The Campbell Foundation

The Campbell Foundation is a small, family-run philanthropic organization based in Austin, Texas. Established in 1979 by T.C. and Clara Campbell, the foundation emerged from a deep commitment to public service and a shared concern for addressing social suffering, especially as experienced during the Great Depression. Over time, the foundation has maintained its original values while evolving to meet emerging community needs, particularly those rooted in racial injustice and unequal access to opportunity. Today, the foundation remains a family endeavor, with funding focused in the areas where its trustees reside—Austin, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations whose work expands equitable access to opportunity through education. This mission is interpreted broadly. The Campbell Foundation funds a wide array of initiatives, ranging from early childhood programs to K–12 education, alternative high school completion programs, and workers’ rights education. The common thread across these efforts is a commitment to amplifying voices and increasing the power and equitable outcomes for youth and adults alike. The foundation is guided by the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy, emphasizing respect, relational engagement, and transparency in its funding relationships. Funding from The Campbell Foundation is most commonly offered as unrestricted general operating support, allowing organizations the flexibility to allocate resources as needed. However, applicants may also request funding for specific programs if preferred. Grants typically average $35,000 per year, and the foundation is known for providing multi-year support to its established grantee partners. New applicants must submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) through Foundant, the foundation’s online grants management portal. The LOI serves as an initial screen, and due to a modest grants budget and long-term relationships with many grantees, new funding relationships may be limited. For organizations already in relationship with the foundation—either as current or past grantees or those invited to apply—an LOI is not necessary. These applicants must, however, obtain an access code by emailing the foundation directly. All applications must be submitted through Foundant. While there is no fixed annual deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the foundation only making one grant per organization per calendar year. Current grantees will receive a reminder email a month before their grant period ends, prompting them to either schedule a conversation or submit a written report via Foundant. The foundation does not fund private foundations or individuals. Eligible applicants are expected to be nonprofit organizations, although the foundation does not specify IRS designation requirements or explicitly state its policies regarding fiscal sponsorship, for-profits, or other organizational types. The foundation’s focus on local communities means that eligible applicants should be located in, or serve, the three focal geographic areas: Austin, New Orleans, and the San Francisco Bay Area. There are no publicly stated restrictions on issue focus beyond the requirement that work be centered on education as a means of expanding opportunity. The Campbell Foundation does not provide a standard application form or detailed evaluation criteria in the publicly available materials. However, its values and long-term funding practices suggest that it prioritizes trust-based relationships and impact within its selected communities. There is no publicly stated contact person; however, general inquiries and access code requests can be made via email to [email protected]. As of 2026, the foundation continues to review applications year-round and has not posted any updates regarding changes to its funding cycles.