Highland Lakes Service League

Community Grants and Giving

As the Highland Lakes community has grown, so too 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 fundraiser, the Chuck Wagon Chow Down, enables us to do just that.  

Since inception of this program, we have awarded 440 grants totaling $710,817 to local charitable organizations. In 2025, $95,347 was awarded to 29 organizations at the November 12th 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

Criteria and Guidelines:

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) agencies located in Burnet or Llano counties and funds awarded must be used to serve needs in these communities.
• 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: fundraising drives, capital campaigns, political campaigns, utility bills, 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.

2025 Grant Recipients

Last Row, L-R:  Melissa Johnson, Brittany Osbourn, Dr. Kevin Ludlum, Paighton Corley, Jerry Bennett, Joe Freeman, Sara Steffan, Larry Stahl, Lynn Bishop, Valerie Crim, Ed Browne

Second Row, L-R: Allison Bennett, Paula Mays, Jamie Hunt, Janessa Hardaway, Kim Turk, Celia Manlove, Lynette Holz, Jeff Matera

First Row: L-R:, Laurranine Wicker, Karen Luckenbach, Virginia Walker, Mike Salvaggio, Margaret Thibodeaux, Cindi Fry, Rhonda Minardi

Not Pictured: Angelyn Drake, Sunny Hall

2025 Grant Committee

L-R: Ellen Hower, Cindy Elgamal, Susan Fisher, Kelly Hardin, Sandra McFarland, Sandy Facemire

Not Pictured: Suzanne Hays, Liz Roberson, and Colleen Goulet