History

The Laredo Area Community Foundation traces its roots to Cotulla, Texas, where it began as the vision of the late Stewart Martin and Jim Harrell. What started as the Brush Country and South Texas Community Foundation evolved into the Laredo Area Community Foundation under the leadership of former Texas A&M International University President and Cotulla native Dr. Ray M. Keck, along with TAMIU Vice President for Institutional Advancement Candy Hein.

A steering committee—Clayton Baum, Tony Treviño, Joaquin Romero, Mario Gonzalez, and Nancy de Anda—joined the original visionaries and worked closely with The Texas Center for Border Economics and Enterprise Development at TAMIU. The Center conducted a feasibility study to assess philanthropic interest throughout Laredo and the surrounding region. The response was overwhelmingly positive. As a result, a Board of Directors was established, and in 2004, the Laredo Area Community Foundation was officially born.

Shortly thereafter, the Foundation became a member of the U.S.–Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, which provided operational and challenge grants that helped strengthen its early development. Through this partnership, LACF broadened its leadership base, expanded its mission beyond its initial goals, and mobilized a wider range of community resources.

With early contributions totaling $200,000 and a challenge grant from the Houston Endowment, LACF began the journey that has led to managing nearly $21 million in assets today, held across 130 donor funds. Over the past twenty years, the Foundation has supported area nonprofit organizations, scholarship programs, and essential community initiatives. In total, LACF has disbursed more than $8 million to benefit South Texas.

The Foundation’s mission is simple: to make local charitable giving easy. Donors are freed from the burdens of accounting, investing, fund management, and IRS reporting. LACF ensures that each donor’s charitable intentions are honored and provides services such as grant and scholarship application review, vetting, and disbursement. Fund options include permanent endowments, which provide perpetual support to chosen organizations, and Donor Advised Funds, which allow donors to maximize tax benefits while thoughtfully directing their giving. Funds may be established by individuals or nonprofit organizations.

Contributors receive personalized service, the highest allowable IRS deductions, and—most importantly—the deep satisfaction of helping others. LACF is supported by trusted local financial advisors, including Faro Wealth, IBC Investment Services, Tejas Financial Advisors, AC Financial, and Wells Fargo Advisors. All adhere to rigorous investment guidelines and oversight, ensuring donor gifts continue to strengthen the community for generations.

The Laredo Area Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of respected civic and community leaders from across South Texas. These all-volunteer members bring a wide range of expertise, perspectives, and experiences. United by a shared passion for service, they work diligently to advance the Foundation’s mission and promote positive change through philanthropy.

On December 2, the Laredo Area Community Foundation will host its Annual Disbursement Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center. This year, more than $325,000 will be awarded to area organizations, in addition to more than $300,000 already distributed to scholarship recipients.

As LACF continues to grow, its impact will be felt across our community for generations to come.