Making Good, Greater.
FirstDay Foundation is a charitable organization that provides philanthropic grants and management and governance services to nonprofit organizations doing good work in our own backyard and across the globe.
FirstDay Foundation is a reference to the first day of Creation, on which God created light. Our goal is to elevate and enhance the work nonprofits are doing to serve children, families and communities in need throughout the world.
*Grant applications WILL BE ACCEPTED BY invitation only.
Unsolicited contact to request a grant, tours, program visits, etc., is discouraged and may disqualify your organization from a possible grant invitation.
With more than $900 million in assets, FirstDay Foundation utilizes earnings from a $700M investment fund to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of individuals around the world. Grant applications are accepted by invitation only.
About Us
FirstDay Foundation was established to “light the way,” elevating and helping non-profit organizations fulfill their missions.
FirstDay Foundation, by design, operates differently than most other grant-making foundations. FirstDay Foundation utilizes its own specific means to identify entities it wishes to invite to apply for funding consideration. This “Secret Santa” approach identifies organizations doing good and important work that FirstDay Foundation feels can make an even greater impact. FirstDay Foundation intends to strictly follow this proactive investor philosophy of altruism by extending an application invitation only to organizations it has selected and vetted. Organizations that attempt to circumvent the application process by soliciting persons affiliated with FirstDay Foundation will lose eligibility to apply for an extended period of at least 1-year.
FirstDay Foundation values efficiency and best practices. On occasion, FirstDay Foundation may impose requirements for grant recipients to improve efficiency and practices to ensure effective use of FirstDay Foundation funds. These requirements may include access to, and/or use of shared administrative and governance services offered by FirstDay Foundation or other proven management tools and resources identified by FirstDay Foundation.
Areas of Support
We support humanitarian organizations, municipalities and private partners with the goal of creating a lasting impact. FirstDay Foundation provides grants to those partners and initiatives that share our mission of making good, greater.
International crisis response and child protection
Municipalities and Private Partners
Over $36 million in grants
has helped …
Hearts Need Art create moments of joy, self-expression and connection.
“The nurse that was assisting one patient was so excited to paint too. It was so sweet to see her open up and have fun while still assisting her person.” – Hannah, Artist-in-Residency
Grace House provide a faith-based home for women at risk.
“The generous support of FirstDay Foundation has enabled Grace House to continue offering hope to women coming out of addiction and incarceration.” – Lee Ann Jackson, Executive Director
New Hope fund health equity.
“This will let us continue to provide outpatient mental and behavioral health care to anyone in the Texas Hill Country.” – Brenda Fudge, Executive Director
Hill Country CASA support the emergent needs of children in foster care and their caregivers.
“We are so grateful to FirstDay Foundation for believing in our work enough to support our mission and trust us to see it through.” – Stephanie Cash, Executive Director
Children’s Emergency Relief International repair and upgrade a new South Africa campus.
“Doing good work takes partnership. We are so thankful to pass along the fruits of this gift from FirstDay Foundation to everyone we help in South Africa.” – Connie Belciug, Executive Director
Breckenridge Village complete the multimillion-dollar Douglas R. Mehling II Center.
“These funds have allowed us to finish construction on our new multipurpose center that has been a dream for years and a need for decades.”
HOPE support children’s programming in the U.S., Romania and South Africa.
“No matter where they were born, everyone in this world deserves to know the love Jesus Christ has for them.” – Dearing Garner, President 
Silver Cliff Ranch remain an awe-inspiring property helping youth and families through outdoor adventure.
"Having the support of a strong foundation allows us to do more for the children and families that we host. Their gift empowers us to plan for the future to ensure our guests can continue to heal, explore, and learn at SCR for years to come." – Jonathan Skvarka, Executive Director
Innovative Network of Knowledge supply high quality instructional coaching to local schools.
“We are grateful to FirstDay Foundation for ensuring quality education remains in our communities.” – Denise Shetter, Executive Director 
National Emergency Management and Response maintain readiness to provide emergency management services.
"This grant provides the support National EMR needs to maintain a constant state of readiness, securing the personnel and resources to be able to have 'boots on the ground' anywhere across the U.S., within 12-48 hours." – Lisa Amaya, Executive Director
The South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless serve homeless individuals with chronic disabling conditions.
“We are thrilled and so grateful for this gift that we know will strengthen our community by assisting our most vulnerable residents.” – Katie Vela Wilson, Executive DirectorBreckenridge Village continue providing exceptional services and programs to those who call Breckenridge home.
“FirstDay Foundation lets allows us to do so much more for everyone who calls Breckenridge Village home.” 
Triple H Equitherapy keep their special programs operating to serve more children and families with “Horse Power!”
“This gift will let us give more young people that special bond horses impart on the people who care for them.” – Ginger Eways, Executive Director Children’s Emergency Relief International administer and expand international programs.
“This grant may have our name on it, but its reward is for the people of Guatemala.” – Connie Belciug, Executive Director 
A Child’s Place Learning Center teach and care for nearly 10 children.
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are to receive this generous gift that will be used to support our mission.” – Julie Behrens, Board PresidentChildren’s Emergency Relief International assist families displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We are proud to be part of the compassionate response to the tragedy facing Ukraine.” – Connie Belciug, Executive Director 
Youth Code Jam teach community youth about the importance of computer programming and cybersecurity.
“The next generation starts today. We’re here to prepare them for the world they will inherit.” – Brooke Haley, Executive Director Breckenridge Village install critical infrastructure for a new building.
“We were at a complete halt with construction until this grant. We are blessed to be able to move ahead as planned.” 
Chosen Care work to address trauma from sexual abuse.
“We have significant problems plaguing our welfare system. Chosen is working towards a child and family well-being system where relational connection and trauma responsive care are the new standard. Thank you for a catalytic gift to bring about systemic transformation!” – Jenni Lord, Chief Executive Officer 
Celebrate Dyslexia encourages communities to celebrate, educate, and empower individuals with dyslexia.
Their vision is for every person with dyslexia to have limitless opportunities. In 2024, they aim to double their impact, reaching 250,000 individuals. 
Warfighter Scuba empowers wounded veterans worldwide with therapeutic scuba experiences, in a peaceful ocean setting.
We serve veterans and gold star families affected by traumas of war to prevent divorce and suicide. No one left behind. No one left alone.
Empowering young women of color through civic engagement, leadership development, and community outreach.
The Lemonade Circle has given me confidence and security in myself. It has helped me unlock my voice and use it to make change in my community.
Students of Service (SOS) develop young leaders with a global perspective to solve local problems.
Since 2014, SOS has reached over 2,500 students and 100 educators in over 50 local schools.
Culturingua champions the cultural heritage of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENSA) communities.
The Dee Howard Foundation inspires San Antonio youth to pursue aerospace careers through STEM education.
Impact youth by equipping choir directors with the tools & resources necessary to develop healthy, vibrant choir programs.
For over 30 years, we have provided students the opportunity to thrive through the power of choral music.New Hope Counseling to grow their mission of offering quality, affordable services for all ages.
FirstDay Foundation awarded a $25,000 matching challenge grant to New Hope Counseling to grow their mission for a total grant award $75,000. 
Hardin-Simmons University senior Robert Walker clear his student debt.
“This surprise scholarship grant truly fills my heart with happiness. Thank you FirstDay Foundation for being the answer to my prayers!” - Robert Walker
Circle J Ministries International build safe havens and opportunities for widows and their children in Malawi
"This grant will transform lives by providing education, shelter, and food security to vulnerable communities."
Cedars International Academy empowers students and builds community through innovative education in North Central Austin.
"This grant ensures Cedars International Academy continues delivering exceptional education and support for every student."
White Heart empower veterans and first responders with support and resources through eco-therapy retreats.
"This grant strengthens our mission to serve those who have served, enhancing care for veterans and first responders."