[Community Foundation of Abilene](https://www.cfabilene.org)

June 1, 2026 (Application deadline)

$5,000–$50,000 per request; general operating/program support max $15,000; capital/capacity/seed funding max $50,000

Supports projects and capacity building to improve quality of life in rural West-Central Texas, focusing on arts, community development, education, health, and related areas.

--- ## Description The Windham Fund Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, are dedicated to advancing rural grantmaking for outlying communities in the greater West-Central Texas region. Established in honor of Dr. Paula Andree Windham, this fund supports special projects, capacity building, and capital initiatives that enhance the quality of life in rural areas. Priority areas include arts and culture, community development and leadership, education (especially agricultural education and ranch management), health and human services, and other quality of life improvements. The fund is designed to empower rural nonprofits and organizations to address pressing community needs and foster long-term growth and sustainability. --- ## Due Dates - June 1, 2026: Full application deadline *All applications must be submitted online by the deadline. Award notifications are typically made within six weeks after the deadline.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical request range: **$5,000 to $50,000** - **General operating support or ongoing project/programming support**: up to $15,000 - **Capital projects, capacity building, or seed funding for pilot initiatives**: up to $50,000 Applicants may request funding for seed funding, project/program support, capacity building, capital needs, or general operating support. The amount requested should align with the specific funding type and project scope. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants**: - IRS tax-exempt organizations (including 501(c)(3) public charities) - Municipalities and local governments - Volunteer fire departments (VFDs) - Churches - School districts, universities, colleges, and trade schools - Chamber organizations - **Geographic eligibility**: - Organizations must serve rural areas within a 150-mile radius of Oplin, Texas. - Eligible counties include: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Throckmorton. Applicants outside these counties but within the 150-mile radius are also eligible. - A rural area is defined as all territory not within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of any city with a population of 100,000 or more. - **Fiscal sponsorship** is allowed; see application for details. --- ## Application Process - **Submission**: Applications must be submitted online using the Foundation’s [Foundant GLM grants management system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfabilene). Paper applications are not accepted. - **Timeline**: - Online application opens: April 15 - Deadline: June 1, 2026 - Award notifications: within six weeks of the deadline - **Required documents**: - Project/program summary and budget - Annual operating budget - Most recent financial audit or IRS 990 - Balance sheet/statement of financial position - Board of Directors list - IRS tax-exempt documentation - Additional supporting documents as needed - **Evaluation**: Funded organizations must submit an online evaluation form before reapplying in future cycles. --- ## Additional Information - Funding supports a range of needs: seed funding for new programs, project/program support, capacity building, capital projects, and general operating support. - Requests for capital projects or capacity building may require additional documentation (e.g., bids, property details, fundraising status). - All applications must be complete and submitted through the online portal. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. - Contact Foundation staff for assistance with eligibility or the application process. --- ## External Links - [Program page & guidelines](https://www.cfabilene.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/rural) - [Full grant guidelines (PDF)](https://cfa-site.files.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/CFA-Grant-Guidelines-Windham-Rural-2026.pdf?dm=1765986840) - [Application preview (PDF)](https://cfa-site.files.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/CFA-Grant-Application-Preview-2026.pdf?dm=1770158939) - [Online application portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfabilene) - [How to apply (Foundation site)](https://www.cfabilene.org/nonprofits/how-to-apply) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-------------------|---------------------|------------------------------|--------------| | Michelle Parrish | Chief Impact Officer | mparrish@cfabilene.org | 325-676-3883 | | General Inquiries | - | cfa@cfabilene.org | 325-676-3883 | | Foundation Office | - | [Contact Page](https://www.cfabilene.org/contact) | 325-676-3883 | ---

Windham Fund Grants

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