About Us
Founded in July 2003, A Glimmer of Hope Austin is focused on making a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of at-risk Youth (up to age 25) and Seniors (over the age of 60) in economically disadvantaged parts of the city.
By funding projects that build self-esteem and develop life skills in East and South Austin, the foundation is building a bridge across IH-35, the freeway that bisects the city of Austin socially and economically as well as physically.
A Glimmer of Hope uses its non-bureaucratic and business-like approach to support programs that help build self-esteem and confidence.
It funds projects that benefit Youth under the age of 25 in the following areas: The Arts; Life Skills; Sports & Health; Education; and Mentoring.
It also supports programs that help Seniors with their physical and mental wellbeing; affordable and quality housing; home repair and modification; transportation; and, legal services.
The foundation gives existing organizations an opportunity to submit proposals for projects that might not receive funding from more traditional funding sources. It also awards grants to organizations looking to expand the reach of programs that have already proven their value to at-risk people.
Another of the foundation’s aims is to offer other people around the greater Austin area an opportunity to improve their community for everyone who lives in it.
Since all of A Glimmer of Hope Austin’s operational costs are covered by income arising from its endowment, it is able to assure donors that 100 percent of their donations will get to the implementing organization for those in need. Volunteering at the various projects sites is also something it encourages.
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- Glimmer TV: Central Texas Tennis Association
- For over a decade, Sarah Pernell has been using tennis to serve up life lessons to hundreds of at-risk children. A Glimmer of Hope Austin has been supporting her successful program since 2006.
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- Glimmer TV: Badgerdog Literary Publishing
- To reduce the academic achievement gap for children from low-income families, Badgerdog Literary Publishing is teaching creative writing at schools throughout East and South Austin.
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- Glimmer TV: True Light Day Care
- Each year, the True Light Day Care Center provides affordable, high quality child care to hundreds of Austin families placing special emphasis on families headed by teenagers and unskilled single mothers.
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- Glimmer TV: Operation School Bell
- For more than two decades, Operation School Bell has been helping many of Austin's at-risk children to attend school in nice new clothes. A Glimmer of Hope has been supporting OSB since 2005.