Grants

DISCRETIONARY GRANTS PROGRAM

ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY KNOWN PROGRAMS OF THE AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION IS THE GRANTS PROGRAM. 

The Amarillo Area Foundation and its supporting organization, The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation, have awarded a total of $258 million in grant funds to nonprofits and other charitable organizations to improve quality of life for residents of the Texas Panhandle. 

2016 was a year of significant growth for the Foundation’s grants efforts. Six new grant programs were added to complement the existing Discretionary and Women’s Philanthropy Fund grant programs. The growth from two to eight grant programs resulted in AAF staff processing 264 grant applications in 2016 compared to 78 grant applications in 2015. 

The impetus for this growth came from multiple sources. Two of the new grant programs were created by businesses (CNS Pantex and Pattern Energy) seeking enhanced ways to distribute philanthropic funds. Foundation staff helped each business create a personalized grants program that fit their culture and giving priorities. From defining focus areas and application guidelines to training individuals on reviewing applications, the Foundation helped make the processes efficient and effective. 

Another grant program was promoted in 2016 to highlight the anniversary of Kathy Ryan’s death during the 2006 Panhandle wildfires. The Kathy Ryan Rural Fire and Rescue Fund was established after the wildfires to honor the Borger woman who braved the fires in an effort to rescue an elderly couple. Volunteer fire departments in Dimmitt, Spearman, and Wellington received grants from the fund in 2016 for training and recruiting expenses, fire shelters, and sets of bunker gear. 

The transfer of the Harrington Regional Medical Campus (HRMC) to the Amarillo Area Foundation at the end of 2015 resulted in two new grant programs. The HRMC Resident Grant Program benefits Medical Campus resident institutions for projects and capital improvements. The HRMC Community Health Grant Program benefits organizations throughout the Texas Panhandle that enhance access to and quality of healthcare services. The Catalyst Grant Program was designed in 2016 for organizations seeking grant awards between $2,500 and $20,000. Utilizing a simpler application form, the program targets the following focus areas: education, health, human services, and poverty. A committee of residents aged 45 and younger from across the Texas Panhandle review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. 

In addition to the growth in number of grant programs, the process for submitting and reviewing grant applications also changed. Starting in 2016, all grant applications are submitted via an online portal. Grant reviewers then have the ability to read and score applications through the same online portal. 

The Amarillo Area Foundation will continue to focus on enhanced grant programs to help strengthen nonprofit organizations and the services they deliver. These services are critical to improving quality of life throughout the Texas Panhandle. 


Grant Highlight
Grant Highlight

Catalyst Grant Program

THE CATALYST GRANT PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED BY THE AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION IN 2016 TO PROVIDE A STREAMLINED APPLICATION EXPERIENCE FOR GRANT REQUESTS OF $2,500 TO $20,000. 

Applications for the Catalyst Grant Program are reviewed by a committee of residents from across the Panhandle aged 45 and younger. Trevor Caviness, President of Caviness Beef Packers, served on the inaugural committee in 2016. 

Trevor’s desire to support the Amarillo Area Foundation while learning more about nonprofit organizations in our region led to his service on the committee. Reviewing the grant applications provided a good overview of the wide-range of needs that exist in our region. Trevor noted that he enjoyed the healthy debate among committee members regarding which requests to fund and the amount of the grant awards. Each committee member brought valuable perspectives and experiences to the table. 

Providing a simpler grant application process for newer or smaller nonprofits is a significant benefit from Trevor’s viewpoint. Nonprofit staff members who participate in the Catalyst Grant application process begin to develop a relationship with the Foundation and receive valuable feedback even if their requests are not funded. A few of the organizations whose requests were not funded during the first cycle in 2016 submitted stronger requests for the second cycle. 

Trevor encourages other Texas Panhandle area community members to consider serving on the Catalyst Grant Committee. It’s a great way to learn about current needs in the Panhandle and the organizations working to meet those needs. 

Amarillo Area Foundation staff members strive to make this committee experience efficient and enjoyable. Committee members review grant applications online and then meet once each grant cycle to discuss applications and determine awards. Individuals interested in serving on the Catalyst Grant Committee are encouraged to contact Katharyn Wiegand by phone (806.376.4521) or e-mail (katharyn@ aaf-hf.org) for additional information. 

Catalyst Grant Recipients

Amarillo Area Breast Health Coalition

$10,000 

Amarillo Area CASA

$20,000 

Another Chance House

$10,000 

Buckner Children and Family Services

$10,000 

Driskill Halfway House

$20,000 

Faith City Inc

$14,164

High Plains Food Bank

$10,000 

Hilltop Senior Citizens Association

$10,000 

Junior Achievement of the High Plains

$5,836 

Mission Amarillo

$10,000 

Nazareth Independent School District

$10,000 

Pampa Meals on Wheels

$10,000 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, North Texas Chapter

$5,000 

TOTAL

$145,000


Grant Highlight

Harrington Regional Medical Campus' First Grant Cycle

Harrington Regional Medical Campus (HRMC), a supporting organization of the Amarillo Area Foundation, provides grant funding each year to support nonprofit organizations located within the HRMC campus, as well as healthcare related nonprofits throughout the Texas Panhandle. The intent of the grant programs is to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for residents of the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle. 

The HRMC Scholarship Grant Program grants funds on a yearly basis to local institutions (Amarillo College, Clarendon College, Frank Phillips College, Texas Tech University - Amarillo campus, and West Texas A&M University). The funds are allocated to scholarships for area students and professionals pursuing healthcare related education. The scholarship recipients are selected by the institutions and must demonstrate a commitment to locate in the region and contribute to area communities. If you are a college student interested in applying for the HRMC Scholarship please contact the school you attend to inquire about the application process. 

The HRMC Resident Grant Program is for Medical Center campus resident nonprofit institutions and other facilities located at the Medical Center. Funds are allocated on a competitive grant basis for capital improvements and projects. Preference for funding will be given to Ronald McDonald House, Turn Center, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Don Harrington Discovery Center, and Coffee Memorial Blood Center. 

HRMC'S FIRST GRANT

Last year, HRMC provided a $10,000 grant to help purchase advanced equipment for nurse training programs at WTAMU, allowing students to better prepare for the situations they will encounter in their nursing careers. This equipment will make a lasting difference not only for students attending WTAMU, but will translate into higher quality healthcare for residents of the Texas Panhandle. 

The old saying is true “Save one life and you’re a hero. Save a hundred lives and you’re a nurse.” Over the past 40 years, highly skilled nurses from the West Texas A&M University have played a vital role in the remarkable success of the HRMC. 

Nurses must be trained with advanced, high-tech equipment in a hospital-like setting. With limited funds, WTAMU Department of Nursing Laboratories can’t keep pace with the cost of replacing aging and outdated medical equipment.

Community Health Foundation Grants

RESIDENT GRANT PROGRAM

Amarillo Botanical Gardens 

$5,493.00

Don Harrington Discovery Center 

$5,978.53

Ronald McDonald House Charities 

$9,528.47
TOTAL $21,000.00
COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM

Arrow Child & Family Ministries 

$10,760.00 

Downtown Women’s Center 

$6,240.00 

Hansford County Hospital District 

$15,000.00 

West Texas A&M University Foundation 

$10,000.00 

TOTAL

$42,000.00 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Amarillo College 

$5,000.00 

Clarendon Community College 

$2,500.00 

Frank Phillips College 

$2,500.00 

Texas Tech University 

$5,000.00 

West Texas A&M University Foundation 

$5,000.00

TOTAL

$20,000.00 


Grant Highlights

Grant Highlight

Corporate Philanthropy

CNS PANTEX HAS ALWAYS BEEN PHILANTHROPIC AND ENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. 

When creating a new community giving program, Consolidated Nuclear Security Pantex partnered with the Amarillo Area Foundation, allowing the Foundation to utilize its grant process and expertise to help CNS Pantex establish a Community Investment Fund. CNS Pantex employees were encouraged to apply for one of the 15 committee seats and members received training from Amarillo Area Foundation staff regarding what to consider when reviewing grant applications. 

With input from the CNS Pantex committee, Foundation staff created a community grant program structure and an online application. A request for proposals distributed by the Foundation generated 70 applications for the first grant cycle. 

A wide variety of nonprofits applied for funds and the application information allowed committee members to make informed decisions. The committee recommended 19 grant awards totaling $170,446. A second grant cycle attracted 38 applications, 14 of which were recommended for a total of $125,000 in grants. Committee members asked if they could serve beyond the original two-year term because they enjoyed participating in the process. 

Jason Bohne, CNS Communications and Public Affairs Director, shares that working on this project has been one of the most enjoyable things he has done on the job in recent years. The partnership between CNS and the Amarillo Area Foundation has been used as a template for other CNS communities and will continue to enhance quality of life in the Texas Panhandle for years to come.


Grant Highlight

Bus and Freda Dugger Gift

THE AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION IS THE BENEFACTOR OF A $1 MILLION GIFT FROM BUS AND FREDA DUGGER.

The gift, finalized after C.C. “Bus” Dugger’s passing in April of 2016, established an endowed scholarship fund for juniors and seniors attending West Texas A&M University. It is the largest principal scholarship gift designated specifically for high school students from the Texas Panhandle the Foundation has ever received.

The Duggers were educators and strongly connected to our local Panhandle postsecondary institutions. Freda began her education at Amarillo College and finished with a Master’s in Education from West Texas A&M University. Bus completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s at West Texas A&M University. 

College juniors and seniors with a 3.0 GPA attending or planning to attend West Texas A&M University who completed high school in the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle are eligible to apply for the $2,000 annual scholarship. Juniors who receive the scholarship are eligible to renew it for the two semesters of their senior year.

To apply for the Dugger Scholarship please visit AmarilloAreaFoundation.org/scholarships. 


Grant Highlight

Driskill House

THE RESIDENTS AT THE DRISKILL HOUSE COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. ADDICTION DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. 

With funds received from the Amarillo Area Foundation, the Driskill House has implemented a development plan that will ensure long-term sustainability of the facility. The Driskill Halfway House (DHH) is a supervised faith-based residential facility located in Tulia, Texas. They work with men seeking to maintain a drug and alcohol free way of life. 

The funds received will help them reach out to churches, businesses, and individuals to let them know there is help available. Their goal is to help people regain self-esteem, and prepare for reintegration into society while embracing a Christ centered life. 

Driskill House serves the homeless population and clients from prisons, local drug and alcohol treatment centers and from broken homes. The Driskill House is one of a few places approved by the state, and in West Texas that can accept referrals from parole or probation departments. Most of their clients come from referrals from past clients that have a success story of recovery. The DHH is a minimum six-month recovery program offering the opportunity to change the lives of those who are willing. 


Grant Highlight

Swisher County

SWISHER MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WAS FUNDED $60,000 THROUGH AN AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION DISCRETIONARY GRANT. 

The funds were used to purchase an ultrasound machine, certify an existing radiology technician, and implement a more efficient ultrasound program. This new equipment will eliminate the need to outsource ultrasound diagnostics and will allow the hospital to reduce long wait times and unnecessary costs. 


Grant Highlight

The Kathy Ryan Rural Fire and Rescue Fund

"EVERY DAY, OUR FIRE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL IN THE RURAL TEXAS PANHANDLE DO WHAT MOM DID ON MARCH 12, 2006."

The rural fire departments of Dimmitt, Spearman, and Wellington are the recipients of grants commemorating the 10th anniversary of Kathy Ryan’s death, a heroic woman who lost her life in 2006 attempting to rescue her elderly neighbors. The $40,000 in distributions will support the training, enhancement, and protection of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders in the rural Texas Panhandle. 

This is the Kathy Ryan Rural and Fire Rescue Fund’s first grant cycle. Pam Ayers, Ryan’s daughter, believes the 10th anniversary of her mother’s death was the perfect time to distribute resources so widely. “Every day, our fire and rescue personnel in the rural Texas Panhandle do what Mom did on March 12, 2006. Without an abundance of resources and training opportunities, they rush to our aid in times of our worst need. Mom was their staunch supporter all her life, and we feel it’s fitting to support them in her name,” Ayers said. 

The Kathy Ryan Rural and Fire Rescue Fund has also helped support the construction of the Top of Texas Rural Fire Academy in Canadian, Texas. The Academy was constructed from funds supplied by the Kathy Ryan Rural and Fire Rescue Fund and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 


Grant RECIPIENTS

We work hand in hand with our donors and grantees to create healthy communities. Our collective efforts are having an impact.

AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION

Amarillo Wesley Community Center 

$40,000 

Bridges to Life 

$12,500

CCS Connect Community Services (Fritch) 

$35,000

City of Amarillo 

$250,000 

Donley County Senior Citizens 

$5,000 

Good Samaritan Christian Services (Pampa) 

$18,428

Hansford County Food Bank 

$9,000

Interfaith Campaign for the Homeless 

$150,000

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 

$10,000

Muscular Dystrophy Association 

$10,000

Panhandle Independent Living Center 

$35,000

Swisher Memorial Hospital Foundation 

$60,000

Texas Panhandle Independent Futures Foundation 

$75,000

Turn Center 

$3,500

Wellington Opportunity Center 

$8,000

White Deer Senior Citizens Association 

$3,866
Total AAF Discretionary Grants $725,294
DON AND SYBIL HARRINGTON FOUNDATION

ACE Scholarship Program 

$4,500

Amarillo Opera 

$35,000

Amarillo Recovery from Alcohol and Drugs 

$375,000

Amarillo Symphony 

$33,350

Boys & Girls Club of Amarillo 

$20,000

Canadian Community Center 

$55,000

Clarendon Economic Development Corporation 

$50,000

Downtown Women’s Center 

$56,000

Epilepsy Foundation West Texas 

$16,000

Family Support Services 

$25,000

Heal the City Free Clinic 

$500,000

Kids, Inc. of Amarillo Texas 

$52,336

Sharing Hope Ministry 

$40,000

Window On a Wider World 

$25,000

YMCA of Moore County 

$22,500
Total HF Discretionary Grants $1,309,686
TOTALS
Total Discretionary Grants Awarded in 2016 $2,034,980