$500k Challenge Grant from FirstDay Foundation is Successfully Met

We have successfully met the FirstDay Foundation's $500,000 matching challenge grant, closing out the "From the Ground Up" project. Through the collective generosity of the San Antonio philanthropic community, donors committed over $500,000 in contributions, unlocking FirstDay Foundation's full $500,000 match, a combined $1 million investment that will establish the physical and operational foundation for South Texas' first arboretum.

"This achievement represents far more than reaching a fundraising goal," said Adriana Quiñones, CEO of Arboretum San Antonio. "It reflects our community's unwavering commitment to creating a lasting civic and environmental asset for San Antonio. Every donation, from major gifts to individual contributions, demonstrates that our vision resonates for an arboretum that belongs to all San Antonians. This $1 million combined commitment gives us the resources to move from planning to tangible, transformative action on the ground."

The "From the Ground Up" project capitalizes on FirstDay Foundation's catalytic investment to support essential site infrastructure and early-phase development that will bring Arboretum San Antonio to life. The combined funding will enable:

• Renovation of an existing building on the Arboretum grounds to serve as a permanent on-site presence and a space for private events and gatherings, and donor recognition space.

• Site infrastructure and safety improvements necessary for public access and programming.

• Operational support for staffing and early-phase development.

  
  

The newly renovated building will serve multiple purposes: a welcoming gathering space for private events and community celebrations, a functional hub for Arboretum operations, and a space to recognize the community's investment in this transformative project.

"This gift is about a healthy community – it is a gift for our children and families. Praise to George W. Brackenridge, who had the foresight to gift 199 acres to the City of San Antonio in 1899, and praise to our leaders who today will make Arboretum San Antonio a reality. The arboretum will contribute to San Antonio’s overall well-being and access to nature for generations to come,” said Kevin C. Dinnin, President and CEO of FirstDay Foundation. 

Recognition of Major Supporters We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following organizations and individuals whose leadership gifts helped unlock FirstDay Foundation's match:

• Holt Family Foundation

• Frost Bank

• Tobin Endowment

• John and Florence Newman Foundation

• Siebert Foundation

• Brooks

• Westside Lions Club

• Mark and Beth Duff

• And all individual and organizational donors who contributed to this collective achievement

"The response from our philanthropic community has been extraordinary," said Evangelina Flores, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Arboretum San Antonio. "Our donors understand that investing in Arboretum San Antonio is investing in San Antonio's environmental future, our community's health and well-being, and equitable access to nature for all residents. Their generosity makes this vision possible."

Next Steps With the "From the Ground Up" project funding secured, Arboretum San Antonio is now: 

• Beginning renovation of the designated building

• Establishing site control and safety measures

• Continuing to refurbish trails for accessible use

• Coordinating philanthropic and capital campaigns for Phase One construction
  

Phase One construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 and will include the Visitor’s Center, Veteran’s Grove, Great Lawn, welcome sequence, tree nursery, and expanded public access. Master plan renderings and documents can be found on our website.