HISTORY

The Webber Family Foundation was established by Neil Webber in August of 1999 on the belief that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty.  Over the years, the Foundation has involved several members of the Webber family, including Neil’s parents, Arthur and Adrian Webber, and his sister, Erica Webber.

Initially, the Foundation intentionally made grants to a wide variety of educational programs, which allowed the Foundation to learn more about community needs and gain experience in grantmaking.

In 2008, after several years of funding a wide variety of educational programs, the Foundation adopted a more focused grantmaking strategy centered on high-achieving, lower-income youth.

By giving more strategically, the Foundation has been able to achieve greater impact on an issue that concerns us: the gap between proficiency and potential for lower-income youth.  We’ve also been fortunate to develop stronger, more long-lasting relationships with a smaller set of grantees, and provide funding that builds their capacity to provide expanded, higher quality, and/or more sustainable services.

Today, we are committed to supporting non-profits that empower youth to achieve their greatest potential in academics and the arts.  Our current areas of focus include:

  • School readiness and early literacy 
  • Out-of-school time enrichment
  • High performing charter schools 
  • College readiness, access and persistence 

Since inception, the Webber Family Foundation has awarded over $20 million in grants to support a wide variety of education programs in Austin, Texas – where the Foundation is based – and the Washington, DC area.  

We are proud to learn from and work alongside these outstanding change-makers to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve their highest potential.  To learn more, check out the Foundation’s 22-Year Impact Report and our holistic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.

"Education is permanent. You teach somebody to do something and it's a lifetime gift."
- Neil Webber