From tax benefits to long-term community change, 12 Days of Impact explores the power of Community Foundations.
Discover 12 frequently asked questions and their answers to learn how GFCF helps donors and nonprofits work together to build a stronger rural South Central Texas.
Discover the impact of Community Foundations for rural areas. Each day, we will reveal another aspect of our impact by answering common questions.
Community Foundations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits that pool resources from donors to improve the quality of life in specific geographic areas.
Unlike private foundations, Community Foundations serve broader community interests through grantmaking, partnerships, and donor services.
A 2021 community survey conducted by Greater Fayette Community Foundation identified three top priorities: mental health, workforce development and education, and housing.
GFCF polled nonprofits, local businesses, and community individuals.
As a result of this survey, GFCF launched The Red Door Fund within a year.
GFCF services 19 counties in rural South Central Texas:
Caldwell, Bastrop, Lee, Gonzales, Fayette, Washington, Austin, Lavaca, Colorado, Williamson, Hays, Guadalupe, DeWitt, Victoria, Jackson, Wharton, Fort Bend, Waller, and Burleson
Community Foundations gather donations from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.
These funds are pooled and strategically invested to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
The Weimar City Council just announced its plans to construct a new $4 million sports complex.
This project will be fiscally sponsored by Greater Fayette Community Foundation (GFCF), enabling the City to accept charitable donations from residents and to apply for grants to complete the project.
One of GFCF’s many ways of engaging in the community is to assist local government, community organizations, and nonprofits with managing charitable assets.
“This project is a great example of how collaboration and community generosity can come together to create something lasting for generations,” said Susannah Mikulin, CEO of GFCF. “We’re proud to help provide a pathway for donors and organizations to make this vision a reality.” – Susanah Mikulin, CEO of GFCF.
Community Foundations have deep knowledge of local challenges and strengths.
They partner with nonprofits, residents, and leaders with lived experience in their service area to ensure that funds go where they’re needed most.
This community-rooted approach leads to more thoughtful, equitable, and effective grantmaking. It also builds trust and fosters collaboration.
Our approach is designed to address the inherent power imbalances among funders, nonprofits, and communities.
By committing to redistributing power, we foster healthier, more equitable outcomes by aligning the attitudes, priorities, and actions of individuals and organizations.
Read more about our values on our About page
https://greaterfayette.com/about/
Community Foundations offer more favorable tax treatment than private foundations, including higher deduction limits and no federal excise tax on investment income.
Community Foundation donors can give cash, stock, real estate, or other assets and receive significant tax benefits.
Earlier this year, GFCF was gifted a house by an anonymous donor, and the home’s sale will be split to benefit GFCF and Fayette County Habitat for Humanity.
When the home was given to the Community Foundation, that instantly relieved the homeowner’s capital gains by the appraised value of the home.
As advised by the donor, when that house sells, the liquidated asset will be invested through our endowment.
Donations of real estate are as simple as a transfer of a gift deed. Whenever real estate is gifted, we put a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place and diligently follow the administration process.
We are honored that our community entrusts us with their charity giving and assets.
Accepting assets as donations allows donors to contribute in a way that best suits their financial and philanthropic goals, often providing significant tax benefits while simplifying the donation process compared to managing a private foundation.
GFCF’s ability to manage large, complex donations and disperse large grants back out into the community using those assets is one of many benefits for donors.
Learn more, https://greaterfayette.com/year-end-deadlines-reminders-for-2025/
Working with a Community Foundation eliminates the administrative burden of managing a private foundation.
Donors gain access to expert guidance, established infrastructure, and local insight.
It’s a streamlined, cost-effective way to make a difference.
Plus, your legacy is part of something bigger.
For John and Kim Bartos, giving back is more than a choice, it’s a responsibility rooted in gratitude. “We have been truly blessed, and with that blessing comes the responsibility to give back,” they shared.
Whether it’s preserving the area’s rich history or investing in education and community services, the Bartos family remains dedicated to building a stronger future. Their partnership with the Greater Fayette Community Foundation (GFCF) helped create the Bartos Family Giving Fund.
The Bartos family established the Bartos Family Giving Fund to further their legacy of giving and support local organizations aligned with their values. The fund plays a vital role in strengthening the community and creating lasting positive change.
At GFCF, the Community Impact Funds are governed by advisory councils. Meaning, GFCF supports the councils administratively, but ultimately, the councils review and make decisions on all grant applications.
Building a successful fund begins with a strong foundation of guidance and stewardship.
That’s why we assembled rural advisory councils for each fund, filled with deeply connected, social impact powerhouses.
Together, we’re committed to making impactful investments that truly resonate with the people they benefit.
Fayette County
Fayette County
Colorado County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Fayette County
Bastrop County
Caldwell County
Williamson County
Hays County
Member at Large
They serve as community conveners and catalysts for change.
Community Foundations often lead coalitions, support public education, respond to emergencies, and foster cross-sector collaboration.
When floods devastated Kerr County over the July 4th holiday, our rural community came together to provide support.
In just three weeks, over $52,000 was raised through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund at GFCF.
100% of those funds went directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to help meet urgent needs and fuel long-term recovery.
The community’s trust in GFCF made it easier for donors to act quickly and confidently.
Local partners like La Grange Brewing Co., Round Top Brewing Co., and FayCo Printing helped amplify the effort.
Together, we proved what’s possible when rural communities rise for one another.
Read more about rural South Central Texas’s Response to the 4th of July Flood on our website: https://greaterfayette.com/kerr-county-flood-relief-fund/
Endowments are permanent funds that are invested to provide sustainable income for future grantmaking.
They allow Community Foundations to respond to needs now and in the future.
GFCF manages endowments for both long-term growth and immediate community impact.
A portion of the investment earnings are distributed annually to support the organization, while the rest remains invested to grow over time, ensuring the fund’s ability to provide perpetual support.
In 2021, Parents as Teachers of Rural South Central Texas (PAT-RSCTX) took a bold step toward securing its future by establishing an Agency Endowment Fund with the Greater Fayette Community Foundation.
Lucy Stanzel, the program’s first Director and a key member of the original team that helped establish Parents as Teachers in 2002, reflected on the decision, stating, “We wanted to find, develop, and maintain a program of integrity that builds a strong foundation, starting in the home with parents, to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in our rural communities.”
“We’ve been here for 22 years, and we want to be here for 22 more and beyond,” Development Director Josue Rivas added.
“This endowment is about ensuring that generations of families will continue to have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Since its inception, the PAT-RSCTX fund has experienced remarkable growth.
The investment grew by an impressive 682%.
This achievement underscores the organization’s commitment to financial sustainability, its strong community partnerships, and the dedicated leadership driving its mission forward.
Learn more by reading our 2024 Annual Report.
Yes! Community Foundations thrive on collective giving.
Small donations from many people can grow into powerful sources of support.
When combined with other gifts and invested wisely, even modest contributions generate long-term impact.
Every dollar matters because it’s part of a bigger movement to strengthen community well-being.
From La Grange to Carnegie Hall
When the La Grange High School Band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, it was a dream opportunity. But the $150,000 price tag was a big challenge.
GFCF helped local leaders open a special fund so every donation would go where it mattered. With personal outreach and generosity from families, local businesses, and alumni, the full amount was raised.
Because of your support, every student made it to New York. The Mighty Leopard Band took the stage at Carnegie Hall. This is proof that when La Grange comes together, anything is possible.
Read the full story on our website!
See you tomorrow for day 10!
Community Foundations don’t just fund nonprofits; they help them grow.
Through capacity-building workshops, leadership development, fiscal sponsorships, and networking events, foundations equip organizations with tools to succeed.
GFCF builds strong relationships with grantees to support their long-term sustainability. That means stronger services and deeper impact across rural South Central Texas.
Rural nonprofits play a crucial role in delivering essential services.
Yet, limited resources and geographic barriers often make it difficult for organizations to access the knowledge, training, and support they need to thrive.
That’s why RNNG was created. RNNG is led by, and exists for, the local nonprofits in our rural region.
Our hope is to support your organization in achieving its mission through professional learning and community building.
RNNG hosted Day of Education this year as a way for nonprofits leaders to reconnect with their why.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for Day of Education 2025. From the powerful sessions to the meaningful conversations, your presence helped create a day filled with reflection, connection, and renewed purpose.
Learn more about RNNG: greaterfayette.com/rnng/
Community Foundation is more than a name, it’s a mindset.
A true Community Foundation listens first, shares power, and invests in solutions shaped by the people they serve.
At GFCF, that looks like advisory councils, collaborative grantmaking, and storytelling that centers community voices.
Philanthropy should reflect the wisdom, strength, and vision of the community.
GFCF’s first fund, The Red Door Fund (RDF), was founded in response to community members gathering, listening to their neighbors, and pooling funds to make a difference.
One of GFCF’s early investments through the RDF, in partnership with the Kyla Faith Memorial, was to support La Grange Elementary School’s purchase of Handle with Care magnets.
These magnets featured a phone number for parents to call and advise staff on factors that may be impacting their students emotionally. For example, “Suzie’s dog died over the weekend, handle with care.”
They are still in use by LGISD today.
Since 2021, The Red Door Fund has raised $211,858.
Red Door Day (Feb 12) is a community-driven event dedicated to raising awareness about mental health in rural South Central Texas.
Through simple acts like decorating your door red or wearing red, you can show your support and help create a safer, more compassionate community.
Donors have many options. They can:
Donors can establish a Donor-Advised Fund, contribute to a field-of-interest or designated fund, support scholarships, or make unrestricted gifts.
Each option allows you to shape your legacy while supporting causes that matter.
GFCF works with donors to personalize their giving experience.
Allows donors to contribute assets and receive an immediate tax deduction, then recommend grants from the fund over time.
Supports a specific area, like education or the environment.
Provides educational opportunities for students.
Gives the foundation flexibility to respond to unforeseen community needs.
Donate stocks, houses, assets, or leave GFCF in your will.
Please reach out to the GFCF team to learn more about establishing a fund.
Email: info@greaterfayette.com
Call: 979-797-2180
Thank You!
This wraps up our 12 Days of Impact campaign.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about what we do and how we help others.
Please consider supporting our impact in rural South Central Texas by giving to the GFCF’s Leadership Fund.
Donate today, https://faycofoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1061
Donate to the Greater Fayette Community Foundation’s Leadership Fund.