The McKenna Foundation plans to culminate a productive year by awarding a year-end unrestricted grant to a nonprofit partner and is seeking the community’s participation in the nomination process.

The Foundation is excited to invite the public to nominate a nonprofit organization serving Comal County for a chance to receive one of these generous grants. What organization has made a substantial difference in your life or the lives of others? Which nonprofit has been an incredible partner in the community? Who deserves special recognition for going above and beyond? This is your opportunity to shine a light on the organization that has made a lasting impact.

Cast your vote HERE. Please include a few sentences explaining why you believe your chosen organization deserves to be recognized this year.

Nominations will remain open through December 11.

“We love having the community’s input and hearing why they select the nonprofit they do,” said McKenna Foundation Program Officer Kristen Fain. “We have gotten a great community response the last couple of years, so we are excited to do it again this year!”

The recipient will be announced during the Foundation’s annual Christmas Breakfast on December 16. The news will be shared on the McKenna website and on Instagram at @mckennafoundation.

This year, the Foundation has already dedicated over $1.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Comal County. Since the Foundation began its grantmaking efforts in 2009, over $31 million in funding has been awarded to nonprofits serving our neighbors.

Join us in celebrating the incredible work being done by our local nonprofits and help choose the year-end grant recipient!

The McKenna Foundation has released its 2024 Nonprofit Economic Impact Survey results, highlighting that while local nonprofit organizations continue to deliver essential services to our neighbors, they are increasingly stretched thin by rising demand and diminishing support.

The report, which collected responses from 43 local nonprofits, revealed that 44% of organizations surveyed reported a significant surge in demand for their services. Yet, this increase in demand is met with a decline in resources; volunteer hours have dropped by over 24%, representing a $846,000 loss in volunteer service value. Additionally, the report reveals a 44.4% decrease in government and public agency funding, compared to 2023.

Despite these challenges, the nonprofit sector remains a powerful economic and social force. In 2024, local nonprofits generated $85 million in revenue, directly impacting nearly 140,000 of our neighbors and providing employment for 1,096 people.

“The nonprofit sector is being asked to do more with less,” said McKenna Foundation CEO Alice Jewell. “We are seeing a steep decline in government and public funding, matched with a decline in volunteer support. We urge the community to step in–because when nonprofits thrive, everyone benefits.”

The report also sheds light on funding sources, noting that individual donors contributed just 7% of the total revenue in 2024, underscoring a critical opportunity for community members to make a difference.

The Foundation urges residents to take action in whatever way they can, whether it be through donating, spreading the word, or taking a lead.

“Start by learning about the incredible work nonprofits are doing. Volunteer your time, serve on a board, make a donation, or simply talk to people about the work of nonprofits. Every effort counts.” Jewell said.

Despite growing challenges, local nonprofits in New Braunfels and Comal County continue to rise to the occasion, providing support where it’s needed most. Whether it’s hunger relief, mental and behavioral health care, youth and senior services, housing assistance, or family well-being programs, these organizations remain dedicated to our community.

Visit mckenna.org to learn more about nonprofits and the incredible work they do. Find local resources by visiting comalcares.org.

*Organizations and booth numbers collected from Wurstfest.com.

Parking:

Mark your calendars for the 12th annual Big Give! The 24-hour online giving day, which showcases and celebrates the enormous impact of personal philanthropy, is set to return from 6:00 p.m. on September 17 through 6:00 p.m. on September 18.

Since its founding in 2014, the Big Give has helped raise over $50 million for nonprofits across South Central Texas, all fueled by the generosity of hundreds of thousands of individual donors. The campaign continues to prove that even modest contributions, as little as $10, can collectively raise millions for local nonprofits.

Early giving opportunities will begin on September 10, allowing donors to make contributions before the official start of the campaign. Other incentives, such as the popular Match Minutes, will be offered after kickoff.

This year, the McKenna Foundation will have two Match Minute windows, from 8:30 to 8:35 PM on September 17, and from 8:30 to 8:35 AM on September 18. 

During each five-minute window, the Foundation will match eligible donations dollar for dollar up to $100 per gift, with a total of $5,000 in each pool. To maximize the chances of getting matched, the Foundation recommends filling out the donation form a minute or two before the start of the Match Minute window.

Visit www.thebiggivesa.org to donate or to learn more. 

From crisis services and conservation efforts to senior care and youth services, the Big Give offers donors an opportunity to contribute to organizations that serve as lifelines for our community. With over 300 participating organizations in Comal County, supporters will be able to choose where their gift will create the most meaningful impact.

Don’t know where to begin? The Foundation suggests supporting its partners. Those eligible for the McKenna Foundation Match Minutes include: Comal Conservation, CRRC of Canyon Lake, Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation, RecoveryWerks!, CASA of Central Texas, Hope Hospice, NB Housing Partners – First Footing Program, EdenHill Communities, Steve’s Pantry, STEPS, Crisis Center of Comal County, Communities In Schools South Central Texas, Headwaters at the Comal, New Braunfels Christian Ministries, Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels, Connections Individual and Family Services, River City Advocacy, New Braunfels Food Bank, New Braunfels Angels, RCBC Helping Hands Food Pantry, SJRC Texas, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Comal and Guadalupe Counties, Hope Center Food Pantry and Outreach, New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, 1HOPE for Kids, Project MEND, Kinetic Kids, New Braunfels Christian Ministries, Rock Haus Foundation, SACRD.org, Acacia Medical Mission, Girls on the Run, Friends of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District, H.I.S. Centre, Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center, and the Family Life Center.

Each of these organizations continues to serve vital roles in our local community, whether feeding families, providing education and empowerment, caring for seniors, or providing shelter.

Donate at www.thebiggivesa.org.