Frequently Asked Questions
About the fund
It is a charitable fund established by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to provide relief, recovery, and resiliency support for communities affected by the July 4, 2025, Kerr County flood.
The Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and guided by advisory councils appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Founded in 1982, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation, based in Kerrville, that serves the Hill Country region. The Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits and manages charitable assets for community benefit.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of local leaders. The Foundation is managed by a professional staff. It is accredited by Community Foundation National Standards and has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator.
The Fund is a part of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is an independent nonprofit and not a part of local, state, or federal government.
No, the Community Foundation has not and does not accept funds from government entities.
Donations
Yes. The Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donations may be made online via the Foundation’s website or by ACH, EFT, or bank wire. Non-cash assets (such as real estate or securities) may also be accepted with approval. The easiest way to donate is to mail a check.
Restricted gifts may be considered if they are above $500,000 and approved by the Foundation’s CEO. Otherwise, donations are applied broadly to relief, recovery, and resiliency needs.
Yes. All gifts above $250 receive a tax receipt. Credit card donations automatically generate an email receipt.
Yes. A 2% administrative fee on all gifts covers the costs of managing the Fund, such as compliance, accounting, fundraising, and grantmaking.
Use of Funds
The Fund supports urgent relief (like food, shelter, and supplies) and recovery (such as temporary housing, home repairs, and mental health services). The Fund has also made grants to nonprofits supporting small businesses in need of flood relief.
All funds are distributed through nonprofit organizations that directly help individuals and families, including emergency financial assistance. Direct grants from the Community Foundation to individuals are not allowed by law and by Foundation policy.
Grants may support nonprofits that provide financial and technical assistance to small businesses affected by the flood. Direct grants from the Community Foundation to small businesses are not allowed by law and by Foundation policy.
No, grants will not be made to address budget shortfalls or operating expenses of local government. The Fund can provide support to local governments (such as the City of Kerrville, Kerr County, or local school districts) if the grant is used for a clearly defined charitable purpose. Examples include restoring public parks or trails or repairing flood damage at a public school.
The Community Foundation will spend several years supporting efforts in the Fund’s four strategies: (1) Housing, (2) Mental Health and Wellbeing, (3) Community and Culture, and (4) Long Term Community Needs.
Governance & Oversight
The Kerr County Flood Relief Initiative is divided into four funds: Housing, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Economic Revitalization and Quality of Life, and Long-Term Needs. Each fund is overseen by an Advisory Council of local leaders with expertise in each area.
They are appointed by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Advisory Council members serve one-year, renewable terms as volunteer leaders.
All members must sign a conflict-of-interest disclosure and recuse themselves from decisions where a real or perceived conflict exists.
The Advisory Council recommends grants, but all disbursements must be ratified and given final approval by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
The Foundation publishes all grantees, grant purpose, and grant amounts related to flood relief efforts on rebuildkerr.org. The Foundation’s audit and Form 990 and publicly available at www.communityfoundation.net.
Yes. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is audited on an annual basis by an independent accounting firm.
Grants and Applications
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other qualified public charities in good standing with the IRS and Texas Comptroller.
Priority goes to nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income households, uninsured and underinsured populations, and those directly impacted by the flood.
Yes. All grantees must submit post-award impact reports. Failure to comply may affect future funding eligibility.
Some grant opportunities will have an application where organizations can apply. Other grant applications will be by invitation only. Open grant applications can be found here.
See rebuildkerr.org for a full list of grants and grantees.
Yes. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is audited on an annual basis by an independent accounting firm.