Troy Bryant

Austin FC does good, not evil: all about 4ATX Foundation philanthropy

Just as promised, Austin FC launched its philanthropic arm, 4ATX Foundation, for the club’s soccer-specific charitable efforts in the Austin community.

4ATX Foundation is tasked with fulfilling many of the community benefits required in the lease agreement with the City of Austin, including youth soccer clinics and camps, cash contributions to local organizations, cash donations for affordable housing, volunteer hours, complimentary match tickets for the community, scholarships, and more. 

Majority owner and CEO Anthony Precourt seeded an initial $1 million to kick off 4ATX in April 2019. A 501(c)3 organization, it’s led by a Board of Directors, made up of Austin FC staff, as well as Austin business and community leaders. The Butler Bros design firm, creators of the Austin FC logo, also crafted the 4ATX Foundation badge. 

The Foundation awards grants and charitable contributions to deserving organizations in the community. Here are some contributions the organization has made to the community:

  • $500,000 contribution to Foundation Communities, to build studio apartments three miles from the stadium, some reserved for low-income veterans and homelessness transitioning
  • $25,000 contribution to Upper Ninety ATX to support soccer and education programs in low-income communities
  • $15,000 contribution to the Dove Springs Recreation Center futsal court in Southeast Austin. led by nonprofit Soccer Assist
  • $10,000 contribution to BuildSoccer, for a soccer park in South Austin
  • Partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to install 10 new soccer nets in publicly accessible East Austin park locations
  • Hosted 10 youth soccer clinics around Austin, giving participants a free soccer ball
  • During the coronavirus, donated to the Stand With Austin Fund, brought food trucks to healthcare workers, and provided resources to the community.
  • In April 2020, the club joined in the Fanatics’ #AllinChallenge with Josh Wolff offering an incredible on field opportunity for the winner bidder.
  • In February 2021, Austin FC players Matt Besler, Hector Jimenez, and Brad Stuver launched a GoFundMe campaign through 4ATX Foundation supporting relief of Austinites affected by the devastating winter storms.
  • In October 2021, goalkeeper Brad Stuver and Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO Derrick Chubbs were named recipients of the 2021 Legend of the Year awards at the 4ATX Foundation’s “A Night in Verde Gala”.
  • In November 2021, 4ATX Foundation and corporate partner Boingo Wireless began installation of a soccer mini-pitch at Civitan Neighborhood Park in the Montopolis neighborhood. It’s the third mini-pitch the foundation has helped install in Austin.

Austin FC made a huge step toward its community commitment by hiring Kaitlin Swarts, founder of Upper Ninety, as VP of Community Engagement in February 2020.

In September 2020, the club officially announced a name change of Upper Ninety to Verde Leaders as part of its roadmap unveiling. Verde Leaders is the signature program of 4ATX Foundation, focused on helping students and young people in low-income communities across Austin and Central Texas.