Our Mission
To empower and invest in local nonprofits and organizations that care for and uplift those who suffer from homelessness, hunger, women’s services, shelter for children, and substance abuse, Glimmer Austin is dedicated to making a substantial impact. By providing critical funding and resources, we aim to support and strengthen the efforts of these essential organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and enhance their services.
Our commitment is to foster a community where every individual has access to the support they need to thrive. Together, we can build a more compassionate and resilient Austin.
Our History
Philip and Donna Berber formed and funded A Glimmer of Hope in 2000 “to help relieve some of the pain and suffering on the planet.” This family foundation has been working in Ethiopia since its inception and turned its attention to Austin, Texas, two years later. In Ethiopia, where Glimmer works in rural areas, the poor live in remote villages and straw huts, lacking access to clean drinking water, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Over the past 25 years, Glimmer has invested over $100 million to help alleviate poverty in Ethiopia, impacting the lives of over 5 million Ethiopians.
In Austin, poverty includes homelessness, hunger, addiction, and the need for shelter and protection. Over the past 20 years, the foundation has funded over $12 million in programs, improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people living in poverty in Austin. For the first 15 years, Glimmer Austin took a broad approach, supporting over 200 nonprofit organizations across a wide array of causes and needs. The foundation provided small and medium-sized grants, particularly to early-stage nonprofits or innovative programs within established agencies. It also offered mentorship, awarded the annual “Glimmer Austin Angel of the Year” award, and organized Camp Glimmer, a free summer camp for around 500 Hispanic and African-American children from less well-off families in East Austin.
Over the past five years, the foundation has focused on larger grants to a smaller number of leadership teams and leading nonprofit organizations in areas such as homelessness, food insecurity, shelter for women and children, and addiction recovery. Camp Glimmer remains an integral part of their efforts.
Our Team
Philip Berber
Founder
Donna Berber
Co-Founder
Salwa Yordi
Grants Manager
Carla Power
Controller
