Dear Brown Foundation members,
As described previously, we have introduced a new structure to streamline communications about the Brown Foundation. We were delighted to hear lots of positive feedback about The Joy Factor, a bi-annual communication centering the impact of BFI grants on the community.
The Monthly Minute is designed to be a monthly “round-up” of things happening at the Brown Foundation, such as announcements, key dates, engagement opportunities, links to meeting minutes, and other updates. Our goal is to give you a single, comprehensive monthly email, a “one-stop shop” for things you need to know about BFI. As mentioned, we’ll archive the “Monthly Minutes” on an internal webpage that you can refer to at any time.
Please enjoy the July Monthly Minute. This month is rather short, but please expect a more fulsome update in August.
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DAFs: Replenished and ready for use!
We are happy to let you know that your donor-advised fund at JP Morgan Charitable is now funded with your FY2026 study group allocation. BFI members may begin making distributions from their DAFs at any time. You have nearly a full calendar year (until June 30, 2026) to distribute your funds, giving you lots of flexibility about how and when you direct funds.
You are also welcome to submit your receipts at any time for matching funds. Like last year, you may turn in your matching-receipts any time from now until June 2026. It was wonderful to see more people take advantage of the fantastic matching opportunities for your personal giving. Remember that BFI matches the first $12,500 at a 2:1 ratio—an awesome benefit and a great way for you to make a personal impact on organizations that you care about.
One final note related to DAFs: Effective immediately, you may spend the interest that accrues to your account. Last year, we attempted to transfer interest back to the foundation, which proved to be a cumbersome and confusing process for all involved. In short, all funds in your account are available for your use at any time.
Mark your calendar: Celebrating 75 Years of BFI
Please be sure that you have your calendar marked for Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31, 2026. We will gather for the Brown Foundation Family Forum (BF3) for a very special opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of 75 years of your family’s philanthropy. All BFI members, along with their spouses and families, are encouraged to attend.
We’ve created an event landingpage, so you’ll have all of the information at your fingertips. This page will be updated regularly as more details are confirmed. We are pleased to announce that our meeting will take place at the Hotel Saint Augustineand on Saturday evening, we will host a family dinner at the Bayou Club. A special, behind-the-scenes tour at the Menil Collection will be offered as an optional activity on Saturday afternoon.
Hill Country and Camp Mystic
We are all experiencing the sadness of seeing friends coping with the unimaginable loss of precious lives in the Kerr County floods. I know that this tragedy touched close to home for many members of your family, and that the pain and emotion are still fresh. Several people have begun to inquire about opportunities to support families and communities as they heal and recover. The BFI Executive Committee will discuss any Foundation-wide response in August, but for now, we wanted to offer a short list of possible contribution opportunities, should you wish to use your study-group funds or matching funds to support. There are many worthy ways to support the recovery efforts, and the list below is intended merely as a few suggestions of reputable nonprofit organizations. JP Morgan Charitable Giving has prepared a comprehensive list, which also includes EIN numbers to make it easier for you to find the organization.
- Austin Pets Alive(EIN 74-2893360)
- Bo’s Place(EIN 76-0326979)
- Communities Foundation of Texas(EIN 75-0964565) – Purpose (Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via the Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country)
- Convoy of Hope(EIN 68-0051386)
- The Trauma and Grief Center at theMeadows Mental Health Policy Institute for Texas(EIN 46-3992618) – Specify purpose of the Trauma & Grief Center.
- Nick Finnegan Counseling Center Foundation(EIN 84-2500437)
- Texas Children’s Hospital (EIN 74-1100555) – Purpose (Hope for Central Texas Aid Fund)
- Link to JP Morgan Full list: https://www.nptrust.org/philanthropic-resources/philanthropist/a-donors-guide-to-helping-those-impacted-by-central-texas-flash-floods/
News Headlines: The ‘big, beautiful bill’ and foundations
Many of you were closely following the potential impact of H.R.1 (aka the ‘big, beautiful bill’) and its potential impact on foundations and endowments. In a bit of good news for the Brown Foundation, the final bill did NOT include any increases to excise taxes for private foundations – good news which means BFI should see any tax impact of this piece of legislation. The bill’s passage will have other ripple effects for the community, including an excise tax on endowments at colleges and universities. This article from the Council on Foundations provides a helpful summary of the legislation and its connection to the philanthropic/charitable sector.
Thank you for reading, and please reach out with any questions or comments.
With appreciation,
Ann
