Jordan Award

The Jordan Award is a grant opportunity administered by the Austin Community Foundation (ACF), a philanthropic organization established in 1977 to support charitable initiatives across Central Texas. ACF provides funding through various grant programs that strengthen the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities effectively. The Foundation has played a vital role in promoting civic engagement, community development, and the value of volunteerism, an emphasis that is particularly exemplified by the Jordan Award. Established in honor of Dr. Wylie Jordan, a foundational supporter of ACF and a former board member of Recording for the Blind—one of the Foundation’s earliest grantees—the Jordan Award recognizes nonprofit organizations that utilize volunteer efforts in transformative and strategic ways. Dr. Jordan’s experience in nonprofit governance and his deep appreciation for community service inspired this award, which reflects his belief in the value of recognizing volunteer-led contributions to societal progress. The primary goal of the Jordan Award is to honor nonprofit organizations in Central Texas that effectively harness the talents and time of volunteers to drive meaningful change in their communities. The award acknowledges structured volunteer programs that play a critical role in delivering an organization’s mission and objectives. In 2025, ACF will conclude the Jordan Award initiative by offering two final awards, each in the amount of $11,500, to qualifying nonprofits. These one-time grants aim to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Jordan by providing targeted support to volunteer-driven programs that demonstrate impact, sustainability, and innovation. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with valid tax-exempt status under Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code or must have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Government units are also eligible to apply. However, the program is limited to organizations operating in the Central Texas counties of Travis, Burnet, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson. Certain types of organizations and activities are not eligible for funding, including endowment funds, scholarships, religious activities, fundraising events, regranting umbrella organizations, lobbying efforts, and individuals. The grant application for the Jordan Award opens on July 1, 2025, and closes on August 8, 2025. There is no indication of a pre-application deadline, and the opportunity is not rolling or recurring—this is the final cycle for this specific award. Applications must be submitted within this timeline, and prospective applicants are encouraged to review eligibility details carefully. The program does not indicate any matching fund requirements, and no total program funding amount beyond the two $11,500 awards is specified. The application process is facilitated through ACF’s online portal. While no specific evaluation criteria or application questions are provided in the available materials, applicants are encouraged to showcase how their volunteer programs contribute to community impact and organizational success. Those interested in learning more about past recipients or exploring additional opportunities can access the Foundation’s blog or funding portal for further insight and resources.