The Braunfels Foundation Trust (BFT) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 in New Braunfels, Texas. Following the devastating flood of 1972, the good people of Braunfels, Germany, our city's namesake, presented New Braunfels with a monetary gift of $1,500 to be used as seed money for the development and launch of the Braunfels Foundation Trust.
The purpose for which the Braunfels Foundation Trust was created was the advancement of education and science, the lessening of the burdens of government, the combating of community deterioration, and the social welfare in the greater New Braunfels area. Initially, the mission of the trust was in historic preservation. Today, the Trust emphasizes youth education programs and scholarships.
The Braunfels Foundation Trust First Step Career Tech Scholarship Program is responsible for awarding dozens of Career and Technical Education (CTE) scholarships annually to qualified graduating seniors living in the New Braunfels Independent School District and Canyon Independent School District attendance zones who are intending to pursue a CTE related career after high school. Since 2013, the Trust has awarded over 500 scholarships valued at over $745,000.
Tablescapes is a unique "Happy Hour" style social event featuring specialty drinks, delicious appetizers, and some friendly table decorating competition.
With an inaugural event in 2001, the Braunfels Foundation Trust began presenting the Living Legends of New Braunfels Award. Each year at the BFT Celebration Luncheon, the Trust recognizes up to three Living Legends of New Braunfels for their years of dedicated support to the people, institutions, and history of our great community.