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Coastal Bend Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

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Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$12.4 million (total grants and scholarships distributed across all programs)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed; requests always exceed available funds, and awards frequently provide partial funding
  • Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months (applications close mid-September, awards announced in November)
  • Grant Range: Up to $10,000 (general operations); $10,001-$25,000 (specific programs/projects); up to $800,000 pool for Arnim Brothers Fund
  • Geographic Focus: Seven-county Coastal Bend region of Texas (Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio counties)

Contact Details

  • Website: www.cbcfoundation.org
  • Phone: 361-882-9745
  • Email: info@cbcfoundation.org
  • Address: 555 N Carancahua St, Suite 900, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
  • Grants/Scholarships Director: Krystal E. Thomasson
  • Grant Application Portal: Online via cbcfoundation.org/grants/grant-application/

Overview

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) was established in 1981 through the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, with founding community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer, and Dick Sells, beginning with assets of $150,000. Over four decades, it has grown into one of South Texas's most significant philanthropic institutions, with total assets reaching $154.6 million across 321 funds as of 2024. CBCF has distributed over $138 million in grants and scholarships since its founding.

The foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through grants and scholarships. CBCF operates multiple distinct grant programs: the Annual Grants program (awarding up to $400,000 across up to 47 nonprofits), the Arnim Brothers Fund (targeting historic preservation, medical matters, and musical performance), and the John and Augusta Doan Designated Fund. CBCF also administers the Coastal Bend Day of Giving, an annual online giving campaign that has raised over $36 million since its inception. CBCF holds a perfect 4/4 star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% overall score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

CBCF operates several distinct grant programs, each with its own focus and application window:

  • Annual Grants Program: Up to $400,000 awarded annually across approximately 47 nonprofits.

    • General Operations grants: Up to $10,000
    • Specific Program/Project grants: $10,001 to $25,000 (for projects serving vulnerable individuals and/or families)
    • Application method: Online portal only; fixed deadline (August 1 open, September 15 close)
    • In 2024: $399,940 awarded to 47 nonprofits; in 2023: $387,500 to 71 nonprofits

  • Arnim Brothers Fund: Significant funding pool focused on three specific areas:

    • Historic Preservation
    • Medical Matters (charities providing essential medical services)
    • Musical Performance (charities advancing musical education and appreciation)
    • 2024 award: $800,000 to 21 nonprofits; 2023 award: $624,980 to 12 nonprofits
    • Note: Applying for this fund prohibits applying for Annual Grants in the same year
    • From 2025 onwards, only program/project grants are considered (no general operations)

  • John and Augusta Doan Designated Fund: Awards in the areas of historic preservation, medical matters, and musical performances. In 2023, $373,500 was awarded to 9 nonprofits; February announcement cycle.

  • Endowment Matching Grant: A newer initiative ($350,000 total pool) providing a $25,000 match for every qualifying gift of $25,000 or more to a new or existing permanent endowment held at CBCF. Awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Scholarships: Over 70 scholarships administered through a single online application; available for high school seniors and current college students in the seven-county region.

Priority Areas

  • Arts and culture
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Families and children
  • Health and human services
  • Public good
  • Highest priorities include: disadvantaged youth, elderly, job creation, anti-poverty efforts, and education
  • Collaborative projects that bring multiple organizations together
  • New or innovative solutions to longstanding community problems
  • Programs with measurable, documented community impact

What They Don't Fund

  • Brick-and-mortar projects (new construction or renovations)
  • Equipment purchases
  • Marketing efforts, publications, or videos
  • Private school scholarships or projects not impacting the broader community
  • Religious activities or programs requiring participation in religious activities
  • Scientific research
  • Annual fund drives
  • Funding for individuals, specific schools, school groups, or athletic teams
  • Projects that stray from the nonprofit's stated mission
  • New employee salaries (generally not considered)
  • Requests where CBCF would be the sole funder for projects significantly exceeding the average grant size
  • Organizations participating in the Coastal Bend Day of Giving are not eligible for the Annual Grants program in the same cycle
  • Food pantries (excluding college or university-based) may be excluded in certain cycles

Governance and Leadership

Staff Leadership

  • Karen W. Selim, J.D. – President & CEO (compensation: $260,000). Previously served as Assistant VP of Development at Texas A&M University. Contact: kselim@cbcfoundation.org
  • Tracy M. Ramirez – Vice President, Operations / Coastal Bend Day of Giving (compensation: $102,500)
  • Lauren Ayala Garza, J.D. – Program Development Director
  • Alyssa Monette, MAcc, CPA – Financial Director (compensation: $132,500)
  • Krystal E. Thomasson – Grants/Scholarships Director
  • Lari D. Young, Ph.D. – Office Manager

Board of Directors

The Foundation is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors, with at least two members from each of the seven service counties. Current officers include:

  • Richard F. Scanio – Chair
  • Hon. Karin Knolle – Vice Chair
  • Pamela Leming Brower, CPA – Treasurer/Finance Chair
  • Richard L. Leshin – Secretary
  • C. Michelle Unda – Grants Chair
  • Sarah Fisher – Scholarship Chair
  • Karen O'Connor Urban – Past Chair

Additional board members include: Jennifer Vogt, Amanda Kellar, Laura Fischer, Kirkby Townsend, Brad Womack, Louise Aduddell, Nan Linney, Wes Hoskins, Ken Griffin, Al Jones, Joe McComb, Dr. Osbert Blow, and James H. Clement III.

Leadership Quote on Grants: "The Foundation is thankful for the thousands of donors who for over 40 years have made these grants possible." — Karen W. Selim, President & CEO, CBCF (November 2024, on the 2024 grant cycle)

Leadership Quote on Endowment: "We deeply value the enduring benefits that endowments bring to our local charities. This Endowment Matching Grant is a powerful way to help these vital organizations build a strong foundation for the future." — Karen W. Selim, President & CEO, CBCF

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The grant application process is entirely online — paper applications are not accepted. Applications are submitted via the CBCF online portal at cbcfoundation.org/grants/grant-application/. Specific program pages provide links to the relevant portal for each grant stream.

Annual Grants Process:

  1. Confirm eligibility: 501(c)(3) status, services within the seven-county area, and compliance with exclusions
  2. Upload your IRS Letter of Determination or most recent Affirmation Letter (must be dated within the last 5 years)
  3. Submit application via the online portal by the September 15 deadline at 11:59 p.m. CST
  4. Prior-year grantees must submit their Initial Grant Report before applying for new funding
  5. Organizations may submit only one application (unless serving as fiscal agent for a collaborative)

Government and school entities are eligible if applying for projects outside their basic/core services.

Decision Timeline

  • Application window: August 1 – September 15 (Annual Grants)
  • Review process: Staff review, then Grants Committee review, then Board of Directors approval
  • Awards announced: Typically November (approximately 2 months after close)
  • Notification: By email; grantees then receive information on reporting requirements

Success Rates

While exact success rates are not publicly disclosed, the competition for funds is significant:

  • In 2023, $387,500 was awarded to 71 nonprofits from the Annual Grants pool
  • In 2024, $399,940 was awarded to 47 nonprofits from the Annual Grants pool
  • The foundation notes: "requests for funding always exceed funds available, there is no guarantee of funding, and grant awards frequently provide partial (as opposed to full) funding of requests"
  • Most grant awards are less than $10,000

Reapplication Policy

  • Prior-year grantees must submit their Initial Grant Report before being considered for new funding in the next cycle
  • There is no stated prohibition on reapplying after an unsuccessful application
  • Grant policies are reviewed annually and may change year to year; check the website for current guidelines before each cycle

Application Success Factors

Based on CBCF's documented guidance and grant-making patterns:

  1. Demonstrate collaborative approaches: CBCF explicitly states "high priority is given to requests that are collaborative and focus on new solutions to old problems." Applications that show partnerships with other organizations in the Coastal Bend are viewed more favorably.

  2. Show measurable impact: The board looks for programs "that measurably raise the quality of life in the Coastal Bend." Awards are based on the "stated need and the footprint/impact of the project." Quantitative evidence of past program outcomes strengthens an application significantly.

  3. Align with mission: Projects that "stray from the nonprofit's mission" are not funded. Ensure the requested project is a natural extension of your organization's existing work.

  4. Focus on vulnerable populations: The foundation prioritizes projects serving "vulnerable individuals and/or families," disadvantaged youth, elderly residents, and those affected by poverty.

  5. Choose the right program: Organizations must decide between applying for the Annual Grants program or the Arnim Brothers Fund — applying to both in the same year disqualifies both applications. Match your project carefully to the right program.

  6. Plan for partial funding: The foundation frequently awards partial funding. Budget narrative should demonstrate the project can proceed or be scaled with a grant that may be less than the full request, and identify other funding sources.

  7. Report on previous grants: Prior grantees who have not submitted their Initial Grant Report by the specified deadline will not be eligible to apply for new funding.

  8. Demonstrate sustainability: CBCF looks for projects "likely to strengthen the Coastal Bend well beyond the requested period of funding." Applications should articulate a long-term plan beyond the grant period.

Recent funded examples (2023-2024):

  • Driscoll Children's Hospital (Arnim Brothers Fund - Medical Matters)
  • Corpus Christi Symphony Society (Arnim Brothers Fund - Musical Performance)
  • Amistad Community Health Center (Arnim Brothers Fund - Medical Matters)
  • American Red Cross (Doan Fund)
  • Del Mar College Foundation (Doan Fund)
  • Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi (Doan Fund)
  • CBCF also supported a Mental Health Pilot Program in partnership with Driscoll Children's Hospital and Corpus Christi ISD across six CCISD schools

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Choose one program and commit: The Annual Grants Program, Arnim Brothers Fund, and Coastal Bend Day of Giving participation are mutually exclusive within the same cycle. Select the program that best aligns with your project before applying.
  • Document collaborative, innovative work: CBCF gives explicit priority to collaborative projects and "new solutions to old problems." Frame your application to highlight partnerships and innovation, not just continuation of services.
  • Expect partial funding: Plan your budget and project scope so the work can meaningfully proceed even if only a portion of the requested amount is awarded.
  • Annual Grants window is narrow: The application opens August 1 and closes September 15 — a window of just 45 days. Start preparing documentation well in advance.
  • Comply with reporting requirements: Prior-year grantees who have not submitted their Initial Grant Report are ineligible to apply. Treat reporting as a prerequisite to future funding.
  • Stay current with policy changes: CBCF reviews its grant policies annually and they change. For example, the Arnim Brothers Fund stopped accepting general operating requests from 2025 onwards. Always download the current year's guidelines before applying.
  • Target vulnerable populations: Projects specifically serving disadvantaged youth, elderly, those in poverty, or those who are medically underserved align most strongly with CBCF's documented highest priorities.

References

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