THE MCBRIDE CONSERVATION FUND FOUNDATION

In 1984, the Austin Woods and Waters Club board of directors created the McBride Foundation. In 1988, it became a 501c(3) non-profit tax-exempt charitable organization.

The Foundation was established primarily to raise tax-deductible contributions to give something back to the outdoors community and to help "pass on the heritage" of the outdoors to upcoming generations.

The Foundation was named to honor the McBride family, who, through McBride's Guns, has made many significant contributions to hunting, fishing, conservation, and countless other outdoor activities for many years.

Club members contribute to the Foundation throughout the year, but the annual McBride Foundation Banquet held in the fall of each year, is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. A large variety of prizes are offered including hunting and fishing expeditions, taxidermy gift certificates, outdoor gear, electronic gadgets used in the outdoors, gizmos and toys for big boys and girls as well as gear for the younger generation. Hundreds of donated items from area merchants are auctioned, raffled, or distributed as door prizes following a sit-down dinner. Over 400 people from the greater Austin area typically attend this annual event.

Proceeds from the permanent Fund benefit hunting, fishing and conservation organizations - many youth related. Past recipients include the Texas Youth Hunting Program, Camp Grey Dove, Bobwhite Brigade, KidFish, Green Wind Club, Operations Orphans, Boy Scouts, Texas Parks & Wildlife and others.

The McBride Foundation now has nearly $300,000 in its permanent fund.

The Austin Woods and Waters Club is committed to the growth of this fund to help preserve for future generations the outdoor activities that we all cherish.

To Learn more, see past grant recipients or request a grant application visit AustinWoodsandWaters.org