Bastrop County Cares is thrilled to share the incredible impact of our 2025 Community Impact Grant—an initiative that has channeled over $750,000 directly into the hands of local changemakers.
This investment is more than just funding, it’s a commitment to empowering residents to lead solutions to the challenges they experience in their own neighborhoods.
Between March 1 and April 15, we received over 250 applications from individuals, grassroots groups, and local organizations across Bastrop County. To ensure accessibility and equity, the application process allowed for submissions in multiple formats, written, video, and in-person presentations.
A 10-member volunteer Community Review Panel, made up entirely of local residents, took on the inspiring task of reviewing, scoring, and ranking every single proposal over the course of 30 days. Their work has led us to this exciting moment: awarding 20 of the highest-scoring, community-rooted initiatives that will now come to life across Bastrop County.
Meet the 2025 Grant Recipients
1. R.A.R.E Academy
Peer-designed training for justice-impacted individuals, focused on advocacy, education, leadership, and workforce development.
2. Center for Economics, Enterprise, & Innovation
A capacity-building program supporting nonprofits that work to improve education, health access, and economic opportunity in underserved areas.
3. Jay’s Landscaping
A veteran-owned business providing free lawn care and fence repair to senior citizens, while offering employment to local veterans facing job insecurity.
4. Elevate Youth
A mentorship and mental health support program for high school students, with a focus on first-generation college hopefuls.
5. The H.A.B.I.T.S Group
A veteran-operated workforce training program offering OSHA 30, NCCER Core, and soft skills certifications to individuals in distressed communities.
6. The Black Fund
Supporting a variety of Black-centered efforts—from maternal health and mental wellness to youth empowerment and ancestral healing.
7. New Direction Church Youth Outreach & Development
Providing 40 local students with free musical instruments, lessons, and academic tutoring to foster creativity and success.
8. Community of Hope
Delivering over 300 meals and direct support to Bastrop County families in need through its Housing Security program.
9. Bastrop Law Group
Helping families establish legal protections and preserve generational wealth through a structured legal assistance initiative.
10. Bastrop County Rotary Foundation
Building and distributing 400 new beds for youth, ensuring no child in the county has to sleep on the floor.
11. First Presbyterian Church of Elgin
Renovating the Elgin Community Cupboard and two transitional housing units to better serve families facing homelessness.
12. Feed the Need
Providing food support and connection to trauma-informed services while helping reduce social isolation across the county.
13. Bee-lieve & Achieve
Supporting students in grades 8–12 from Cedar Creek and Bastrop with college and career readiness tools.
14. BEYOND LIMITS: BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Offering basketball programs and tournaments that help Bastrop County youth build leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence.
15. Empower Bastrop County
A youth mentoring program focused on improving student achievement and increasing college attendance among at-risk youth.
16. Lost Pines Parent Teacher Association
Expanding space and adding air conditioning to improve student comfort and enhance learning.
17. Bastrop County Cares Education Collaborative
Providing free library cards and transportation for families living outside city limits who wouldn’t otherwise have access to public libraries.
18. Allure Alliance
Combating systemic health disparities in rural and underserved communities through community health worker training and food justice efforts.
19. Digital Uplift Bastrop
Empowering small businesses with digital tools and marketing training to increase their visibility and success.
20. Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Texas
Bringing youth development and enrichment programs to Bastrop County for the first time.
These projects reflect the brilliance and resilience of Bastrop County. We’re honored to support community-led solutions that foster equity, growth, and connection, right where they’re needed most. Stay tuned as we follow these grantees throughout the year and share stories of the change they’re creating.
