Buena Vista Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Buena Vista Foundation is a private foundation in Houston, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.9 million in 51 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $368,111. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.9 million
- Number of grants51
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$368,111
- Assets$39.0 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
29% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1 million | 45 | $29.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 51 | $32.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.9 million | 51 | $39.0 million |
How to apply
Buena Vista Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Buena Vista Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | $1.9 million |
| Florida | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Ed Fund | Support general fund | $368,111 |
| Communities in Schools | Expanding mental health capacity | $200,000 |
| Explore Austin | Support general fund | $150,000 |
| United Way for Greater Austin | Support general fund | $131,663 |
| Humanities Texas | Donation for emergency funds | $130,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Greater Texas | Support general fund | $100,000 |
| Waterloo Greenway | Support general fund | $100,000 |
| Social Good Fund - Austin 2030 | Support general fund | $75,000 |
| Teach for America - Austin | Support general fund | $75,000 |
| Creative Action | Support general fund | $70,000 |
| Power for Parkinson's | Support general fund | $60,000 |
| Univ of Texas at Austindevelopment Ofc | Dell med - center for health communications | $60,000 |
| Rooted Wholeway House Inc | Support general fund | $50,000 |
| St David's Foundation Community Fund | Support general fund | $50,000 |
| Texas Book Festival | Support general fund | $34,875 |
| Austin Pals Campaign for the Future | Support general fund | $25,000 |
| Austin Ymbl Sunshine Camp | Support general fund | $25,000 |
| St David's Episcopal Church | Support general fund | $22,575 |
| Open Door Preschools | Support general fund | $15,435 |
| Central Texas Food Bank | Support general fund | $15,000 |
| Harry Ransom Center - University of Texas at Austin | Support general fund | $15,000 |
| Mainspring School | Support general fund | $15,000 |
| Texas State History Museum Foundation | Support general fund | $14,744 |
| Waco Foundation | Texas rural funders administrative fund | $12,000 |
| Leukemia and Lymphoma Society | Support general fund | $10,000 |
| Pease Park Conservancy | Support general fund | $10,000 |
| Austin PBS Klru-Tv | Support general fund | $7,500 |
| Texas Tribune | Support general fund | $7,500 |
| Saint Louise House | Support general fund | $7,000 |
| 19th News | Support general fund | $6,000 |
| Parkinson Voice Project | Support general fund | $5,200 |
| Avance - Austin | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Contemporary Austin | Museum support | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Children Austin | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Friends of the LBJ Library | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Heartgift Foundation | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Philanthropy Advocates - Waco Foundation | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Texans Care for Children | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Todos Juntos Learning Center | Support general fund | $5,000 |
| Trail Conservancy | Support general fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Betsy G Abell
- Samuel HV Abell
- Lucy H Abell
Questions people ask
Does Buena Vista Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Buena Vista Foundation give?
$1.9 million in tax year 2025, across 51 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Buena Vista Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Betsy G Abell (President), Samuel HV Abell (Vice President, Treasurer) and Lucy H Abell (Vice President, Secretary).
What does Buena Vista Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and arts and culture.