St. David’s Foundation gives grant to Hays County organizations for advancement in health equity

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY – The St. David’s Foundation has donated $1.4 million to five Hays County organizations during their Fall Grant Cycle. In total, $51 million in new funding was given to advance health equity in Central Texas.

This funding brings the Foundation’s cumulative 2021 investments in Central Texas to more than $76 million. The most significant portion of these new investments will support the region’s aging adults ($13 million), as well as safety net clinics to ensure access to quality health care for the uninsured and underinsured ($18 million).

The Hays County organizations that received grant funding from St. David’s include Connected Nation, Community Care Health Centers, Capacity Catalyst, the San Marcos Public Library and the Buda Public Library.

Edward Burger, President, and CEO of St. Davids Foundation said that Connected Nation, which assesses broadband access in rural communities, received $90,000.

“The goal is to do some really significant due diligence throughout Hays County and allow Connected Nation to engage with community leaders and residents and folks from other sectors to evaluate the community’s current state of technology and access, adaptation and use,” said Burger. “One thing that we’ve learned through the pandemic is that you know, broadband really is truly essential.”

Burger said they are issuing the grant to Community Care Health Centers to create community hubs and clinics.

“There’ll be receiving just over $1.1 million, and that funding will allow San Marcos CommuniCare to provide accessible care for those who are uninsured, expand the CommuniCare value-based care model and provide dental care for adults who do not have dental insurance,” said Burger. “So really important and essential work when we’re thinking about the wellness of, of a community.”

In partnership with Texas State University, Capacity Catalyst will help students to conduct equitable research. St. David’s Foundation is granting $25,000 to fund the training and help provide smaller nonprofit organizations with the capacity to conduct unbiased research on community-based issues.

The San Marcos Public Library and Buda Public Library received a portion of the grant funding to help the mental health ecosystem in Hays County and provide infrastructure for individuals who may need assistance.

“We’re really excited about these organizations,” said Burger. “They’re doing really important work during a very difficult time. And we’re delighted to partner with them on these projects. We’re excited to see the goodness that will come out for not only Hays County but lessons learned that we can all share with other communities throughout Texas and throughout the world. So really exciting work to come, and we’re grateful for all the excellent work that these organizations are doing.”

Full list of all recipients