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. 

Community members and volunteers from groups including the McKenna Foundation and Randy Rogers Foundation came together to help give the Rock Haus Foundation building some new upgrades.

Read the full story here.

The McKenna Foundation, in partnership with New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ (NBCM) Volunteers in Medicine, invites the public to a free five-part education series: Lifespan vs. Healthspan.

Led by physicians Dr. Kelly Ratheal and Dr. Madhu Challapalli, this free series is designed to empower individuals with proactive and practical strategies for improving long-term health. Each session will explore topics such as blood sugar management, nutrition, cardiovascular health, sleep, and more.

While lifespan refers to the number of years we live, healthspan focuses on the quality of those years. This series will offer insights on how investing in your healthspan can enhance your overall lifespan.

“Heart disease is a leading cause of death in our society. Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and interventions can empower individuals to take responsibility for and improve their overall health,” said NBCM Jim Wesson. “At NBCM Volunteers in Medicine, we remain committed to seeing a community where everyone has the opportunity to improve their health.”

Dr. Kelly Ratheal added, “It’s important not to delay having your risk assessed because you think you’re too young or believe your risk is low. The earlier your risk is evaluated, the sooner it can be addressed.”

The series kicks off on August 12, 2025, with a focus on metabolic health. Additional sessions will be held on September 9, October 7, November 11, and December 9. All classes will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at NBCM Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, located at 1239 W. San Antonio St., in New Braunfels

RSVP by emailing your name and selected classes to rsvp@mckenna.org or by calling (830) 606-9500. 

The McKenna Foundation is also offering a chance to win a fitness watch of your choosing (Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit). Each session you attend earns you one entry, and attending all five gets you five chances to win. The winner will be drawn following the final class in December.

You can learn more about the physicians at nbpreventiondocs.com or explore the NBCM Volunteers in Medicine program at nbcm.org.

Communities In Schools’ annual Pack the Bus drive provides school supplies to students throughout the school year. Find a collection site for school supply donations at the CIS Thrift Store, McKenna Children’s Museum, the New Braunfels Police Department, and Oakwood Church!

Read the full story here.

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund 

The Community Foundation will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.

Southern Oaks Church

Southern Oaks Church is accepting donations at the church. For those who aren’t local, you can donate online.

Salvation Army Kerrville

The Salvation Army in Kerrville is accepting online donations.

Project MEND

Anyone impacted by the flooding who needs medical equipment like wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, walkers, or rollators, please call 210 429-4057 or email dexter.moon@projectmend.org

Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center

The Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center is accepting donations of supplies and online donations.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting online donations.

Project MEND is excited to host its first Gear Up For Mobility event of the year, calling on the community to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with mobility challenges.

The Gear Up For Mobility event will take place on Saturday, June 28th, from 9 AM to 2 PM at New Braunfels City Hall, located at 550 Landa Street. 

For over 30 years, Project MEND—or Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities—has transformed lives by refurbishing and redistributing medical equipment to those in need. Based in San Antonio, the organization provides thousands of people of all ages with access to medical equipment & assistive technology that improves mobility and independence.

Through collection events like Gear Up For Mobility, Project MEND gathers used medical equipment, evaluates its condition, then refurbishes and sanitizes it to meet state safety standards before passing it on to those who need it.  

“Medical equipment you no longer use or need can make a profound difference in someone’s life,” said Project MEND Chief Development Officer Kristy Walston. “Donating equipment, regardless of its condition, can help restore mobility, independence, and dignity for individuals facing mobility challenges.”

With an increasing demand for assistive devices, Project MEND encourages the community to take part in this important initiative by donating unused medical equipment on June 28th.

Some of the most-needed items include rollator walkers, home hospital beds, wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, tub transfer benches, and raised toilet seating with handles.

If you are in need of medical equipment, you can request items online at projectmend.org or by phone at (210) 223-6363. Those requesting items must have a letter of medical necessity from their physician or a prescription.

Join Project MEND on June 28th and help Gear Up For Mobility—a single donation can change a life!

For more information, visit projectmend.org or follow @projectmendsa on social media.