“For 15 years, the Scharbauer Foundation has had the privilege of working alongside organizations and people who care deeply about Midland and its future,” said Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and President of Scharbauer Foundation. “This anniversary is a celebration of those partnerships and the projects we have all completed. The impact of the past 15 years belongs to an entire community of people who have worked together to make Midland a better place to live, learn, work and raise a family.”
A Legacy of Giving
The Scharbauer name has been closely connected to Midland and its history for generations. Building upon that legacy of community involvement and philanthropy, Scharbauer Foundation was formally established in 2010 with the first grant made in 2011.
The Foundation began its grantmaking with a commitment to support organizations addressing important needs throughout the Midland community. Among the organizations receiving some of the Foundation’s earliest grants were Manor Park, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Midland College, Midland Habitat for Humanity, Midland Shared Spaces, Museum of the Southwest, The Springboard Center, Teen FLOW, and United Way of Midland. Many of those relationships have continued through the years, while the Foundation’s partnerships have expanded to include many other organizations and initiatives throughout Midland.
Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has invested in projects ranging from education and healthcare to human services and initiatives that strengthen Midland’s quality of place. Throughout that growth, the Foundation’s approach has remained centered on working with organizations that understand the community, identifying opportunities where philanthropic investment can make a meaningful difference, and supporting solutions designed to serve Midland for years to come.
Celebrating the Past, Investing in the Future
During the anniversary celebration, guests had the opportunity to reflect on the Foundation’s history and the people, organizations, and projects that have contributed to its impact over the past 15 years. While the milestone offered an opportunity to look back, Foundation leaders emphasized that the anniversary is also about what comes next.
“Midland has changed tremendously over the past 15 years, and our community will continue to change,” Jim Nelson, Board Chair of the Scharbauer Foundation said. “Our responsibility is to continue listening, learning, and working alongside our partners to understand where we can have the greatest impact. We are proud of the Foundation’s history, but we are equally excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
As Scharbauer Foundation enters its next chapter, it remains committed to honoring the legacy that made its work possible while responding to the evolving needs and opportunities of the Midland community.
