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Stanzel Family Foundation celebrates grant recipients advancing education, health & community well-being
The Stanzel Family Foundation proudly announces its 2025–2026 grant recipients, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen education, health, and opportunity for residents in the Schulenburg and Weimar communities.
This year’s funding supports a diverse group of nonprofit organizations and school partners whose work directly impacts children, families, and seniors across the local area. Through strategic investment and community partnership, the Foundation remains focused on empowering organizations that deliver meaningful, measurable change at the local level.
2025–2026 Grant Recipients: Alliance for College and Career Student Success in South-Central Texas (ACCSS) This grant supports ACCSS in expanding access to college and career pathways for local students. Funding will support initiatives such as Career Quest, Sophomore Summit, TSIA2 prep, FAFSA workshops, and workforce tuition assistance, all programs that help promote post-secondary readiness, workforce alignment, and long-term economic mobility.
And Then
This grant supports And Then, which provides meaningful work opportunities, social connection, and life-skills development for young adults with autism or learning differences. Funding will help sustain programs that promote independence, confidence, and successful transitions into adulthood and the workforce.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Champion Valley This grant supports ongoing operations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Champion Valley, a vital youth development organization focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and character building for local children and teens, particularly those facing barriers to opportunity.
Bugle Boy Foundation This grant supports the Bugle Boy Foundation’s work to share the healing power of music across the community. Funding helps bring live outreach concerts by touring musicians to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, reaching residents who might not otherwise experience live music and creating moments of connection, joy, and remembrance.
Colorado County Habitat for Humanity This grant supports Colorado County Habitat for Humanity’s work to provide safe, affordable housing for local families, including those in Weimar. Funding helps address critical home repairs and accessibility needs such as walk-in showers, plumbing and electrical updates, roof repairs, and home leveling. The goal for the coming fiscal year is to complete 14 home repairs across the county, strengthening homes, neighborhoods, and longterm stability.
Greater Fayette Community Foundation This grant supports the Greater Fayette Community Foundation’s role as a steward of community-led solutions through its Community Impact Grants, including Red Door, which advances mental health initiatives, and Green Door, which supports local education and workforce development. Guided by community-representative councils, GFCF serves as an intermediary by partnering with and regranting to local nonprofits as evolving community needs are identified, strengthening long-term community resilience.
Led + Fed
This grant supports Led + Fed’s work to provide regular, nutritious meals in Schulenburg to children and families experiencing food insecurity. Funding helps ensure consistent access to food that supports students’ health and ability to succeed in school, while also engaging local volunteers in meaningful service that strengthens community connection and shared responsibility.
Turtle Wing Foundation This grant supports Turtle Wing Foundation’s mission to help children and individuals with learning challenges reach their full potential. Funding will assist with early intervention services, supplemental educational programs, and community education efforts serving families in Schulenburg and Weimar.
Schulenburg Independent School District This grant supports Schulenburg ISD’s efforts to enhance student learning and wellness by integrating Calming Corners into all 20 K–5 classrooms. This investment provides equitable, school-wide access to emotional regulation tools and supportive learning environments, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to partnering directly with local schools to support students, educators, and families.
Senior Connections
This grant supports Senior Connections in serving adults age 55 and older across Fayette, Lavaca, and Colorado counties. Funding helps provide opportunities for social connection, mental engagement, and nutritional support through no-cost programs that reduce isolation and promote healthy aging.
“Each of these organizations represents the heart of our communities,” said Cheryl Pekar, CEO of the Stanzel Family Foundation. “Their work strengthens education, promotes health, and creates opportunity. We are honored to support their efforts and the people who make this impact possible.”
The Stanzel Fami ly Foundation’s mission is to support educated and healthy communities in Schulenburg and Weimar, with a vision of being active partners in community, education, and health— empowering generations of engaged citizen philanthropists. This work is guided by the enduring legacy of founders Victor and Joe Stanzel, whose belief in imagination, innovation, education, and giving back continues to shape the Foundation’s approach to philanthropy. Through continued collaboration with trusted local organizations and school partners, the Foundation remains committed to creating lasting, meaningful impact across the communities it serves.
