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Three decades in, group doubles top community grant, makes standing commitment
AUSTIN — Following unprecedented engagement and with applications at an all-time high, LCRA’s Board of Directors has made $100,000 grants a standing feature of LCRA’s Community Grants program, adding one to each of the two annual application cycles beginning in July. The new tier joins existing grants of up to $50,000.
Thirty years in with a bigger commitment The change marks the end of the program’s 30th year, during which LCRA awarded two $100,000 grants and 80 grants of up to $50,000. The first two $100,000 grants went to organizations for substantial projects that outpaced the previous $50,000 grant cap.
El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde has served its community since 1903. LCRA’s $100,000 grant, presented in December 2025, helped fund a major expansion and modernization of the facility.
In Kerr County, the Divide Volunteer Fire Department covers 900 square miles across three counties with 34 volunteers and relies solely on donations to operate. The department saved for years, putting $700,000 of its own funding toward an $803,000 fire station addition, and needed a partner to close the gap. LCRA’s grant in May 2026 did.
What the program builds LCRA launched its grants program in 1995 and awarded its first grants in 1996. In three decades, the program has supported communities by: Awarding 2,218 grants totaling more than $56 million. When combined with $250 million in community- raised matching funds, the program has invested almost $307 million in local communities.
Funding capital improvement projects supporting first responders, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofits, as well as local governments, schools and hospitals.
Apply starting July 1 Applications for the next cycle will be available at lcra.org/grants beginning July 1 and are due by midnight July 31. Strong applications take time, so start early. One $100,000 grant is now available alongside grants of up to $50,000.
Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofits, as well as local governments, schools and hospitals. Projects must be located within LCRA’s service areas. Projects must improve the value of a capital asset by building, renovating or purchasing equipment, and must benefit an entire community, such as renovations to community meeting halls and fire stations, playground improvements and life-saving equipment for first responders.
Applicants requesting more than $5,000 in grant funding must supply matching funds of at least 20% of the total project cost. Additional program information is available at lcra.org/grants.
“After 30 years of investing back into our communities, we have seen how these grants not only help the recipient, but also the community. Communities sometimes need a partner to complete the last mile in large, meaningful projects. That’s what the $100,000 tier is for. We’re now making it an ongoing part of the program because increasing project costs are making it harder for communities to complete these projects, while the need for these investments continues to grow.”
LCRA Acting General Manager Jim Travis
