The Environmental Fund of Texas aims to preserve natural habitats, particularly those under critical threat, by fostering collaboration among organizations and funders. Established in 2017 by G.P. “Buzz” Avery and the Austin Community Foundation, their vision encompasses vibrant ecosystems and the protection of lands, waters, native plants, and animals across the state.
The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 1 - Grassroots / Startup grant targets grassroots organizations requiring funding for smaller-scale projects or start-up costs. Their funding priorities include water source protection (like rivers, lakes, aquifers), stewardship of natural areas (e.g., Blackland Prairie, Coastal estuaries), protection of native, at-risk wildlife and habitats, and environmental education/public engagement to connect people with nature and increase public action on conservation issues. These include a wide range of programs from native vegetation restoration, volunteer oyster gardening, invasive species removal, and development of rain gardens to educational initiatives that offer hands-on experiences in nature. The program emphasizes the significance of volunteer and community participation in all sponsored projects.