COMMUNITY GRANTS
Since its inception in 1994, the Mitte Foundation has strived to invest in organizations and programs that improve the quality of life of those within the city of Austin and the Central Texas area.
We are a foundation firmly rooted within the community we serve
Our intent is to strengthen and enrich people’s lives, as well as bringing hope to those in need, by addressing specific opportunities and issues, and providing support through programs and grants for nonprofit organizations to address these issues in effective ways.
Our community grant program is currently focused on two geographic areas, each with its own focus and criteria:
The Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville
In 1998, the Mitte Foundation embarked on its first non-academic endeavor—a multi-year, $3 million grant to refurbish Dean Porter Park, in the heart of Roy Mitte’s hometown of Brownsville, Texas. In addition to improving the existing structures and landscape, the Mitte Cultural District was created to bring together existing and soon-to-be-created cultural, historical, and educational organizations and stimulate awareness in the community.
Located in the heart of Brownsville, the district includes museums, parks, theaters, restaurants, shopping, and historic downtown, with its gateway bridge across the mighty Rio Grande River into Matamoros, Mexico only footsteps away. Since returning to Brownsville in 2018, the Mitte Foundation has supported organizations located within the Mitte Cultural District, including the Gladys Porter Zoo, the Brownsville Children’s Museum, the Costumes of the Americas Museum (now part of the Brownsville Historic Museum), the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Dean Porter Park, and the City of Brownsville. In addition to direct funding, the Foundation dedicated a portion of its community grants program to acquire, develop, and repurpose properties within the Mitte Cultural District boundaries for charitable and general public use. Now, the beautiful Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park connects residential neighborhoods to existing museums, parks, theaters, historic landmarks, the Farmer’s Market, and the hike and bike trail. Plans for development of other Foundation-owned properties within walking distance of this new park are still underway.
Central Texas Community Grants
While the Mitte Foundation began as a scholarship-focused organization, Joann Cole Mitte was the driving force behind the establishment of a community grant program for charitable organizations in Texas. Her leadership directed the program until she passed away in 2007, and our board of directors still uses her insight to guide them to this day.
From 2007 through 2018, the Foundation designed the community grant program to maximize its impact in central Texas, with focus areas in education, youth development, aging, and disability services. During that time, the program provided direct grant funding to many charitable organizations based in Austin and surrounding communities, the Board remaining ever aware of the founders' primary interests and the long-term relationships with their beloved charities. Support included, but was not limited to, the University of Texas, Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson University, Family Eldercare, AGE of Central Texas, Austin Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Austin Area Boys and Girls Clubs, and Easter Seals of Central Texas. As Foundation leadership transitioned into the family’s third generation, interest developed in continuing the legacy of its founders. In 2017, the Board of Directors made a strategic decision to return to Brownsville, Texas, home of Roy Mitte, and continue the work he began in 1998. That work officially began in 2018.
For more detailed information, see our Grant Guidelines & Process page.