Our History

Rooted in Midland. Focused on the Future.

Scharbauer Foundation has served Midland for more than 15 years, and the legacy behind it extends even further. Following a family tradition of philanthropy, Clarence Scharbauer Jr. and the estate of his late wife, Dorothy Turner Scharbauer, established Scharbauer Foundation in 2010. Built on generations of leadership, stewardship, and deep community ties, the Foundation was created to invest in the region’s long-term success through thoughtful, strategic philanthropy. With a vision to make Midland a better place in which to live and operate a business, the Foundation awarded its first grant in 2011. Since its founding, Scharbauer Foundation has grown into one of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations — supporting transformative projects, strengthening community partnerships, and investing in initiatives that improve quality of life across Midland.

A Timeline of Growth & Community Impact

  • 2010

    Scharbauer Foundation is established by Clarence Scharbauer Jr. and the estate of his late wife, Dorothy Turner Scharbauer. The Foundation awarded its first grant in 2011.

  • 2011–2015

    The Foundation begins investing in Midland-focused initiatives centered on education, healthcare, human services, and quality of place improvements.

  • 2013

    Scharbauer Foundation awards major gifts in its Human Services focus area to West Texas Food Bank and Safe Place of the Permian Basin.

  • 2016–2020

    Support expands for major educational partnerships, workforce development initiatives, healthcare access projects, and community-centered investments throughout Midland.

  • 2018

    The Foundation, along with other community partners, works to establish a centralized greenspace in Downtown Midland, which will later become Centennial Park.

  • 2020

    The Foundation works with community partners to bring IDEA Public Schools to Midland, helping expand educational opportunity and school choice in Midland and Odessa.

  • 2021

    The Foundation awards a grant to Midland College for the Early Childhood Teacher Hub and Pre-K Academy Expansion, creating more opportunities for Midland students to become kindergarten-ready.

  • 2022

    The Foundation commits $12 million for the establishment and construction of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center.

  • 2023

    Scharbauer Foundation partners with UT Permian Basin to provide scholarships to graduate students pursuing careers in mental health care.

  • 2024

    The Foundation makes its first mission-related investment in Omni Midland.

  • 2024–2025

    Construction continues on several major Midland projects supported by the Foundation, including IDEA Henry, YMCA expansions, healthcare workforce initiatives, and community-focused quality of place investments.

  • 2026

    As Scharbauer Foundation marks its 15th anniversary, the organization continues evolving its partnerships and community impact while adhering to its founding mission and long-term investment in Midland’s future.

The Scharbauer Legacy

The Scharbauer name has long been connected to Midland’s growth and development. Clarence Scharbauer Jr. played a significant role in shaping the business and civic landscape of West Texas through banking, ranching, oil and gas, and community leadership. Alongside his wife, Dorothy Turner Scharbauer, he believed strongly in supporting the people and institutions that help communities thrive.

That commitment to stewardship and local impact became the framework for what is now Scharbauer Foundation, a lasting resource dedicated to strengthening Midland.

An Independent Private Foundation

Scharbauer Foundation is a private independent foundation established by Clarence Scharbauer Jr. and the estate of his late wife, Dorothy Turner Scharbauer. While the Foundation carries the Scharbauer name and honors the values and vision of its founders, it operates separately from the Scharbauer family and its charitable giving in our community and beyond.

The Foundation operates under the direction of its Board of Directors and leadership team, which are responsible for overseeing grantmaking, stewardship of Foundation assets, and strategic community investments. Funding decisions are guided by the Foundation’s mission, governing documents, and commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Midland.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is separate from any personal philanthropy, charitable activities, or giving decisions made by individual members of the Scharbauer family.

Built for Long-Term Impact

From its earliest years, Scharbauer Foundation has focused on investing in projects and partnerships that create lasting community benefit. Over time, the Foundation’s work expanded across four primary focus areas: Education, Healthcare, Human Services, and Quality of Place.

Today, the Foundation supports initiatives ranging from educational opportunity and healthcare access to downtown revitalization, childcare expansion, workforce development, parks, recreation, and community infrastructure. Through collaboration with nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, civic organizations, and regional leaders, the Foundation continues to play an active role in helping shape Midland’s future.

Since inception, Scharbauer Foundation has awarded more than $270 million in grants supporting projects and organizations throughout Midland and the Permian Basin.

Looking Ahead

Scharbauer Foundation remains committed to supporting projects and partnerships that create meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact across Midland. Guided by its mission, values, and long-term vision, the Foundation continues to invest in opportunities that strengthen the community, support future generations, and help Midland thrive for years to come.

As the community grows and evolves, Scharbauer Foundation will continue working alongside local organizations, civic leaders, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to build a better Midland.

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