In a major effort to strengthen families facing rising costs, the St. David’s Foundation unveiled a $40.1 million grant program targeting nonprofit groups that help Central Texans navigate public benefit programs. The initiative, called We All Benefit 2.0: Building Economic Stability, will fund 39 organizations across Travis, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell and Williamson counties.
Why the grants matter
Public benefit programs have seen cuts in funding, eligibility and access nationwide, leaving many families without the help they need. St. David’s Foundation senior program officer Kim McPherson explained that many residents are eligible for assistance but either don’t know it or find the enrollment process too difficult.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about who in our community is struggling to make ends meet,” McPherson said. “If we can close this gap by getting more people who are eligible enrolled, then their financial struggles will be made a lot easier.”
Grant details and expected impact
The foundation received letters of intent from 169 organizations and selected 39 to receive funding. Over the three‑year period, the grants are projected to connect more than 60,000 people with services that increase incomes, improve food security and expand health‑care access.
Recipients will not only help citizens enroll in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and other benefit streams, but will also provide hands‑on assistance throughout the application process. McPherson emphasized that the foundation will create “cohorts” of grantees so they can share best practices and receive technical assistance, hoping to generate “a little bit of magic and beauty” through peer learning.
Local organizations receiving support
In Hays County, five groups were chosen to deliver a range of services from benefits navigation to direct economic assistance. Across the five‑county service area, each organization will tailor its outreach to marginalized communities, aiming to break down enrollment barriers that keep many eligible families from receiving aid.
“If you’re not sure you’re eligible, ask, get help and go to one of these organizations,” McPherson urged. “They are there because they want to help you. They are going to make you feel supported, not rushed. If it turns out that you’re eligible, that can be a game‑changer for you and your entire family.”
Addressing food insecurity
According to the foundation’s release, more than 40 % of Central Texas residents who experience food insecurity do not qualify for SNAP. By expanding enrollment and providing supplemental assistance, the grant program seeks to reduce that gap and ensure families have reliable access to nutritious meals.
McPherson noted that roughly one‑third of the community struggles each month to pay bills, many of whom are likely eligible for public benefits that could ease their financial pressure.
Looking ahead
The St. David’s Foundation hopes the funding will create a lasting infrastructure for public benefit navigation, allowing nonprofits to continue supporting families long after the three‑year grant window ends. By leveraging existing benefit systems and strengthening community partnerships, the initiative aligns with the foundation’s broader mission to promote economic stability and health for all Central Texans.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
