Tapestry Foundation Of Mary Carmel
Tapestry Foundation (est. 1995 by Thomas P. and Mary Carmel Borders) is a private family foundation in Austin, TX that funds education, early childhood and social-emotional learning initiatives. The site states the foundation collaborates with other funders and is not currently accepting unsolicited grant proposals.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Texas-based (Austin-area) education or youth-development nonprofit with an established local presence and relationships in the philanthropic community.
Good Fit
- • Programs focused on education, early childhood, or social-emotional learning
- • Established operations in Texas, ideally Austin
- • Existing relationships or referrals from local funders or past grantees
- • Capacity for general operating or program support at the scale of typical grants
- • Track record of measurable outcomes and collaboration with other funders
Geography
Observed giving in both available years was entirely in Texas, with all 15 recipients each year located in-state and 100% of grant dollars going to Texas organizations.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 15 distinct independent recipients; while funding is concentrated (the top five received ~75%), the foundation still supports a broad set of organizations rather than a single beneficiary.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of some new entrants exists (four new recipients in 2023), but the foundation's published policy and application information indicate it only funds preselected applicants, so an unfamiliar organization is unlikely to access funds without a referral or invitation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
