The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is managing $60 million for flood relief in Kerr County, currently focusing on emergency grants.
KERRVILLE, Texas — In just two and a half weeks, $60 million in flood relief has poured into Kerr County, but many residents who lost everything are still wondering: when will the money reach them?
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is managing the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, says the goal is to follow the need—starting with emergency grants for families, small businesses and nonprofits hit hardest by the July 4th floods.
“Every day our mail is full of $100, $20, $50 donations from all over America—towns we’ve never heard of in every state,” said Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation.
The foundation has already received support from more than 155,000 individual donors, as well as major corporations and philanthropic foundations. But Dickson says one of the most powerful gestures didn’t include a single dollar.
“He sent us, not money—but a handwritten letter and four polo shirts,” said Dickson, referring to a man incarcerated at Sing Sing prison in New York. “In his note, he said he wears these polo shirts when he has visitors to his prison. He felt like somebody needed a dry shirt in Kerrville.”
Two Waves of Emergency Relief
The Community Foundation has distributed two waves of emergency grants so far, including $4.4 million in the latest round. That funding has gone to support:
- Crisis and shelter organizations
- Emergency food programs
- Small business stabilization
- Local first responders
- Direct cash assistance for individuals and families
One example: The Hunt Preservation Society was granted $300,000 to assist residents within Hunt ISD. At a town hall Wednesday, 155 families received financial assistance on the spot.
“They could show an ID, explain their flood damage, what they’re going through financially—and they could get emergency cash assistance,” said Dickson.
What’s Next?
With FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and national nonprofits now operating in Kerr County, the foundation’s role is about to shift. It will soon focus on long-term recovery, planning future waves of grants to rebuild homes, stabilize livelihoods and restore community institutions.
“We don’t want to be in a situation where philanthropy replaces FEMA or insurance,” said Dickson. “Those are dollars flood victims are owed.”
Still, Dickson emphasized the importance of registering with FEMA, despite how painful or tedious the process may feel.
“Even when you’re emotionally frayed and tired and may not want to itemize all your losses—it’s an important process and a first step to get the support that’s owed to victims of flood and natural disasters.”
Once those institutional resources are exhausted, Dickson said philanthropy will fill in the gaps.
“When it comes time to rebuilding after this initial shock and emergency stage, that’s when the Community Foundation will take a turn and get a little more involved.”
How to Get Help
If you need emergency financial assistance now, you’re urged to visit communityfoundation.net. Under the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, you’ll find a list of grantee organizations helping specific regions, including:
- Hunt ISD families — Hunt Preservation Society
- Center Point — Center Point Alliance for Progress
- Comfort — Comfort Area Foundation
- Kerrville — Salvation Army and several churches
These organizations can help residents with emergency expenses including — but not limited to — rent, hotel stays, or utility bills.
“The needs are so great—and it’s going to take every cent of those donated dollars to bring the Hill Country back,” said Dickson.
The next wave of grants is expected to be distributed within a couple of weeks.
On the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s website, they emphasize their commitment to transparency, writing, “We’re committed to regular updates on funds raised and disbursed, working with experienced local partners to ensure accountability and careful stewardship. We will provide another update to the community on funds, raised and dispersed by the end of July.”
To donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, click here.