Tomberg Family Philanthropies

At Foundation Communities, we create housing where individuals and families succeed. By combining affordable housing and social services, we empower low-income residents by teaching them the tools, or providing the support, they need to stabilize and increase their economic standing. Our model is based upon favorable acquisition or construction costs, high rates of reinvestment for operations and maintenance, and on-site programs within our communities.

Our involvement: The Marty Tomberg Charitable Fund has financially supported this organization.

Projects We Support

The Children’s HOME Initiative

CHI addresses the issues faced by Austin’s extremely low-income and homeless families by providing low-cost stable homes at FC properties, matched with supportive services that guide families toward achieving their highest potential and reaching their maximum level of self-sufficiency. Combined with reduced rent (average $385/month), CHI provides: intensive case management, individualized family support, crisis management, financial literacy, debt management, children’s advocacy, parental education, afterschool educational support, career awareness and enrichment, and long-term goal development.

Support Dates: March, 2013 – February, 2016

CHI (Children’s Home Initiative) Long-term Longitudinal Study

Foundation Communities is conducting a long-term longitudinal study to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the CHI program. The study will follow CHI graduates 3 to 5 years after program graduation. Initial data shows CHI families increase annual income by $5,900, on average. That is significant considering our average CHI participant enters the program making less than $20,000 per year.

Support Dates: March, 2015 – March, 2016

Technology for Literacy: Foundation Communities in North Texas

This grant enables Foundation Communities (FC) to build the technological capacity of our North Texas Learning Centers, allowing all kids in our programs to access the best reading programs available in an innovative format.

Foundation Communities works closely with the schools near our Learning Centers to develop programs that help narrow the achievement gap often found between low- income students and their more affluent peers. The foundation of our education curriculum is improving and maintaining academic performance, especially in reading. We achieve this through activities that strengthen reading skills, encourage outdoor play, provide homework assistance, and introduce STEM concepts in an approachable, hands-on way. Offering LC programming through a digital medium is a critical component of 21st century learning.

Support Dates: April, 2017 – March, 2018