Partnerships with
foundations
Connecting foundations and UT to change the world
The Foundation Relations team works to match the interests of private foundations with The University of Texas at Austin’s research and programmatic strengths and priorities. We also assist faculty, colleagues and university grant-seekers in identifying foundation funding sources and provide assistance through the proposal process. Get in touch with us to learn how foundation funding opportunities can help UT Austin change the world.
Meet the Team
Alex Christiansen
Director of Development
achristiansen@austin.utexas.edu
Sylvia DuRant
Senior Director of Development, Health
sylvia.durant@austin.utexas.edu
Ellen Hull
Director of Development, College of Natural Sciences
ellen.hull@austin.utexas.edu
Shelly Borders
Director of Development, Science, Health and Innovation
shelly.borders@austin.utexas.edu
Michael King
Director of Development, Education
mking@austin.utexas.edu
Habib Loriot-Bettaieb
Director of Development
hlbettaieb@austin.utexas.edu
Laura Soto
Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts
laura.soto@austin.utexas.edu
Kay Thomas
Senior Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts and Education
kay.thomas@austin.utexas.edu
Noelle O’Donnell
Assistant Director, Proposal Writer and Grants Management
noelle.odonnell@austin.utexas.edu
Maggie Beaver
Development Associate
maggie.beaver@austin.utexas.edu
Meredith Furgerson
Development Associate
mfurgerson@austin.utexas.edu
Caleb Solberg
Development Associate
caleb.solberg@austin.utexas.edu
For Foundations
We strive to advance the university’s academic, research and institutional goals through lasting partnerships with foundations. These partnerships help develop solutions to technical and social challenges, enrich the excellence of faculty research and teaching, and help generations of exceptional students realize their academic potential.
For Faculty
Our team can help you with every step of the grant application process, from researching foundations to completing proposals. Please see the Grant Application Guide or request a meeting for more information.
Foundation Impact
For 63 years, The University of Texas at Austin has worked with the Welch Foundation to help change the world. Welch Foundation funding provides the resources our students need to receive a world-class education and for our faculty to prepare the next generation of scientific leaders. The university is grateful to the Welch Foundation for its longstanding support.
Funding Opportunities
Our grants database is a resource for researching grant opportunities of $50,000 and above. Grants are searchable by research area, amount and deadline, and are typically available one to three months in advance of a deadline.