Key Takeaways
- • The Laredo Area Community Foundation distributed more than $315,000 in grants at its annual Grant Disbursement and Donor Appreciation Ceremony, marking its 21st year.
- • Total 2026 scholarships, grants and charitable distributions have surpassed $1 million, according to foundation president Roy Franklin.
- • The foundation's endowment has grown from less than $5 million in its early years to nearly $28 million, and it has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships and grants since its founding.
- • Five $5,000 Community Outreach Grants were awarded across the foundation's five giving areas: arts, education, environment, health and social services.
Summary
The Laredo Area Community Foundation marked 21 years of supporting local organizations on Thursday by distributing more than $300,000 in charitable funding during its annual Grant Disbursement and Donor Appreciation Ceremony, according to the Laredo Morning Times. The ceremony highlighted the foundation's growth, with officials saying its endowment has expanded from less than $5 million in its early years to nearly $28 million today.
Juan Castillo, secretary of the foundation's board of directors, noted that the organization distributed about $270,000 over the entire year when he served as master of ceremonies at a 2014 event. This year, more than $300,000 was distributed in a single evening. Among the awards were five $5,000 Community Outreach Grants covering the foundation's five areas of giving. Recipients included the Laredo Film Society for year-round film education and community programming, the Laredo Immigrant Alliance for a youth college and career pathways program for first-generation students, Keep Laredo Beautiful for its "Rooted in Laredo" project, Smiles From Heaven for a comprehensive therapy program, and the South Texas Food Bank for its Children's Backpack Program in Laredo.
Tina Holliday Cerda, a foundation board director, said the grants come from foundation funds, while other distributions come from individual endowments and donor-advised funds established for specific nonprofits. She said the foundation encourages residents to establish their own charitable funds regardless of size.
Roy Franklin, foundation president, said the organization had earlier this year distributed $590,000 in scholarships and $100,000 in grants. Thursday's $315,000 in charitable distributions brings the 2026 total for scholarships, grants and other charitable distributions to more than $1 million. Franklin said the funded organizations work across the community on hunger, social services, the arts and public spaces. According to information provided by the organization, the foundation has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships and grants since its establishment 21 years ago.
Juan Castillo, secretary of the foundation's board of directors, noted that the organization distributed about $270,000 over the entire year when he served as master of ceremonies at a 2014 event. This year, more than $300,000 was distributed in a single evening. Among the awards were five $5,000 Community Outreach Grants covering the foundation's five areas of giving. Recipients included the Laredo Film Society for year-round film education and community programming, the Laredo Immigrant Alliance for a youth college and career pathways program for first-generation students, Keep Laredo Beautiful for its "Rooted in Laredo" project, Smiles From Heaven for a comprehensive therapy program, and the South Texas Food Bank for its Children's Backpack Program in Laredo.
Tina Holliday Cerda, a foundation board director, said the grants come from foundation funds, while other distributions come from individual endowments and donor-advised funds established for specific nonprofits. She said the foundation encourages residents to establish their own charitable funds regardless of size.
Roy Franklin, foundation president, said the organization had earlier this year distributed $590,000 in scholarships and $100,000 in grants. Thursday's $315,000 in charitable distributions brings the 2026 total for scholarships, grants and other charitable distributions to more than $1 million. Franklin said the funded organizations work across the community on hunger, social services, the arts and public spaces. According to information provided by the organization, the foundation has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships and grants since its establishment 21 years ago.
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