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    5. Shield-Ayres Foundation
    Shield-Ayres Foundation logo

    Shield-Ayres Foundation

    ActiveMutual & Membership Benefit
    AUSTIN, TXWebsite5124674021

    About Shield-Ayres Foundation

    Shield-Ayres Foundation makes large, local grants focused on strengthening community philanthropy and an affiliated nonprofit. Their giving is concentrated and unrestricted in nature, supporting organizational general operating needs rather than project-specific activities, with recipients based in the Austin area.

    Focus Areas

    Local community philanthropy and capacity-building (Austin)Support for affiliated/related nonprofit entities (e.g., private ranch or program foundation)General operating support for community-serving organizations

    Giving Approach

    Highly concentrated: very few, large grants in a single year, typically unrestricted general support to local or affiliated organizations rather than many small awards.

    Funding Style

    general operating supportunrestricted supportcore organizational funding

    Notable grantees: Shield Ranch Foundation, Austin Community Foundation

    About Shield-Ayres Foundation

    A $500,000 general-support grant to Shield Ranch Foundation stands out in Shield-ayres Foundation’s recent giving and points to how concentrated their philanthropy is: large, unrestricted awards to a small circle of organizations tied to Central Texas and related mission areas. The foundation funds basic human needs, education, arts, social justice, and land and water conservation, with support often framed as general operating or core organizational funding rather than project-only assistance. That pattern appears in repeat support for organizations such as Austin Community Foundation, which received a $350,000 general-support grant, and in ongoing backing for mission-aligned nonprofits in Austin, San Antonio, and nearby communities. Their portfolio also includes environmental and advocacy organizations, alongside service providers working with vulnerable community members. The foundation’s grantmaking is local in scope and heavily oriented toward nonprofit infrastructure, suggesting a preference for organizations that already operate within its priority areas and can use flexible funding to sustain day-to-day work. Across the recent grants list, the same basic structure holds: sizable awards, limited geography, and an emphasis on organizational strength over narrowly defined projects.

    What Shield-Ayres Foundation Funds

    In basic human needs work, Shield-ayres Foundation has supported El Buen Samaritano with $40,000 for general support, and Hfcc (housing First Community Coalition) with $25,000 for general support. These grants fit a broader pattern of backing organizations serving vulnerable community members through flexible funding. Education and arts also appear in the portfolio. Ut Foundation Benefitting Literacy First received $20,000 for general support, while the foundation’s grant programs explicitly include educational opportunities and the arts as funding priorities. Land and water conservation is another clear theme. Texas Land Trust Council received $40,000 for general support in 2024, and The Nature Conservancy received $25,000 for general support in 2025. The foundation also funds advocacy and social justice organizations, including Bread for the World Institute with two separate general-support grants.

    How Shield-Ayres Foundation Gives

    Typical grant size is tightly clustered: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $15,000. Recent awards include larger outliers, but most grants sit near that core range. The foundation shows repeat support across years for several recipients, indicating ongoing relationships rather than one-time gifts. Its grantmaking is handled as a regular funder, not through DAF or program-related investments. Application access is selective: the open process is paused in at least one program description, and prior grantees may submit a letter of inquiry in that pathway.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $2.1M

    Total Assets

    $19.1M

    Total Revenue

    $3.2M

    Total Expenses

    $2.7M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $10K and $15K, with a median of $10K.

    25th Percentile

    $10K

    Median

    $10K

    75th Percentile

    $15K

    Geographic Reach

    Local11 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Deep Analysis

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    EIN (Tax ID): 74-1938157Latest Form 990: 2025Total assets: $19.1M3 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
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    Where Shield-Ayres Foundation Makes Grants

    Grantmaking is overwhelmingly in Texas, with 94% of grants to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Recent recipients cluster in Austin and San Antonio, with additional grants in Wimberley, Round Mountain, Uvalde, and the Edwards Plateau region through environmental priorities. Outside Texas, the list includes Washington, DC; New York, NY; and Wheaton, IL recipients, but those appear far less often than Texas organizations.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Shield-Ayres Foundation

    What kinds of organizations does Shield-ayres Foundation fund?

    The foundation supports nonprofits working on basic human needs, education, arts, social justice, and land and water conservation. Recent grants show flexible support for service organizations, environmental groups, advocacy organizations, and community foundations, often as general operating or general support funding.

    What is a typical grant size?

    The center of the distribution is $10,000: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $15,000. The recent grants list also includes larger grants, such as $500,000 and $350,000, but those are above the typical range.

    Does the foundation fund mainly in one state?

    Yes. 94% of grants go to recipients in Texas, and the top state by grant count is TX. Recent Texas recipients are concentrated in Austin and San Antonio, with additional awards in places such as Wimberley, Round Mountain, and Uvalde.

    Can organizations submit unsolicited applications?

    No. The active program descriptions say the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. One pathway notes that the open application process is paused and that only prior Shield-Ayres Foundation grantees may submit a Letter of Inquiry.

    Are grants usually restricted to projects or are they flexible?

    They are often flexible. The recent grants list is dominated by general support of organizations, and the program descriptions allow support for program costs, capital campaigns, endowments, capacity building, and unrestricted operating expenses.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Shield-Ayres Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowCloses in 20 days (Aug 15, 2026)

    General Grantmaking (Letters of Inquiry + Full Proposals)

    Basic human needs / social servicesEducationArts+4 more

    Who can apply: Organizations must have programs that serve the Foundation’s priority areas and geographic focus. The Foundation does not fund individuals, candidates for political office, or private foundations. Currently the Foundation has paused its open application process; only organizations that have previously received funding from the Shield-Ayres Foundation are eligible to submit a Letter of Inquiry. Organizations may apply once in a 12-month period and may receive funding for up to three consecutive years (then asked to sit out one year).

    Deadline: LOIs must be received by February 15 and August 15 to be considered at the first and third quarterly board meetings, respectively. LOI posted ~4 weeks before the deadline. Full proposals reviewed at the second and fourth quarterly board meetings (generally June and December).

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    SHIELD RANCH FOUNDATIONAUSTIN, TX$500,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERSNEW YORK, NY$45,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    EL BUEN SAMARITANOAUSTIN, TX$40,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    BREAD FOR THE WORLD INSTITUTEWASHINGTON, DC$30,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    THE NATURE CONSERVANCYSAN ANTONIO, TX$25,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    HFCC (HOUSING FIRST COMMUNITY COALITION)SAN ANTONIO, TX$25,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NCASHEVILLE, NC$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    NEO PHILANTHROPY CO DAUGHTERS FOR EARTHNEW YORK, NY$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION - SCRCAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCEAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUSTSAN ANTONIO, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    WATERLOO GREENWAY CONSERVANCYAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    GREAT SPRINGS PROJECTAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    AUDUBON TEXASAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    SAVE BARTON CREEK ASSOCIATIONAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    RISE RECOVERYSAN ANTONIO, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    THE SAFE ALLIANCEAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANKSAN ANTONIO, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES INCAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    SUGARLOAF PICTURES LLCAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    AMERICAN YOUTHWORKSAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS WATER TRADEAUSTIN, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATIONDALLAS, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INCUVALDE, TX$20,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATIONDALLAS, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    US FUND FOR UNICEFHOUSTON, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    CHIHUAHUAN DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTEFORT DAVIS, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    US FUND FOR UNICEFHOUSTON, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINICAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    FRIENDS OF CIBOLO WILDERNESS DBA CIBOLO NATURE CENTER & FARMBOERNE, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    THE HEADWATERS AT THE COMALNEW BRAUNFELS, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    BORDERLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTEALPINE, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAN BY NATUREAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUNDNEW YORK, NY$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXASAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    SHOAL CREEK CONSERVANCYAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    AMERICAN GATEWAYSAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS LAND TRUST COUNCILWIMBERLEY, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    SAVE OUR SPRINGS ALLIANCEAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    CON MI MADREAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    AUSTIN YOUTH RIVER WATCHAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    CONSPIRARE INCAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    YOUTH AND FAMILY ALLIANCE DBA LIFEWORKSAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    VOLUNTEER HEALTHCARE CLINICAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERSNEW YORK, NY$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    FAMILIES IN NATUREAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TRINITY CENTER AT ST DAVID'S CHURCHAUSTIN, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    TEXAS CHILDREN IN NATUREMANCHACA, TX$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSIONWASHINGTON, DC$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION
    HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONHONOLULU, HI$15,0002025GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SHIELD RANCH FOUNDATION

    $500,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

    $45,000
    NEW YORK, NY2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    EL BUEN SAMARITANO

    $40,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    BREAD FOR THE WORLD INSTITUTE

    $30,000
    WASHINGTON, DC2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

    $25,000
    SAN ANTONIO, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    HFCC (HOUSING FIRST COMMUNITY COALITION)

    $25,000
    SAN ANTONIO, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NC

    $20,000
    ASHEVILLE, NC2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    NEO PHILANTHROPY CO DAUGHTERS FOR EARTH

    $20,000
    NEW YORK, NY2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION - SCRC

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST

    $20,000
    SAN ANTONIO, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    WATERLOO GREENWAY CONSERVANCY

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    AUDUBON TEXAS

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SAVE BARTON CREEK ASSOCIATION

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    RISE RECOVERY

    $20,000
    SAN ANTONIO, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    THE SAFE ALLIANCE

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK

    $20,000
    SAN ANTONIO, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES INC

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SUGARLOAF PICTURES LLC

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    AMERICAN YOUTHWORKS

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS WATER TRADE

    $20,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

    $20,000
    DALLAS, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INC

    $20,000
    UVALDE, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

    $15,000
    DALLAS, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    US FUND FOR UNICEF

    $15,000
    HOUSTON, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    CHIHUAHUAN DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

    $15,000
    FORT DAVIS, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    US FUND FOR UNICEF

    $15,000
    HOUSTON, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    FRIENDS OF CIBOLO WILDERNESS DBA CIBOLO NATURE CENTER & FARM

    $15,000
    BOERNE, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    THE HEADWATERS AT THE COMAL

    $15,000
    NEW BRAUNFELS, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    BORDERLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

    $15,000
    ALPINE, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAN BY NATURE

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND

    $15,000
    NEW YORK, NY2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SHOAL CREEK CONSERVANCY

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    AMERICAN GATEWAYS

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS LAND TRUST COUNCIL

    $15,000
    WIMBERLEY, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    SAVE OUR SPRINGS ALLIANCE

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    CON MI MADRE

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    AUSTIN YOUTH RIVER WATCH

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    CONSPIRARE INC

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    YOUTH AND FAMILY ALLIANCE DBA LIFEWORKS

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    VOLUNTEER HEALTHCARE CLINIC

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

    $15,000
    NEW YORK, NY2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    FAMILIES IN NATURE

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TRINITY CENTER AT ST DAVID'S CHURCH

    $15,000
    AUSTIN, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    TEXAS CHILDREN IN NATURE

    $15,000
    MANCHACA, TX2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION

    $15,000
    WASHINGTON, DC2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION

    HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

    $15,000
    HONOLULU, HI2025

    GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION