TRI-COUNTY — In 1989 West Texas leaders envisioned a public foundation that would sustain the spirit of philanthropy in our local communities for years to come. With a charitable investment of $400,000, the Permian Basin Area Foundation (PBAF) was established. Its mission: to partner with donors in creating permanent charitable funds to enrich the quality of life in West Texas communities
Join Jeff Davis County and Big Bend Community citizens at the Fort Davis Community Center on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m., to meet and hear PBAF Director Guy McCrary showing how the Big Bend Region has benefited economically from the foundation’s work and what is planned for the future. Also discussed will be how your community can gain support from the foundation for needed future projects.
PBAF has grown permanent assets to an estimated $280 million through 2021. Since its inception, the foundation has returned more than $150 million to West Texas communities through grants and scholarships. PBAF makes grants to qualified nonprofit organizations that support a broad range of philanthropic purposes: animal services, arts and culture, community development, education, environmental, health and mental health, housing and shelter, human and social services, and youth development.
In 2023, numerous nonprofits in our tri-county area received grants. Examples are Big Bend Conservation Alliance, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, McDonald Observatory, Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend, Friends of the Jeff Davis County Library, and Museum of the Big Bend among others. PBAF also plays a vital role in student scholars. This meeting will be devoted to answering your questions about the foundation’s work and application process. The meeting is being sponsored by the Jeff Davis County Democratic Party.