About us
Greater Fayette Community Foundation
Inspiring charitable action, facilitating collaboration, and empowering the organizations that strengthen our rural communities.
2025
2001-2024
Our History
Founded in 2001, the Greater Fayette Community Foundation (GFCF) has served as a vital bridge connecting donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the evolving needs of rural Central Texas. Over the past two decades, we have embraced a community-driven approach, awarding over $1.4 million in grants and scholarships to improve education, health, and economic opportunities in the region.
Guided by our commitment to equity and collaboration, GFCF continues to expand its impact by empowering local organizations and inspiring philanthropic action. Today, with a focus on fostering lasting change, our initiatives support 19 counties within a 60-mile radius of La Grange, Texas.
Our vision
Rural Texas Philanthropy: Rooted in Trust
We believe in an approach to philanthropy designed to address the inherent power imbalances among funders, nonprofits, and communities. By committing to redistributing power, our “Community-Led. Community-Driven.” approach fosters healthier, more equitable outcomes by aligning the attitudes, priorities, and actions of individuals and organizations.
OUR values
Trust Builds Connections
We build real connections based on trust, helping everyone feel confident in exploring new ideas and taking chances.
Relationships First
We value open and honest communication, which helps us build authentic relationships to understand the unique challenges of our rural communities.
Unite with Openness
We know we don’t have all the answers. By uniting with others in our community to listen and learn, we gain new insights and ideas to reach our common goals.
Share Decision-Making Power
We believe that the people closest to an issue should have a say in decisions. We invite our partners and community members to be part of the process.
Treat Everyone Fairly
Recognizing that race, economics, and politics can lead to unfairness, we are dedicated to changing these patterns to support a fairer, stronger community.
Committed to Rural: The Greater Fayette Service Area
We proudly serve the rural counties of South Central Texas, investing in innovation and addressing disparities to elevate the quality of life for all. By leveraging local strengths and fostering collaboration, we help build resilient communities ready to thrive.
Fayette
Colorado
Austin
Washington
Lee
Bastrop
Caldwell
Gonzales
Lavaca
Burleson
Waller
Fort Bend
Wharton
Jackson
Victoria
DeWitt
Guadalupe
Hays
Williamson
Community impact
Who We Serve
Donors
We’re committed to aligning with your philanthropic goals to make a meaningful local impact.
Impact
Investing in Rural Communities
Through collaboration and community-focused initiatives, we’ve been investing in organizations that address disparities and elevate quality of life in rural Central Texas.
Awarded $1,423,192 in grants and scholarships to local students and non-profit agencies to date
As of 2024, we have supported 42 community funds currently valued at $2 million.
Our focus is a 60-mile radius around La Grange, TX, encompassing rural 19 counties.
Together We’re Driving Change
Hear from the donors, nonprofits, and community leaders who partner with us to make an impact.
David Porter III, RCHF Advisory Council Member At Large
Nakevia Miller, RCHF Advisory Council member for East Williamson County
David N Clauss, Director Workforce Development Programs, American YouthWorks-YouthBuild
Camille Doggett, Joe Roland Community Center
Meet the Team
The Directors of the Foundation are local men and women who are knowledgeable about the unique needs of Fayette County and the surrounding areas. They seek to identify problems and needs not otherwise being adequately addressed and make these known to potential donors. They serve the donors, the charitable organizations, and the community as a whole in their capacity as Director.
Cheryl Pekar
President, Schulenburg/Weimar
Cathy Horn
Immediate Past President, Flatonia
Reenie Collins
Vice President, Round Top
Leslie Penello
Secretary, Fayetteville
Linda Streicher
Treasurer, Muldoon
Karen Bookout
Fayetteville
Don Jones
La Grange
Janis Richardson
Hallettsville
Christine Scully
Round Top
Gale Lincke
Director of Emeritus, La Grange
Jeanne Schilling
Director of Emeritus, Fayetteville
Susannah Mikulin
Cheif Executive Officer
Ashleigh Parks
Senior Director of Program & Community Engagement
Jamie Lee Manning
Public Initiatives Program Director
Valerie Esparza
Community Engagement Coordinator
Transparency
At Greater Fayette Community Foundation, we value transparency in all we do. Our annual reports provide detailed insights into our financial stewardship, programmatic work, and community impact.
2022
2023
2024
News
See the Latest from GFCF
My five-year-old daughter loves to draw and color. Last year, she drew a lovely picture with a blue sky, green…
The end of the year is quickly approaching, and Fayette Community Foundation is ready to assist you with your year-end…
The Fayette Community Foundation’s Rural Community Health Fund (RCHF), in partnership with St. David’s Foundation, has awarded grants to 19…
The Fayette Community Foundation’s Rural Community Health Fund (RCHF) is a transformative initiative to empower rural Central Texas communities to…
Fayette County EMS is at the forefront of redefining how first responders implement trauma-informed care for their personnel in Fayette…
Tickets are now available for the second annual South Central Texas Rural Philanthropy Day (SCTX RPD) on Friday, November 3,…
Five years ago, rains from Hurricane Harvey raised the Colorado River more than fifty feet, flooding La Grange and destroying…
On July 9, 2022, Building Resilience Inclusion Diversity & Growth thru Education (BRIDGE) hosted a Meet ‘N Greet Community Social…
Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center In November of 2021, the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) was awarded…
Our local nonprofits do great things for our community although at the same time, they need access to information and…
Get Involved
Donate
Your generosity fuels our ability to create lasting change.
Apply
Nonprofits, explore funding opportunities and resources designed to amplify your impact.
Connect
Let’s work together to strengthen rural Central Texas.
