The annual Permian Area Funders Network Gathering of West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico grantmakers is designed to explore shared challenges, strengthen regional collaboration, and foster peer learning. Foundation trustees, staff, and board members were invited to join PSW April 1314, 2026 in Odessa, TX for a focused conversation on grantmaking best (and next) practices tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of the region.

Presenter slides include content from the following sessions: 

From Grants to Growth: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity

Strong nonprofits need more than program funding — they need resilient leadership, effective management, and sustainable infrastructure. This session highlights how the PY Foundation’s partnership with The University of Texas at Austin’s Extended Campus delivers university-backed professional development and certification to nonprofit leaders to strengthen governance, operations, and innovation. Attendees will explore how funders can leverage their partnerships to build long-term nonprofit capacity and sustainability.

• Sandra Borges, Executive Director, PY Foundation 
• Liliya Spinazzola, Senior Director of UT Austin’s Custom Training Team, The University of Texas at Austin 
• Melissa Kirk, Custom Training Manager, The University of Texas at Austin 

Adaptive Public-Private Partnerships in a Shifting Funding Landscape

Hear from the executive leadership of the Permian Strategic Partnership, the PY Foundation, and the Beacon Alliance Project as they each share how they are reimagining innovative partnerships for regional collaboration. This session will explore how philanthropy, business, and community leaders are aligning resources, strategy, and influence to respond to shifting funding dynamics and emerging community needs. 

• Sandra Borges, Executive Director, PY Foundation 
• Tracee Bentley, President and CEO, Permian Strategic Partnership 
• Russell Meyers, Chief Executive Officer, The Beacon 

The Childcare Dilemma

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare has become a growing challenge across the Permian Basin, affecting workforce participation, economic stability, and family well-being. In response, the Abell-Hanger and Scharbauer Foundations’ partnership with Early Matters Permian Basin and Afton Partners is working to advance new strategies to strengthen childcare availability and support working families. This session will highlight the latest data and research within the region and explore foundations can effectively address childcare supply, support providers, and invest in long-term solutions. Participants will gain insights into how funders can work collaboratively with local partners to tackle complex workforce and early childhood challenges in rapidly growing communities.

• Mark Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, Abell-Hanger Foundation 
• Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and President, Scharbauer Foundation 
• Shelby Smith, Director, Early Matters Permian Basin at the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin 
• Marissa Ortiz, Senior Associate, Afton Partners