The Mary Ellen Kent Bunyard Family Foundation was established in 2009. Upon the death of longtime resident, Mary Ellen Kent Bunyard in 2008, she, in her will, set the Foundation in motion. She left a considerable estate to create a Nonprofit Foundation, in her name, to aid other nonprofit organizations that specifically provide assistance to youth under 18 and to elderly over the age of 70 of Tom Green and adjoining counties.
From the beginning, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of grants varying from $1,000 to $300,000. During this process, the Foundation has helped over 60 different nonprofit organizations bring a better life to residents of Tom Green, and the adjoining counties for those who are under 18 or over 70. The total financial support during the 14 years the Foundation has been actively providing grants which exceed $6 million since inception.
Mrs. Bunyard’s Will also provided that her family ranch be given to the Foundation, with the stipulation that it must be used as a “working ranch” as long as long as possible. Today, the ranch is leased to ranchers and hunters. Mrs. Bunyard was born into a Tom Green County pioneer ranching family, L.W. and Nona May (Green) Kent on June 25, 1915. Mary Ellen had only one sibling, a sister, who proceeded her in death. Neither had children. When Mrs. Bunyard died, she was the last living member of her family. At her death on May 14, 2008, she also bequeathed to assist others who were not as fortunate as she.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Foundation is organized for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Specifically, the organization is formed primarily to provide assistance to youth (persons under the age of 18) and elderly (persons over the age of 70) of Tom Green and the adjoining counties (Coke, Concho, Irion, Menard, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher and Sterling).
The Foundation shall engage in activities to accomplish these purposes. The Foundation shall be operated exclusively for such purposes and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no part of its activities shall be carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and it shall not participate in, (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
OUR MISSIONWe work with non-profit and charitable organizations in Tom Green & the adjoining counties, to provide grant aid for our youth and elderly. |
OUR VISIONWe seek improvement in the lives of our target demographics. We want to provide them with programs and assistance that benefit their lives and futures. |
OUR VALUESWe believe in charity, goodwill, and working diligently for our community to address the various needs. |
PEOPLE WE SERVE
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that deal with Children under the age of 18 and Elderly 70 or older.
COUNTIES WE SERVE
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• Coke |
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