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Our Mission
The Shield-Ayres Foundation strengthens organizations that effectively meet the basic human needs of the most vulnerable members of our community, provide access to educational opportunity and the arts, advocate for social justice, and promote land and water conservation.
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A Note to Prospective Applicants
The Shield-Ayres 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 (LOI). While the board continues to revisit this restriction, we do not have plans to reopen the process at this time.
Grant Guidelines
The Shield-Ayres Foundation funds organizations with programs that focus primarily in Austin, San Antonio, or select other areas where we have special interests.
Featured Grants

Environmental Defense Fund
In 2010, the Shield-Ayres Foundation approved a three-year grant to Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)...
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Trinity Center
Trinity Center serves the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people experiencing homelessness...
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Bihl Haus Arts
In 2010, 2012 and 2013, the Shield-Ayres Foundation has supported Bihl Haus Arts’ GO! Arts Program,...
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