Vision for Race Equity Initiative

Waco Foundation believes that racial inequity is a systemic problem that cannot be fully addressed through just a few programmatic and/or policy solutions. As such, any racial equity efforts in which the Foundation engages will likely extend beyond a single grant cycle or fiscal year. These efforts will require careful deliberation in order to determine what we, as a Foundation and community partner, have the ability to communicate, staff and support.

Racial Equity Goals

• Improve the community’s capacity to have constructive conversations and continuous learning in regards to race;
• Build community understanding of racial inequity, including the role race plays in determining the quality of life challenges faced by local residents;
• Normalize racial equity as a shared value and encourage the adoption of a race equity lens by various sectors and institutions through which to view and address challenges faced by the community;
• Facilitate the development and implementation of strategies to help address racial inequities;
• Contribute to fostering a race equity culture both inside and outside our organization for the purpose of achieving the improved outcomes we seek for our community.

Waco Foundation is committed to advancing a thorough understanding of racism and will continuously strive to facilitate this vision in order to ensure improved quality of life for all.

Duncan Scholars was established through a $9 million bequest from late Waco philanthropist Malcolm Duncan, Sr., who worked tirelessly to ensure local students have an opportunity to graduate from college debt free.

Purpose:

Duncan Scholars strives to increase college completion rates in McLennan County by providing financial aid, academic support, and success coaching through partnerships with MCC, Texas Tech and Tarleton State at the University Center.

Who We Serve:

Currently, Duncan Scholars is partnering with Waco Independent School District to select students who have great potential to succeed in this program. Students who are selected to participate as a Duncan Scholar will be notified by their counselor at either University High School or Waco High School.

Goals:

1. Reduce Student Debt

Duncan Scholars is designed to reduce student loan debt to provide cost effective solutions for post-secondary degrees or certificates.

2. Improve College Completion Rates

Duncan Scholars increases college completion rates by providing both academic and financial support, along with personalized college to career navigation.

3. Identify Barriers to Success

Duncan Scholars is designed to provide consistent research and data to identify and alleviate current student barriers.

4. Interventions to Success

Duncan Scholars provides one-to-one success and academic coaching with our expert staff to ensure students are fully supported in their post-secondary journey.

Partnership with Nonprofits

Waco Foundation supports local nonprofits through grants, guidance and fund management

In doing so, nonprofits strengthen their ability to make an impact on critical issues in our community both today and in the future. We provide competitive discretionary grants throughout the year. Nonprofits seeking a discretionary grant must meet our grant guidelines and complete an application for funding.

Waco Foundation is committed to strengthening the organizations and groups that implement our community’s innovative ideas and major services.

The Foundation invests in capacity building because we believe organizations that have taken certain steps in planning their work have the best chance of ultimately improving our community’s quality of life, and we recognize that people enter nonprofit work at different points of readiness and preparation.

Through our Capacity Building Program we help the staff and boards of McLennan County nonprofits gain access to planning, quality trainings and other resources to help strengthen their organization’s ability to conduct mission work.