The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $32 million in Community Grants in 2026 – marking the 11th year that Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area has been selected as a grant recipient.
Austin, Texas – September 17, 2026 – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support our programs centered on education and career readiness helping youth in Austin area access essential resources to achieve their goals.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to reach more young people with the tools, experiences, and support they need to explore careers and prepare for what comes next,” said Jonathan Carrol, Workforce Development Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. “We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and Tacala Companies for believing in the potential of our youth and investing in their future.”
2026 is Taco Bell Foundation’s biggest Community Grants year yet: a record $32 million supporting 700 nonprofits nationwide, representing a 40% increase in nonprofit partners from last year. Fueled by fans who Round Up their Taco Bell order totals, the investment is creating more opportunities for young people through education, career readiness, mentorship and youth empowerment.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee, Tacala Companies, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community.
“When you think about how this started, with fans giving a little extra at checkout, it’s incredible to see that generosity grow into $32 million for organizations serving young people across the country,” said Morgan Tabor, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “What I love most about Community Grants is how local they are. Taco Bell franchisees know these organizations, they believe in their work, and together we’re helping more young people see just how much is possible for their futures.”
Through this grant, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area will be able to equip young people to navigate adulthood and pursue a fulfilling, economically viable career path.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, please visit bgcaustin.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.
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About Boys & Girls of the Austin Area
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) is Austin’s leading out-of-school time youth development agency, currently serving more than 18,000 youth in grades kindergarten-12th at 41 locations across the Austin area, including the Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus. Operating since 1967, BGCAA employs a formula for impact rooted in high-quality programming and services in health and well-being, character and leadership, academic success, and life and workforce readiness. Club youth participate in high-impact development programs that, when compared to non-Club youth, result in better school attendance, better grades, higher graduation rates, and a better likelihood of attending college. Through support from local individuals, businesses, and BGCAA Staff, Club youth are given the tools and opportunities to create great futures.
About Taco Bell Foundation
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 13 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $278 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.
