Jul 29, 2025
In this inspiring episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Cody Knowlton, President and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. Since 2012, Cody has led the foundation in awarding grants to nearly 100 nonprofits annually, impacting healthcare, food security, and faith-based initiatives. With a background in higher education fundraising, Cody brings a unique perspective on both sides of philanthropy—soliciting and granting funds. He shares insights into the challenges of fundraising, the foundation’s most impactful grants, and how faith and strategy drive their mission.
Key Takeaways:
Fundraising vs.
Grantmaking: Cody reflects on his years in fundraising and
grantmaking, explaining why soliciting gifts is often more
challenging than deciding who receives funding.
✅ The Power of Strategic
Giving: The foundation has awarded over $100 million in
grants while growing its endowment from $150M to $270M, showing the
impact of responsible financial stewardship.
✅ Transformative
Grants: Learn about the foundation’s first $1M grant to UT
Health’s Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s, setting a precedent
for high-impact giving.
✅ Faith as a Guiding
Principle: The foundation’s mission is deeply rooted in
faith, ensuring their work supports not just health initiatives but
also the greater good of the community.
Tune in to hear how Cody and the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio are making a lasting difference, one grant at a time.