Anchor institutions are nonprofit institutions that once established tend not to move location. Emerging trends related to globalization—such as the decline of manufacturing, the rise of the service sector, and a mounting government fiscal crisis—suggest the growing importance of anchor institutions to local economies. Indeed, in many places, these anchor institutions have surpassed traditional manufacturing corporations to become their region's leading employers. Read more about Anchor Institutions...
Established in 1977, the IC2 Institute is a research unit at the University of Texas that brings together the business world, academia, and government to advance the theory and practice of wealth creation. Its key programs include the Austin Technology Incubator, the Bureau of Business Research, and the Global Commercialization Group. Its Technology Incubator has helped over 250 companiescollectively raise $1 billion of investment.
Formed in 2003, Impact Austin is a women’s collective giving organization made up of women who donate at least $1,250 each year. In 2015, the group issued four $80,000 grants to groups in its focus areas (Culture, Education, Environment, and Family) and piloted a $50,000 “catalyst grant,” which provides funds to improve a nonprofit’s future performance, impact and sustainability.
The Austin Community Foundation has $160 million dollars in assets and has made $267 million in grants since its establishment in 1977. In 2006, it took over the ownership and management of Bright Leaf Preserve, a 216-acre nature preserve in west Austin, thus ensuring the asset could benefit the community into perpetuity. To augment its grantmaking, in October 2015 the Austin Community Foundation launched a new $1.5 million Impact Investment Fund that will make 3-5 year investments of up to $250,000 in nonprofits and social enterprises located in Central Texas.