Community Grants and Giving

As the Highland Lakes community has grown, so have its needs.  The HLSL provides financial support to local 501(c)(3) agencies so they might better meet these needs and make a real difference in the lives of others.  Money raised at our annual event, the Chuck Wagon Chow Down, enables us to do just that.  Over the last five years, we have awarded over $350,800 to local charitable organizations. This year $81,600 was awarded to 28 organizations at the November 13th luncheon meeting.

Decisions on grant funding are based on evaluation of applications submitted, the amount of funds available and the current needs of the community. Final funding decisions are determined by vote of the general membership, based on recommendations by the Grant Committee. Funds awarded must be used to serve the needs of Burnet and Llano counties.

 

Annual Grant Cycle

June 15th: Application available on Website
August 31st: Deadline to submit application and required documents
September - October: Applications reviewed by Grant Committee
October: General Membership vote
Mid-October: Recipients notified
November: Grants presented to selected agencies
   

Criteria and Guidelines:

  • Funds awarded must be used to serve needs in Burnet or Llano counties.
  • There is no minimum or maximum request. HLSL reserves the right to award partial amounts (less than the amount requested).
  • Agencies may apply annually with new project requests.
  • Emergency needs shall receive priority attention.
  • Requests shall not be considered for the following: fundraising drives, capital campaigns, political campaigns, religious projects, or individuals.

 

Requests for funds should be for projects impacting the following areas:

  • Animals: Promote the protection and welfare of animals.
  • Arts and Culture: Cultivate, improve, and increase access to creative experiences and encourage artistic expression.
  • Education: Further the ability to educate and improve education for individuals within the area.
  • Health and Wellness: Promote access to healthcare to improve the mental and physical health of the community.
  • Human Services/Basic Needs: Provide individuals in the community with safe housing, nourishing food, loving and qualified caregivers, and the opportunity to reach their highest level of sustainability and success.
  • Recreation and Public Spaces: Promote activities that foster community; provide individuals with experiences in nature and recreation.