The Amarillo Area Foundation has awarded over $2 million in grant funding to 20 different organizations across the Texas Panhandle in its final grant cycle of the year. These funds will support projects aimed at addressing critical needs in education, health, and economic opportunity, with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life throughout the region.
The grant cycle, which covers three key areas—education, health, and economic opportunity—aims to provide meaningful support for nonprofit organizations addressing the most pressing needs in the region. The cycle also included two unique and urgent grants: one to the Amarillo Museum of Art and another to the Amarillo Tribune. These grants were designed to support institutions that play a vital role in the cultural and informational landscape of the Panhandle.
“This funding is incredibly diverse,” said Keralee Clay, interim president and CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation. “It ranges from buying a freezer for a food pantry to doing the long-term, systemic work that brings together stakeholders across our region to address complex issues in ways that have lasting impacts. Our goal is to fund initiatives that create sustainable change, not just short-term fixes.”
The Amarillo Area Foundation’s primary mission is to support organizations that improve the well-being of individuals and families in the Texas Panhandle. As the foundation continues to focus on education, health, and economic development, the most recent grant cycle reflects the region's evolving needs and the foundation's commitment to addressing them head-on.
Health-Focused Grants
A significant portion of the funds—nearly $1.5 million—was directed toward health-related initiatives.
Grants included:
$30,000 to Donley County Senior Citizens to support their health and wellness programs for seniors.
$40,000 to Dumas Education and Social Ministries for their work providing health services to underserved communities.
$71,340 to Tulia Love Fund to support local health and wellness programs.
$25,000 to White Deer-Skellytown Lighthouse Food Pantry for food security initiatives.
$500,000 to The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center for their programs that provide advocacy and support for abused children.
$91,240 to Turn Center to help children with developmental disabilities.
$100,000 to United Way of Amarillo & Canyon to support 2-1-1, a helpline for critical health services.
$190,000 to Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to advance mental health resources across the region.
Education Grants
Educational initiatives also received robust support, including:
$25,000 to Amarillo ISD Foundation for district-wide educational enhancements.
$50,000 to Family Support Services to support early childhood and family education programs.
$28,800 to Storybridge, Inc. for the expansion of the Kinderbridge early literacy program.
$425,000 to Texas Network of Youth Services for programs that support at-risk youth across the Panhandle.
Economic Opportunity Grants
Economic opportunity programs received significant attention as well, with grants that focus on workforce development, economic growth, and entrepreneurship:
$125,000 to Early Matters for workforce readiness programs for young children.
$45,000 to Region 16 Education Service Center to improve educational outcomes for students in rural areas.
$58,806 to Community Day Care Center Inc. to support affordable childcare services for working families.
$57,675 to LiftFund Inc to provide microloans and business resources to entrepreneurs.
$100,000 to Panhandle Regional Planning Commission to support economic development projects in rural communities.
Unique and Urgent Grants
In addition to the core areas of focus, two grants were designated as urgent and unique for the immediate needs of local cultural and media institutions:
$50,000 to the Amarillo Museum of Art to support its programming and educational initiatives.
$50,000 to the Amarillo Tribune to strengthen local journalism and its role in informing the community.
These grants reflect the Amarillo Area Foundation’s broad vision to support diverse needs, from arts and culture to mental health, education, and beyond. The overall goal is to foster long-term community development that will ultimately benefit the region’s children, families, and future workforce.
For more information on the Amarillo Area Foundation and their ongoing efforts to support local nonprofits, visit www.amarilloareafoundation.org.
