations and strengthen the development and display of local history through its exhibits. In May 2024, a severe hailstorm caused significant roof damage, resulting in leaks that forced the temporary closure of the Museum. While a temporary patch has allowed the Museum to reopen, a full roof replacement is urgently needed to protect the building, its collections, and continued operations.
County Served: Coleman
CURRENT NEED
$75,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
CURRENT NEED
$14,650
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Concho Valley Community Action Agency
Concho Valley Community Action Agency is requesting funding for the Community Care Coordination (CCC) program, which builds on the success of Rural and Homeless Navigation Days by connecting people with vital services. Covering 11 counties in West Texas, CCC will coordinate services in rural communities with more than 30 partner service organizations. In addition, an Emergency Management Professional will be added to the team to help establish and support COADs and VOADs across the region. This role will strengthen local coordination, improve emergency planning, and ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind during crises.
Counties Served: Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Menard, Reagan, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton and Tom Green
Cornerstone Christian Educational Endeavors
Cornerstone Christian Educational Endeavors is requesting funding for the launch of an early childhood initiative, Sweetwater Literacy in Motion. In partnership with the local public library and Sweetwater Applause Association, the initiative will feature professional artist visits and community literacy engagement events that spotlight selected children’s books. The program is for Nolan County children ages 1 through 3rd grade. Each campaign will provide free books, enrichment activities, and curriculum for use by teachers, scout leaders, and churches. The goal is to foster family reading, build literacy skills, and nurture child development through enhanced art and music experiences that inspire wonder and a lifelong love of reading.
Counties Served: Fisher, Mitchell, Nolan and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Cross Plains Public Library
$17,551
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Cross Plains Public Library is requesting funding to improve accessibility and safety for elderly and disabled patrons, children, and staff. This request includes the installation of a new circulation desk to better serve the public, a security and fire detection system, and safety glass windows to enhance building protection. These improvements are part of a broader capital campaign, which also includes a pending request with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) for additional accessibility upgrades. These include widening door frames to make computer areas accessible for wheelchair users, installing an ADA-compliant front door with an automatic opener, a new exterior door, and privacy cubicles in the public computer area.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman and Eastland
CURRENT NEED Developing DeLeon Today, Inc.
$28,500
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
Developing DeLeon Today, Inc. is requesting funding to have two murals painted in key locations in downtown DeLeon. One mural will be located at the main intersection downtown near City Hall as a “Welcome” for visitors. The other mural will be located near the railroad tracks, which are on the north end of the business district near the historic depot building. This mural will feature the Penatuhkah Trail and Forts Trail, which will promote tourism not only to DeLeon but also around the region. Both murals will add to the beautification of downtown. The existing “Wall of Recall” mural is located between the proposed projects.
County Served: Comanche
CURRENT NEED Frontera Healthcare Network
$50,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Frontera Healthcare Network is requesting funding to expand its Brady Clinic in rural West-Central Texas. The proposed 1,800-square-foot capital expansion will increase access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for low-income families, older adults, and individuals with chronic conditions by expanding clinic capacity. The project involves adding five new exam rooms (dedicated to medical care, behavioral health, and minor procedures), redesigning and refurnishing the waiting area and front desk, updating signage in both English and Spanish, and ensuring full ADA compliance.
Counties Served: Brown, Coleman, Concho, Gillespie, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard and Runnels
CURRENT NEED Holiday Hill, Inc.
$8,224
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Holiday Hill, Inc. is requesting funding for the purchase of two essential pieces of equipment for daily operations: a new floor scrubber and a commercial kitchen mixer. The facility is entirely tiled, and the previous scrubber – now beyond repair – was vital for maintaining clean and safe flooring throughout the building. Replacing it will ensure the facility remains sanitary and well-maintained. Additionally, a commercial-grade mixer is urgently needed for the dietary department, which prepares meals for over 50 individuals three times a day.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Taylor and Tom Green
CURRENT NEED Merkel ISD – FFA
$15,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
The FFA program at Merkel ISD is requesting funding to build a greenhouse that will provide experiential learning for their agriculture students. The greenhouse will align with the Texas Education Agency’s plant pathway, giving students opportunities to engage in planting, propagation, and sustainable production. It will also foster employability skills like teamwork and economic literacy. Additionally, it will support community access to plants and fresh produce, strengthening local agriculture. Located safely near the agriculture building, this greenhouse will seamlessly integrate with classroom learning while connecting students to the community through plant sales and educational workshops, creating a hub of agricultural literacy.
County Served: Taylor
CURRENT NEED Museum of the West Texas Frontier
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Education
The Museum of the West Texas Frontier is requesting funding for the educational program, “History Alive.” This program is designed for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten/Head Start to 12th grade. For the Elementary level, the Museum has partnered with the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock to teach their Hank the Cowdog curriculum, which is cross-curriculum and TEKS-based. These lessons are agricultural in theme, teaching about ranching and farming along with the global effect it has. For Middle School, the curriculum focuses on the Five Stages of Settlement on the West Texas Frontier, also TEKS-based. For the High School Level, the focus is regional histories for historical events such as WWI, WWII, the Great Depression, and Civil Rights.
Counties Served: Baylor, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, King, Knox, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED National WASP WWII Museum
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
The National WASP WWII Museum is requesting funding to hire a full-time Education Manager. This position will be responsible for developing and delivering grade-specific programs that align with school standards and engage students through meaningful, in-person learning. Support for this role would directly strengthen the Museum’s educational impact and help ensure the WASP story continues to inspire future generations.
Counties Served: Fisher, Midland, Nolan, Taylor and Travis
CURRENT NEED Olney Community Library and Arts Center
$20,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Olney Community Library is requesting funding to renovate its interior space to better serve the evolving needs of the community. The current furniture and shelving are outdated and no longer support the functionality or aesthetics of a modern library. This project will update the design to create a more welcoming, contemporary environment for patrons of all ages. Renovations will also include reconfiguring the main floor to allow for an open, flexible layout that accommodates community meetings, educational programs, and informal gatherings.
Counties Served: Archer and Young
CURRENT NEED Operation: Stockshow
$20,000
CAUSE AREA
Education
Operation: Stockshow is requesting funding to purchase a dedicated vehicle that will expand the organization’s ability to serve more school districts and rural communities across the Big Country region. Currently limited in its reach, the organization hosts weekly events and sessions that provide hands-on, life-changing experiences for youth in the special needs community. A vehicle equipped to tow cargo and livestock trailers will enable Operation: Stockshow to transport supplies, equipment, animals, and staff more efficiently, broadening its impact and making its programs more accessible to under-served areas.
Counties Served: Callahan and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Pioneer City County Museum
$15,000
CAUSE AREA
Quality of life
CURRENT NEED
$15,300
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Pioneer City County Museum is requesting funding to make critical repairs to a large, underutilized wing of the building. Needed improvements include roof repairs, window replacements, weatherproofing, electrical upgrades, and the installation of a new heating and air conditioning unit. This space is essential for both visitor experience and artifact preservation, but it is currently not climate-controlled or guest-friendly.
County Served: Nolan
Region 14 Education Service Center – CNA Program
Region 14 Education Service Center is requesting funding for the PACE CNA program, a collaborative initiative transforming healthcare education opportunities for high school students in rural school districts. This shared instructor program will be expanding from 10 to 20 school districts across the region. Funds will be used to purchase consumable items for training, liability insurance, and student scrubs.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED Rising Star Volunteer Fire Department (VFD)
$22,962
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Rising Star VFD is requesting funding to purchase 10 BKR5000 VHF P25 portable two-way radios to replace outdated and unreliable communication equipment. This upgrade will improve emergency response coordination, increase responder safety, and ensure communication across their rural service area, which lacks dependable cell coverage. The new radios will also enhance interoperability with mutual aid partners during multi-agency incidents.
Counties Served: Callahan and Eastland
CURRENT NEED Shackelford County Community Resource Center
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Shackelford County Community Resource Center is requesting funding to support its Emergency Assistance Program, established to meet unmet needs in rural communities. This vital program provides immediate support for essentials such as utilities, housing, prescriptions, medical appointments, food, and clothing. The program allows Case Managers to assist individuals and families quickly, without restrictive eligibility barriers related to income, residence, or background.
Counties Served: Callahan, Shackelford, Stephens and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Snyder Community Resource Center
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Snyder Community Resource Center is requesting funding to provide essential basic need assistance such as utility support, prescription medication, fuel, emergency shelter, and food access for rural individuals and families in Mitchell and Scurry counties. Services are verified, coordinated with local partners, and focused on helping people stabilize and take a step forward during times of need.
Counties Served: Mitchell and Scurry
CURRENT NEED Texas Ramp Project
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Health & human services
Texas Ramp Project is requesting funding for the Abilene Ramp Project which will provide wheelchair ramps to low-income clients with disabilities across the 12 counties they serve.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Jones, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Stonewall and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Texas Small Town Young Life
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Texas Small Town Young Life is requesting funding for the Small Town Young Life Developer position. While the organization has traditionally grown in suburban and urban areas, recent years have seen momentum building in rural communities such as Mason, Llano, San Saba, Albany, and Jim Ned Valley. Interest is also growing in towns like Coleman, Eldorado, Graham, and Lamesa. A dedicated Small Town Developer will help launch, support, and sustain Young Life ministries in these rural areas—ensuring that young people in small communities have access to the same life-changing relationships and experiences as their peers in larger cities.
Counties Served: Callahan, Coleman, Dawson, Hamilton, Schleicher, Shackelford, Stephens, Taylor and Young
CURRENT NEED The Old Jail Art Center (OJAC)
$10,000
CAUSE AREA
Arts & culture
The OJAC is requesting funding to improve outdoor signage, lighting, and landscaping to enhance the Museum’s visibility, wayfinding, and the overall visitor experience. Located along State Highway 6 in Albany, the Museum seeks to install updated wayfinding and interpretive signage to help drivers locate the facility and its main entrance, as well as provide information on current exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. Planned improvements also include repairs to existing lighting for better visibility and safety during evening events, and landscaping upgrades in the entrance courtyard to create a more welcoming arrival experience.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Schackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED West Central Texas Council of Governments
$50,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
West Central Texas Council of Governments is requesting funding for updating and managing the FEMA-required Hazard Mitigation Plans for 10 counties in West-Central Texas. Funding will offset the 25% match needed from those counties: Haskell, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stonewall, and Taylor.
Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Schackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
CURRENT NEED West Texas Veteran Support Services
$5,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
West Texas Veteran Support Services is requesting funding for the Restoring Texas project, which provides essential repair services to low-income Veterans, the elderly, and the disabled, ensuring safe and livable housing conditions. The program addresses critical repairs, including plumbing, electrical, roofing, and structural issues at no cost to eligible participants.
Counties Served: Nolan, Runnels, Scurry and Taylor
CURRENT NEED Winters Child Care Development
$22,000
CAUSE AREA
Community development
Winters Child Care Development is requesting funding to replace the daycare’s original 1940s siding with durable Hardi-Plank siding. The upgrade will provide improved protection against termite infestation and fire damage, ultimately reducing long-term maintenance costs and preserving the integrity of the facility.
County Served: Runnels
Ready to give? Here’s how!
To make a gift to any of the proposals in this grant catalog, please list your selections in the table below. You can submit your responses by:
MAIL Complete the form below and return this page to: PO Box 1001, Abilene, TX 79604.
EMAIL List your nonprofit selections and award amounts in an email to: mcollier@cfabilene.org
PHONE We’re here to help. Call: 325-676-3883.
• Nonprofit applicant question? Contact Meagan Harris, rural grants manager
• Donor fundholder or fund question? Contact Misti Collier, donor relations director.
Contributions can be made via check; include “2025 Rural Grants” in the memo. Please make checks payable to: Community Foundation of Abilene.
Are you a CFA fundholder? Complete the last section on this page to recommend grants from a donor-advised fund.
Deadline: Friday, August 8
Please attach a list if you need more space.
NAME
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ADDRESS
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FUND INFORMATION
List fund name if you are a fund holder recommending grants from your fund.
Please sign here: ANONYMITY Circle “Yes” if you wish to remain anonymous.
Coming Soon!
We’re launching a conference for rural nonprofit and funders.
August 7-8, 2025 at TSTC Sweetwater
SPUR is a conference offering nonprofit education led by experienced presenters, connections with peers and community leaders, and engagement with potential funders interested in rural causes.
Featured conference session topics from our experts include: board governance, donor stewardship, fund development, grantwriting, marketing, nonprofit finance, special events, and strategic planning.
If you would like more information on this event, call CFA at 325-676-3883 to visit with Katie Alford, President/CEO (cfa@cfabilene.org) or Meagan Harris, rural grants manager (mharris@cfabilene.org). spurwct.org