80|20 Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,390,210 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified (rolling applications)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $20,000 (typical range)
• Average Grant: $99,712
• Geographic Focus: San Antonio, TX (primary); occasional funding in other cities
• Total Assets: $7,099,473 (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 112 E. Pecan St., Suite 175, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 775-2370

Website: www.8020foundation.com

Email: alex@8020foundation.com (Alexandra Frey, Executive Director)

Social Media:

• Instagram: @8020sa
• Twitter/X: @8020sa
• LinkedIn: 80|20 Foundation

Overview

The 80|20 Foundation was established by Graham Weston, co-founder and chairman of Rackspace Hosting, and has been tax-exempt since August 2004. Based on the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule), the foundation strategically invests in the 20% of nonprofits driving 80% of the social impact in San Antonio. With total assets of $7.1 million and annual giving exceeding $3.3 million, the foundation's mission is focused on investing in San Antonio's future by issuing grants to public charities that Attract, Grow, and Retain San Antonio's future workforce and job-creating entrepreneurs. Weston's personal mission driving the foundation is to "build a city that my kids are proud to call home."

The foundation has shown consistent and growing grant-making activity, increasing from 4 grants in 2017 to 34 grants in 2023, demonstrating an expanding commitment to the San Antonio community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Students + Startups Program: $6,000 stipend per intern (50% subsidized by foundation) - Partnership with Trinity University, Geekdom, and local startups connecting 488 interns to 148 small businesses since 2016
• CAST Tech High School Partnership: $205,800 grant for comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum with practical startup experience
• Transportation and Quality of Life Initiatives: ActivateSA grant for transportation advocacy making San Antonio more walkable, bikeable, and accessible
• General Grant Program: $1,000 - $20,000 (rolling applications, online application form available)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three strategic pillars:

Attract: Supporting initiatives that share stories of entrepreneurs who succeeded in San Antonio's ecosystem and attract young professionals

Grow: Supporting educational offerings including certification programs, coding bootcamps, and technology degrees, focusing on marrying local talent with workforce needs

Retain: Funding radical experiments that elevate the city, including multi-modal transportation and dynamic urban spaces proven successful in retaining young professionals

What They Don't Fund

• Endowments
• Nonprofits operating outside of San Antonio
• More than 49% of a program or project's budget
• Capital expenditures
• Organizations not exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code

Governance and Leadership

Graham Weston - Founder and Chairman of the Board Co-founder and former chairman of Rackspace Hosting. Vision: "A strong talent pipeline between educational institutions and high-skilled jobs encourages entrepreneurship and attracts top companies."

Alexandra Frey - Executive Director Joined in fall 2016, works with community entrepreneurs to facilitate collaborative relationships and monitors grant funding. Primary contact: alex@8020foundation.com

Kaitlyn - Placemaking and Community Development Manager Joined in 2022, focuses on creating welcoming spaces leveraging experience in community engagement.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application form available at 8020foundation.com
• Rolling basis - no set deadlines, applications accepted year-round
• No Letter of Inquiry (LOI) required
• Contact Alexandra Frey at alex@8020foundation.com for questions
• Must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit primarily operating in San Antonio, TX

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As they operate on a rolling basis, decision times likely vary. Contact Executive Director for timeline expectations.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Grant activity shows growth from 4 grants in 2017 to 34 grants in 2023, indicating expanding capacity.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact Alexandra Frey directly to inquire about reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects and stated priorities:

1. Demonstrate Impact on San Antonio's Talent Pipeline - Show how your program attracts, grows, or retains workforce talent
2. Focus on Technology, Education, and Innovation - Programs connecting education to employment, especially in tech sectors
3. Emphasize Local Talent Development - Programs serving first-generation students or underrepresented populations
4. Quality of Life Enhancement - Projects making San Antonio more attractive to young professionals
5. Scalability and Sustainability - Show diversified funding since they won't fund more than 49% of budget
6. Measurable Outcomes - Provide concrete metrics: students served, jobs created, careers launched
7. Partnership and Collaboration - Show connections to San Antonio's business and education communities
8. Alignment with Current Priorities - Recent funding emphasizes cybersecurity education, career pathways, urban mobility

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Focus is Critical: Must have clear, direct impact on San Antonio's community and workforce
• Think Talent Pipeline: Frame your program in terms of attracting, growing, or retaining talent in San Antonio
• Budget Strategically: They won't fund more than 49% of your project - come with diversified funding plan
• Rolling Deadlines Are an Advantage: Apply when timing makes sense, but don't delay with strong application
• Direct Communication is Welcomed: Alexandra Frey is explicitly identified as best contact for questions
• Demonstrate Pareto Principle Thinking: Position your organization as part of the 20% driving 80% of impact
• Youth and Education Matter: Many successful grants support students and young professionals in technology/entrepreneurship

References

• 80|20 Foundation Official Website. www.8020foundation.com (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: 80 20 Fund. Form 990-PF Filings. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/200683200 (Accessed March 2026)
• Cause IQ: 80-20 Foundation Profile. www.causeiq.com/organizations/80-20-foundation,200683200/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Graham Weston. "80|20 Foundation." grahamweston.com/8020-foundation/ (Accessed March 2026)
• CAST Schools. "80|20 Foundation and CAST Schools Forge Transformative Partnerships." https://castschools.com/8020-foundation-and-cast-schools-forge-transformative-partnerships-benefitting-cast-tech-high-school/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Trinity University. "Trinity to Pilot 'Students + Startups.'" www.trinity.edu/news/trinity-pilot-students-startups (Accessed March 2026)
• San Antonio Report. "Students + Startups interns add value to San Antonio's economy." https://sanantonioreport.org/students-startups-interns-add-value-san-antonio-economy-sponsored/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Texas Public Radio. "Another Big Check For CAST Tech." October 25, 2016. www.tpr.org/technology-entrepreneurship/2016-10-25/another-big-check-for-cast-tech (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl. "80/20 Foundation Grant Profile." www.instrumentl.com/grants/80-20-foundation-grant (Accessed March 2026)