What a difference a decade makes!
What a difference a decade makes!
Abilene Gives: How one day of giving became a decade of generosity.
News
What a difference a decade makes!
May 07, 2026
Since 2017, Abilene Gives has been more than a day of giving—it has been a celebration of our nonprofit community, local philanthropy, and what is possible when people come together for a common purpose. From early giving through the final donation of the day, Abilene Gives has inspired generosity, amplified nonprofit stories, and strengthened communities across West-Central Texas.
What began in 2017 as a bold idea raised more than $468,000 in its inaugural year. In the years that followed, the community’s generosity continued to grow, crossing the $1 million mark in 2020. The giving day continued to reach record-breaking milestones year after year.
Now, in its 10th and final year, Abilene Gives brought together more than 3,500 donors who collectively raised more than $2.27 million*, benefiting 196 nonprofit organizations serving our local community. Over the course of a decade, Abilene Gives has generated more than $16 million.
Thank you to the community. Thank you to Abilene. Thank you to the donors for making the past 10 years such an amazing time for Abilene Gives, the nonprofits, and the support you’ve shown. We cannot have done this without you. Thank you for being a part of this, for making it work, and for making Abilene Gives the best it can be every year.
Katie Alford
President/CEO
While Abilene Gives represents a significant chapter in the Foundation’s story, it is only one part of a much larger legacy built over four decades. For 40 years, the Foundation has worked to connect donors with purpose, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and support the evolving needs of our communities through grantmaking, scholarships, community leadership, and philanthropy.
Although Abilene Gives has had its “Final Fiesta,” the mission behind it continues. The Foundation remains committed to serving nonprofits through ongoing grantmaking, donor partnerships, strategic initiatives, and increased opportunities made possible through our expanded building and meeting spaces.
Looking ahead, a new two-day nonprofit conference in spring 2027 will build on the momentum, relationships, and learning created through Abilene Gives. This conference will further equip nonprofit leaders for the next chapter of impact.
Another purpose of the conference is to encourage and uplift our nonprofits. What they do is hard work, and we know what that kind of exhaustion can do. This conference will re-energize them and motivate them to keep doing what they do each day.
Katie Alford
President/CEO
To every donor, nonprofit, sponsor, volunteer, and friend who has been part of Abilene Gives—and part of the Foundation’s 40-year story—thank you. What began as one day of giving became a decade of generosity, and its impact will continue shaping our community for years to come.
*The official giving day total will be announced by June 30, 2026.
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