Honoring Our Legacy

At the 2023 Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, PSW kicked off a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the organization. This milestone marked an opportunity to honor the past while looking toward a future of continued impact. For seventy-five years, PSW has been a cornerstone of transformative philanthropy, offering professional education and creating a vibrant network of funders across the Southwest.

As we mark this significant milestone, it is the perfect time to reflect on the achievements that have shaped our journey. To honor PSW’s rich history, we shared impactful stories, prepared for future endeavors, and embarked on initiatives to preserve the legacy of our founders for future generations.

The Journey of Philanthropy Southwest

PSW’s journey began in 1949 at the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, where representatives from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, the Scarbrough Foundation, and the H.E. Butt Foundation gathered with a vision to expand philanthropy across the Southwestern United States.

As PSW grew, our reach expanded to include a diverse range of funders from across the region, such as community foundations, corporate giving programs, and individual philanthropists. By broadening our network, we brought together a wide array of perspectives and resources, strengthening our ability to drive meaningful change.

As we celebrate 75 years and reflect on the meaningful impact of collaboration, we face the future with hope and confidence in the change that mission-driven members can create.

Preserving Our Legacy With The Archival Project

In partnership with Memory Forward, we embarked on an archival project to preserve our organization's 75-year legacy. With historical materials scattered across a research library, a storage unit, and a digital repository, Memory Forward was engaged to inventory, digitize, and organize the collection for current and future use. The project culminated in a searchable digital archive of over 30,000 items, including photos, documents, videos, and audio recordings. Each item was carefully tagged with names and details, creating a rich resource that highlights the individuals and moments shaping PSW’s impact on philanthropy.

To celebrate this milestone, a 10x16-foot timeline was designed for PSW's annual conference, offering attendees an immersive journey through its history. The physical archive now resides at the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin, while the digital archive will soon be hosted by Permanent.org. This collaboration ensures PSW's legacy remains accessible for future generations, providing a permanent platform for research, storytelling, and inspiration.

Members smiled as they took their time exploring the photos, recognizing familiar friends and family, and appreciating the lasting generational ties to PSW.

The project also included a history table with archival materials on display. As a tactile connection to our past, it allowed attendees to delve deeper into the rich history of PSW.

Explore PSW’s complete archive at Permanent.org.

Showcasing Our Story In A Feature Documentary

To commemorate our 75th anniversary, we produced a documentary chronicling the remarkable journey of PSW. Created by the Family Pictures Institute for Inclusive Storytelling, this film captures the evolution of PSW from its founding in 1949 to its current impact and future aspirations. 

The documentary premiered at our Celebration of Philanthropy, serving as a testament to the collective efforts of all who have dedicated their time, resources, and talents to drive positive change in our region.

The documentary features interviews with key leaders who have played pivotal roles in PSW’s history. Their stories and insights add a personal touch, illustrating the profound impact of our work over the past 75 years. The film also highlights significant projects and initiatives, showing the tangible outcomes of our collective efforts.

Furthering Our Mission Through The 75th Anniversary Campaign

To pave the way for continued impact, we launched the 75th Anniversary Campaign with a fundraising goal of $750,000. Thanks to the generous support of our community, this goal was quickly met, allowing us to double it to $1.5 million. This campaign is crucial for our continued growth and support of PSW’s mission. It focuses on expanding our professional development programs, enhancing our network of funders, and supporting innovative philanthropic initiatives. 

By investing in these areas, we aim to build a stronger, more connected community of funders equipped to tackle the pressing challenges facing our region. This campaign embodies our commitment to driving impactful philanthropy across the Southwest for the next 75 years and beyond.