Rotarian Austin Dickson is the executive director of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. He has been with the foundation since 2017, and the assets have steadily grown under his leadership.
Founded in 1982, this public charitable foundation supports nonprofits and local causes in the region. The Community Foundation grants funds to charities and awards scholarships to students throughout the Hill Country. On average, the Foundation distributes approximately $6 million each year.
It is different from private foundations, which usually are funded by an individual person or families. Community Foundations are funded by a collection of gifts and donations from numerous people and organizations in our area and beyond. There are ten counties surrounding Kerrville that are served by these gifts.
A few examples of the approximately 175 grantees in 2023 are:
Dietert Senior Center
Families in Litercy
Freeman Fritz Animal Shelter
Hill Country Rehabilitation House
Hill Country Youth Ranch
Hill Country Crisis Council
Mercy Gate Ministries
Rafael Free Community Clinic
Over 80% of the gifts to the foundation are in cash, but 80% of the wealth in America is in assets. So, if you are interested in helping your local community, consider donations to the Community Foundation in real estate, IRAs, stocks and bonds, mineral interests and physical assets. Gifts can be unrestricted, where the funds go to the greatest community need, or designated, where the funds go to a specified charity or organization.
For more information go to the Community Foundation website.
