While Austin has experienced tremendous economic growth over the past decade, data shows that not all Central Texans have the same access to opportunity. As the region balances on an inflection point of growth and change, Austin Community Foundation is focused on closing the opportunity gap through research, pooled resources and data-driven grantmaking.

A massive bequest to the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region reminds us that effective philanthropy can take many forms.

As the leaders of philanthropic organizations that are working to improve lives in communities large and small — and in regions that vote both red and blue — the Census isn’t about politics. It’s about making sure we have accurate data that will guide decisions about nearly every dollar we spend.