50 Years | Bryan Area Foundation

Total Grants & Scholarships 2009 $7.5 million Total Assets 2009 $12.7 million The national tragedy of 9/11 and a catastrophic recession marred the beginning and end of the decade, but the Bryan Area Foundation held firm. Many large BAF grants laid the foundations for facilities rising to fulfill big dreams and enrich thousands of lives. The BAF hired its first and second directors, and three area foundations became affiliates. Members established an office at 516 East High Street. Community leaders met in focus groups in 2007 to provide the BAF with prioritized needs. The BAF protected donor funds by suspending grants throughout the 2008 recession. A Firm Foundation Native Son Returns - 2005 Mitchell Owens, a BHS graduate, returned with nonprofit leadership experience as the second BAF executive director. His creative ideas expanded BAF community outreach. First Executive Director - 2000 Mike Wolfe was hired after a six-month search and led BAF members in strategic planning and advocacy training emphasizing, “People give to people.” 2001 2003 2005 Affiliate Foundations join BAF