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More than $30 million was raised in just one week for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, run by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, to support flood relief efforts following the devastating storms that swept across the region.
The foundation issued an initial $5 million in emergency grants to nonprofit organizations. The grants were allocated across four priority categories identified as the most urgent areas of community need:
- Support for Individuals and Families: $1.25 million
- Support for Local Businesses: $1.25 million
- Support for First Responders: $1.25 million
- Support for Crisis Response: $1.25 million
For the full list of nonprofit organizations receiving grants, visit https://www.communityfoundation.net/kerr-county-flood-relief-grants
“The heartbreak we’ve experienced as a community is profound, but so is the response,” Austin Dickson, chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, said via a statement. “In a matter of days, thousands of donors from across Texas and beyond have stepped up to say: we are with you. This is a moment of collective grief, but also of extraordinary love.”
Among the leading donors, to date, are H-E-B, which contributed $2 million, and James Avery Artisan Jewelry, which donated $500,000.
“The Butt Family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation have a deep connection to Kerrville and the Hill Country, where our company was founded. We are heartbroken by the tragic events that have devastated our communities,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B senior vice president of public affairs, via a statement. “As the community embarks on the long road ahead, we support the foundation’s critical efforts to help rebuild and recover. We encourage others to join us in offering hope, strength, and assistance to impacted families,” the statement continued.
The foundation introduced plans to form a Community Advisory Committee for grants. This committee will include local nonprofit leaders, residents and stakeholders who will help advise on long-term recovery investments and equitable resource distribution.
“We know this is just the beginning,” Dickson said via a statement. “We’re grateful to say we’ve raised over $30 million in just one week — but the needs are tremendous, and continued support will be critical in the months ahead.”
