Community & Culture

Community and culture initiatives strengthen the social, economic and environmental fabric of the Texas Hill Country. These investments help ensure Kerr County and Comfort remain places where residents want to stay, work, rebuild and where visitors continue to experience the natural beauty, creativity and spirit that define the region.

The Community Foundation has committed $35 million to support nonprofit partners working in environmental restoration, arts and cultural recovery, reconstruction of public parks and gathering spaces, community preparedness, economic revitalization and public events that promote collective healing.

These efforts recognize that recovery involves more than repairing physical damage. It also requires restoring hope, civic pride, belonging and the shared places that bring people together.

Our approach

• Healthy environment: We work to restore the Guadalupe River and the natural systems that sustain recreation, wildlife and economic vitality.
  
• Vibrant public spaces: We rebuild parks, trails and gathering places that support connection, wellbeing and civic life.
• Creative community: We support arts organizations, cultural institutions and events that foster healing and enrich the region.
• Resilient local economy: We strengthen nonprofit partners whose work supports tourism, business recovery and long-term regional prosperity.
• Enhanced public safety and resilience: We are committed to supporting nonprofit and civic efforts that support public safety and resilience.
• Clear accountability: We ensure all investments follow best practices in recovery and deliver measurable, lasting benefit to the community.

Community & Culture Focus Areas

River Corridor, Parks & Public Spaces

• The Guadalupe River is the defining natural feature of Kerr County and shapes the community’s identity and way of life. The July 4 flood caused substantial ecological damage by stripping away critical vegetation and disrupting the river’s natural balance.
• Restoring the river corridor is essential for environmental health, recreation and economic recovery. Healthy rivers and well-designed public spaces:
  • Provide safe places to gather, recreate and celebrate
  • Support physical and emotional wellbeing
  • Enhance quality of life for residents and visitors
  • Build long-term environmental resilience

Arts & Culture

The Hill Country’s creative community is one of its greatest strengths. It distinguishes Kerr County from similarly sized regions and anchors our quality of life. After the flood, arts and heritage organizations, performance venues and cultural nonprofits became essential spaces for connection, storytelling and healing and will continue to serve that role.

Investing in arts and culture helps the community recover faster and emerge stronger. These efforts:

• Celebrate shared identity and heritage
• Support local artists and cultural organizations
• Drive economic activity through performances and events
• Nurture belonging, joy and creative expression during recovery

The Foundation views arts and culture investments as both an economic strategy and a commitment to the long-term spirit of the Hill Country.

Economic Revitalization

A strong and diverse local economy is essential for long-term recovery. The flood disrupted small businesses, tourism, service providers and employers who are vital to daily life in Kerr County and Comfort.

Philanthropy plays a critical role in community-wide economic recovery by partnering with nonprofits that:

• Provide business support and technical assistance
• Encourage visitation
• Promote workforce development
• Convene community partners in revitalization efforts
• Build long-term resilience and preparedness

All Foundation-funded initiatives in this area advance a public and charitable purpose by strengthening the nonprofit sector that supports regional economic health.

How to Get Involved

Eligible nonprofits may apply to the Community and Culture Fund here. Organizations interested in future funding opportunities may visit RebuildKerr.org or contact John Reed, senior program officer, for more information.