Bell Community Foundation Grant

Bell Community Foundation (BCF) is a public charity founded in 2018 with a generous bequest from the Norma Renner estate. It was established to enhance the quality of life within Bell County, Texas, by creating a permanent endowment fund designed to support local charitable organizations. Community foundations like BCF play a vital role in strengthening civic infrastructure and providing resources for nonprofit initiatives. The Renner Trust donation launched this effort, and the fund continues to grow through additional philanthropic gifts and investment returns. The mission of BCF is focused on enabling impactful, sustainable programs that address the specific needs of Bell County residents. The grant program administered by BCF is available exclusively to IRS-approved nonprofit organizations serving Bell County. Eligible applicants must clearly demonstrate how their initiative—either a new project or an enhancement of an existing one—will benefit the local community. While the application process is relatively streamlined, the foundation places significant emphasis on the expected community impact and alignment with local priorities. Funding through BCF grants typically ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. Awards are distributed from the earnings of the endowment fund, and the number and size of grants awarded each year are determined by the BCF Board of Directors. Funds are intended for charitable programming and cannot be used for political activity, debt servicing, or sectarian purposes. Applications must articulate measurable outcomes and a clear implementation plan to be competitive. The 2026 application window opens on February 1st and closes on March 15th. Applications can be submitted either through the BCF website or by mail, provided the submission is postmarked by the closing date. The board begins reviewing applications in March, with funding decisions communicated to applicants in April. BCF does not currently require a letter of intent or pre-application process; all eligible applicants may apply directly during the open window. Previous recipients include local organizations such as the Temple Children’s Museum, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children, Feed My Sheep Temple, 411 House, Central Texas Youth Services, and Family Promise of Bell County. This demonstrates BCF’s broad focus on youth services, housing support, community engagement, and local capacity-building efforts. Programs that demonstrate collaboration and clear benefit to Bell County residents are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information or questions about the grant, applicants may contact BCF via email at [email protected] or by phone at 254-774-5834.