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Friends of the Texas Historical Commission reports $1.76M raised in prior year, backs San Felipe acquisition and program grants
Summary
The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission told the commission Jan. 31 that it raised $1.76 million in the previous fiscal year, is supporting site acquisitions and endowments, and will staff scholarships and grants tied to THC education programs.
The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission reported at the Jan. 31 meeting that it raised $1,760,000 in the last fiscal year for operating projects and programs and is actively supporting multiple site acquisitions, endowments and education initiatives.
Donna (Friends chair) told commissioners the organization continues to grow fundraising for THC priorities, including site purchases and program endowments. Executive Director Angelie Zuzzi provided a detailed quarterly report: highlights include near‑completion of the Friends' role in facilitating the Eisenhower Birthplace property transfer to THC, an ongoing capital‑campaign advisory role for Washington‑on‑the‑Brazos, and active fundraising for Caddo Mounds phase‑2 education and activity center proposals.
The Friends have also accepted and are establishing an endowment transfer for Presidio La Bahia: a gift of $1,075,680 will create an endowment whose distributions will support the site, with an immediate portion set aside for urgent needs. Friends staff said a small final closing gift may follow as the foundation dissolves.
Programming and grants: The Friends are funding scholarships for the Real Places conference (three‑year commitment from the Texas Historical Foundation), and the organization is preparing to launch an IMLS grant application in partnership with THC and the University of North Texas to expand digital education resources for Texas teachers and students; the IMLS decision is expected in summer 2025.
Operational improvements and governance: The Friends reported near‑term succession planning work to ensure operations continue smoothly and said the endowment portfolio now exceeds $2.4 million. For historic‑sites retail and e‑commerce, Friends and THC staff discussed longer‑term IT and point‑of‑sale modernization projects tied to THC's IT modernization and retail plans.
Why this matters: The Friends are the principal philanthropic partner for THC, underwriting museum acquisitions, education programs, scholarships and targeted site endowments that expand THC's capacity beyond state appropriations.
Ending: Friends leaders asked commissioners to signal priorities and joined staff in thanking donors and volunteers; commissioners thanked the Friends for enabling several recent land acquisitions and program expansions.
