Highland Lakes Service League

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 Dinner and Auction, enables us to do just that.  During the last five years, over $153,950 has been awarded to charitable organizations.

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

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.
• 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.

The Highland Lakes Service League awarded 23 grants nearing $80,000 to local non-profits for 2023.  Representatives from the recipients were recognized at the November 8th luncheon meeting. 

2023 Recipients

Burnet Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Casey Daniels

Camp Agape

Kim Turk

CASA for the Highland Lakes
Brittany Grubbs

Community Resource Center

Dawn Capra

Cowboy Christmas for Kids
Joe Freeman

The Falls on the Colorado Museum

Amanda Seim

Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery

Diane Mitchell

Friends of the Okalla
Library

Heidi Young

The Helping Center

Barbara King

Highland Lakes Crisis Network
Kevin & Rachel Naumann

Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity

Celia Manilove

Hill Country Humane Society


Paighton Corley

Literacy Highland Lakes


Dyanne Turner

Marble Falls
Senior Activity Center

Robert Quiqley

Open Door Recovery House


Paula Mays

Opportunities for Williamson
and Burnet Counties

Dori Yeater

PetPALS


Mary (Beth) Dope

Pregnancy Resource Center


Jackie Thatcher

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Jeff Matera

Society of St. Vincent de Paul


Grace Gless

Weakday Ministries


Bobbie Steiner

Wesley Respite Center


Debbie Pridgeon

Workforce Network


Fay Crider

2023 Grants Committee

Pictured from left to right, Suzanne Hays, Tasha Fitzgibbons, Pam Parsons, LInda Brase, Roxanne Morgan, and Julie Fincher.

2022 Recipients

In 2022, HLSL awarded grants valued at $64,805 to 21 Highland Lakes area non-profit organizations who received their grants at the November 9th HLSL luncheon meeting.

Other Community Giving

Funding was awarded to the TMOM Community Dental Event and local food banks, Joseph's Food Pantry, St. Frederick's Mission and Cottonwood Shores Food Pantry. Donated 20 sets of bedding to Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

The Highland Lakes Service League applauds these organizations for the services they provide to our community.