This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of partnering with you.
As we head into the fall of 2026, we’ll be taking a moment to reflect on the partnerships we’ve forged and the opportunities we’ve funded since we became a grantmaking organization in 2001.
While there’s more anniversary news to come, today we’re leading off with some big news: a new initiative to fund Texas public community and technical colleges so they can create efficient, supportive pathways for Texas learners to meet the needs of the workforce of tomorrow.
Announcing $2.5 million for innovative postsecondary pathways.
As Greater Texas Foundation celebrates 25 years of working together with you to create greater opportunity for Texas learners, we are investing in the next generation of bold ideas.
To mark this milestone anniversary, GTF is launching a $2.5 million Request for Proposals to support Texas public community and technical colleges in designing, enhancing, implementing, or scaling efficient pathways that lead to living-wage careers and seamless transfer opportunities for students.
Through this initiative, eligible colleges may request up to $250,000 over 18 months to develop innovative approaches that meet regional workforce needs and improve learners’ economic mobility.
The most meaningful progress happens through partnership. This RFP reflects GTF’s belief that, together, we can create new pathways to opportunity and prepare Texas learners for the future.
Detailed information was disseminated to college leaders and is available upon request by contacting Dr. Andrea Robledo. The Letter of Intent to Apply is due by July 14th at 5:00 PM CST to be eligible for application.
Board and Staff Updates
Tina Gridiron
This spring, Greater Texas Foundation welcomed Tina Gridiron to the board of directors. Ms. Gridiron has deep knowledge of the foundation as well as learning and evaluation in the higher education sector, and previously served 9 years as an ex-officio advisor to the board’s Strategy & Learning Committee. Read her Bio.
Sydney Korry
Grants Management Associate
Sydney joined Greater Texas Foundation in June 2026. As Grants Management Associate, Sydney supports the foundation’s grantmaking process through thoughtful administration, organization, and collaboration. Working closely with the Director of Grants Management, she helps manage grant operations by maintaining records, supporting Program staff, and assisting grantees and applicants. Her background in business and public service brings a detail-oriented and mission-driven perspective to the foundation’s work.
Sydney holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School. A proud third-generation Aggie, she values the traditions of service, leadership, and community that have shaped her family for generations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and spoiling her dog.
Cindy Patterson
Office Manager
Cindy joined Greater Texas Foundation in June 2026. As an Office Manager, she oversees daily operations, coordinates administrative activities, and ensures the smooth functioning of office systems and procedures.
Cindy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas State University. She is an experienced professional with a strong background in business finance, office management, and administrative leadership.
Cindy enjoys traveling, watching sports, hosting parties, and spending time with family and friends.
Recent Grants
In its history, Greater Texas Foundation has awarded more than $165 million in grants to changemakers in Texas education. In April, we announced grants to the following organizations for projects that align with our Strategic Plan:
CAST Schools
Designing Future-Ready Pathways for San Antonio Students
$100,453
Commit
Aligning Dual Enrollment Pathways in the Rio Grande Valley
$750,000
University of North Texas Foundation, Inc.
Connecting Credentials to Careers Through Better Data
$415,940
The Aspen Institute, Inc.
Strengthening Belonging and Purpose in Texas Community Colleges
$774,737
Connecting at Conferences
GTF is proud to be a sponsor of the Rural Strategies Conference Track at the 2026 NCAN National Conference in Las Vegas, October 5-7. Engaging at conferences is a key way we collaborate with the field, create connections, and share knowledge.
During the conference, our VP for Programs and Strategy, Leslie Gurrola, will partner with The Deep East Texas College & Career Alliance (DETCCA) to present a session: From Pathways to Paychecks: Building a Rural Credential Completion Pipeline. Rural communities across the country are seeking effective ways to expand access to postsecondary credentials and workforce opportunities. This session will demonstrate how regional collaboration and philanthropic leadership can create scalable models that improve credential completion and strengthen rural workforce pipelines.
Together with our partner DETCCA, we’re proud to share the work we are doing in Texas, and we hope to see you at the conference!
America250
Access to education is foundational to America’s ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Education prepares informed citizens who can engage the world with knowledge and curiosity. As America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, Greater Texas Foundation proudly continues its work to ensure all Texas learners have access to and complete some level of postsecondary education.
As we look forward to the July 4th weekend, we offer a tip of the hat to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for their website that spotlights Texans’ contributions to the development of our nation. Just in time for America’s 250th birthday!
What We’re Reading
Foundation staffers recommend “Measuring the Economic Returns to Postsecondary Education at Scale,” from Mathematica. This study examines the economic returns of postsecondary education among public institutions in Texas and the companion website provides tools to explore the data.