The Anice Read Fund is named for Anice Read, a founder of Texas Downtown. The Fund was formed in 1999 to honor her legacy and her contributions to Texas downtowns. Grants from the fund are used for a variety of purposes including physical projects, professional development, and program and staff development. You can donate directly to our Endowment by clicking “Donate Now.” Every dollar donated goes directly into our endowment to be awarded as future grants. Current 990 Viewable Here
We have also provided this convenient Venmo link, to save you a few steps if you’d like to scan and give through your Venmo account.
Grant cycle is now open. Scroll down for more information. *You must be a member in good standing (membership is up to date) and schedule a call with the Executive Director to write.
Anice was a beloved and passionate advocate for the historical preservation of Texas downtowns, believing them to be the lifeblood and true heart of a community. She was appointed to the Texas Historical Commission in 1968 and became the first director of the Texas Main Street Program, a THC division.
During her tenure at the Texas Main Street Program, she worked directly with more than 100 Texas communities in restoring and revitalizing the historic fabric of their downtowns. She realized early on that the Main Street Program would not be able to meet the needs of all communities, and founded Texas Downtown to fill that void. Three years after her retirement, following a courageous battle with cancer, Anice passed away on November 30, 1999.
This year we celebrate her legacy of 40 years of Texas Downtown! To help us commemorate her life’s work, we are asking you to pay it forward with a generous gift of $40 or more that will revitalize Texas Downtowns in perpetuity.
Grant Cycle is Open…..The 2025 deadline is Friday, August 29th.
Grant Applications
Grants from the Anice Read Fund are only available to members of Texas Downtown and must have a downtown focus to be eligible. Grant amounts are up to $10,000 and are awarded on an annual basis. A scheduled phone call with Texas Downtown's executive director is required to write. Upon approval, grant applications must be submitted by the deadline listed below.
To set an appointment with Executive Director Tania Moody, Text: 512-472-7832 or Email: tania@texasdowntown.org.
Applications for the fund are commonly due by midnight on the Friday prior to Labor Day. The 2025 deadline is Friday, August 29th.
Watch a presentation on the Anice Read Grant Program before applying: Click Here.
Donate to the Anice Read Fund
The Anice Read Fund would not be possible without the support of downtowners across the state. Show your support of downtown projects and programs by donating to the Fund today! Since 1999, the Fund has distributed over $243,900 in grants, allowing member communities and organizations to leverage over $8 million in funding from other sources.
Donations for the Anice Read Silent Auction held before the annual President’s Awards Gala at the Texas Downtown Conference can be made by contacting Amymilleretx@gmail.com
Credit card donations can be made directly to the fund throughout the year via the
Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) website: Click the Donate Now button above.
To mail a physical check to your donor-advised fund, please address the check to CFT, write your fund’s name in the designation and mail to:
Communities Foundation of Texas
Attn: Gift Processing
5500 Caruth Haven Lane
Dallas, TX 75225
Please see the instructions below to make a tax-deductible gift into your donor-advised fund by wire or ACH transfer.
JP MORGAN CHASE Bank of Texas ABA: 111000614
A/C #: 695247783
A/C Name: Communities Foundation of Texas
Day-to-day operations of the fund are managed by CFT, a nonprofit based in Dallas that oversees funds for organizations, families, and businesses from across Texas. Texas Downtown chose this partnership so that donors to the fund can receive the maximum tax benefit as permitted by state and federal law.
You may also send check donations made out to the ANICE READ FUND to:
Texas Downtown
P.O. Box 1509
Levelland, TX 79336