Community Foundation awards $677K as flood strain hits local nonprofits

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has awarded $677,000 in 2026 Community Impact Fund grants. The awards come as Kerr County nonprofits face rising demand and tougher fundraising after two straight summers of floods.

The grants support work in health care, youth development, education, transportation, the arts and other community needs. Of the 52 grantees across the region, 22 are Kerr County nonprofits, including:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Christian Men’s Life Skills
• Heart of the Hills Heritage Center
• Kerrville Pets Alive
• Raphael Community Free Clinic

KerrKonnect received $15,000 to provide free rides to flood survivors.

Local nonprofits are being squeezed from both sides. More people need their services, while charitable giving has shifted toward flood recovery.

“Many are serving more people at the same time they are navigating increased costs, disrupted fundraising and donor fatigue,” said Ingrid Cunyus, the foundation’s grants and scholarships manager.

The Raphael Community Free Clinic, for example, has seen a 62% increase in patient applications tied to financial pressures following the floods.

Cunyus said long-term recovery depends on supporting the full range of local nonprofits. That includes groups responding to the floods directly and those that feed seniors, care for animals, provide health care and mentor children.

“A strong community depends on a healthy nonprofit sector,” she said.

The foundation makes grants and awards scholarships in Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real and Uvalde counties.