Central Texas Workforce Development Grants (Green Door Fund for Workforce Development and Education) is sponsored by Greater Fayette Community Foundation. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Green Door Fund - Greater Fayette Community Foundation Building Stronger Communities Through Workforce Development and Education The Green Door Fund (GDF) is dedicated to advancing workforce development and education in rural Central Texas. By bringing together community partners, the Fund identifies resources and solutions to enhance economic security and educational opportunities for local students and professionals.

Through strategic investments in organizations and programs, this community-led initiative empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive growth, resilience, and long-term success in our region.

Apply For a Community Impact Grant Grant cycle opens June 1st 2026 Community Impact Funds are designed to support community-informed solutions that strengthen rural communities and expand opportunity, wellbeing, and connection across the region. Applicants are encouraged to review the funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application preparation materials before beginning the online application.

Step 2: Take the Eligibility Quiz Take the eligibility quiz Step 3: Draft Your Application Use the Application Guide to gather your materials and draft your application. Reach out if you have any questions. Fill out the application and upload all attachments.

To qualify for funding, you must fall into one of these categories: Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), and in good standing in the state in which they are incorporated Collaboratives, coalitions, and partnerships with at least one member organized as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and acting as the applicant Must have an operating budget of less than $500,000, exceptions may apply.

Must agree to the GFCF non-discrimination clause. Invested into the Community since 2023 Total Organizations Funded Your Support Can Empower Careers and Build Economic Security in Our Community Invest in career training and education to strengthen economic security. Your donation helps create pathways to success, equipping individuals with the skills and resources to thrive and build a more resilient community.

*Checks labeled “Green Door Fund” may be mailed to the Greater Fayette Community Foundation at P. O. Box 664, La Grange, TX 78945.

La Grange Education Support Program Foundation The mission of the La Grange Education Support Foundation is to provide funds, services and property to supplement the teaching and service functions of the La Grange, Texas Independent School District.

Buffalo Nation empowers teens and young adults facing significant challenges by helping them break down barriers, access essential resources, and build the confidence and skills needed to succeed.

Hesed House of Wharton aims to improve the environmental and social conditions that contribute to poor health and support a quality of life that promotes the health and well-being of Wharton County residents, with special attention to those who are underserved. Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build Homes, Communities, and Hope.

Fayette County Community Theatre The Fayette County Community Theatre strives to enrich, educate, and entertain the community by inviting members to both attend and participate in high-quality theatrical productions and educational opportunities. Round Top-Carmine Education Foundation Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build Homes, Communities, and Hope.

The mission of the Bugle Boy Foundation is to provide a premier listening room venue for affordable public performances by professional musicians of original works of diverse genres, for the enrichment of Fayette County, Texas residents and visitors.

Communities in Schools of Central Texas The mission of Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CIS) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Skillpoint Alliance's mission is to provide a gateway to self-sufficiency through rigorous skills-based training.

The mission of American YouthWorks is to empower young people with opportunities to build careers, strengthen communities, and improve the environment through education, paid career training, and service to others.

La Grange Education Support Program Foundation Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Fayette County Community Theatre Round Top-Carmine Education Foundation Communities in Schools of Central Texas Investing in Solutions for a Resilient Workforce and Thriving Communities GDF focuses on initiatives that strengthen local collaboration, provide vocational training, and empower youth entrepreneurship.

By addressing systemic barriers like housing, childcare, and mental health access, the Fund supports innovative programs that build a resilient workforce and foster long-term community growth. Strengthen Regional Collaboration Proposals should foster partnerships and resource sharing across organizations, communities, and sectors to achieve greater regional impact.

Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes in bridging gaps and reducing duplication of efforts among regional stakeholders. Vocational & Job Skill Training Programs offering hands-on training, certifications, and apprenticeships that directly lead to employment in high-demand industries. Encourage partnerships with local employers to ensure training aligns with current workforce needs and job market trends.

Initiatives should empower youth by providing mentorship, education, and resources to start or expand their business ventures. Prioritize initiatives that include both entrepreneurial skill-building and opportunities for youth to practice these skills in real-world settings.

Systemic Issues to Assist Workforce Programs must address key barriers, such as affordable housing, childcare, transportation, or access to mental health services, to enable workforce participation and advancement. Solutions should integrate support services or policy advocacy to create long-term improvements in workforce accessibility and stability. Building a successful fund begins with a strong foundation of guidance and stewardship.

That’s why we assembled a powerhouse advisory council, deeply connected to the communities this Fund serves. Together, we’re committed to making impactful investments that truly resonate with the people they benefit.

Apply For a Community Impact Grant Grant cycle opens June 1st 2026 Community Impact Funds are designed to support community-informed solutions that strengthen rural communities and expand opportunity, wellbeing, and connection across the region. Applicants are encouraged to review the funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application preparation materials before beginning the online application.

Step 2: Take the Eligibility Quiz Take the eligibility quiz Step 3: Draft Your Application Use the Application Guide to gather your materials and draft your application. Reach out if you have any questions. Fill out the application and upload all attachments.

To qualify for funding, you must fall into one of these categories: Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), and in good standing in the state in which they are incorporated Collaboratives, coalitions, and partnerships with at least one member organized as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and acting as the applicant Must have an operating budget of less than $500,000, exceptions may apply.

Must agree to the GFCF non-discrimination clause. Closing the Wage Gap in Our Communities We are committed to connecting local communities to resources to close the wage gap, inspire economic mobility, and measure the progress of our collective impact.

Texas Workforce Commission Smithville Workforce Training Center Workforce Solutions – Employers Fayette County Economic Highlight Texas Work Force Commission – Labor Market and Career Information Make a Lasting Impact in Rural Communities Your generosity can drive meaningful change. By supporting the Fund, you empower workforce development, education, and innovative solutions that uplift rural Central Texas communities.

Together, we can create opportunities that shape thriving, resilient communities. Zach Velasquez serves as the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Fayette County, Texas, where he provides leadership within the county’s juvenile justice system.

In this role, he oversees juvenile probation services, including supervision, case management, and programming designed to support youth involved in or at risk of involvement with the justice system. His work reflects a strong commitment to community safety, youth rehabilitation, and collaborative solutions that strengthen families and local systems of care.

In addition, he has played a meaningful role in supporting and uplifting the Thrive Mentoring Program within La Grange ISD and Schulenburg ISD, helping expand mentorship opportunities and positive guidance for local students. Paula brings a strong background in public administration, with experience working across local and county-level municipalities.

A mother of three, she has long been engaged in community initiatives through K–12 systems and local civic efforts, grounding her professional work in a deep understanding of family, education, and workforce pathways.

Paula currently serves as U.S. People Manager at Powerscreen Texas, where she leads human resources strategy and operations, specializing in the implementation of policies and procedures that ensure compliance while supporting organizational goals.

She is skilled in managing diverse teams and complex projects, and is committed to fostering inclusive, productive work environments that empower individuals and strengthen organizational effectiveness. Melanie Ramirez is the Program Director at the Stanzel Family Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to supporting educated and healthy communities in the Schulenburg and Weimar area of Fayette County, Texas.

She leads the foundation’s scholarship and grants work, helping manage funding programs that support local students, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives. Melanie plays a key role in guiding the foundation’s community-led grant process and works closely with local organizations to ensure that funding is responsive to community needs.

Chanelle Smith Hubbard is a Project Manager with Black Mamas ATX and Coordinator of the Perinatal Empowerment Alliance, where she leads cross-sector collaborations focused on improving maternal health outcomes and advancing economic stability for families across Central Texas. Born and raised in Austin and now residing in Hutto, Chanelle is deeply rooted in the communities she serves.

Her work centers on workforce development, professional advancement, and economic mobility for mothers and caregivers, recognizing employment and income stability as key drivers of long-term health and well-being. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and program development, she works to strengthen systems that support families in both urban and rural communities.

Lee Fritsch is a La Grange, Texas–based community member known for his work as an auctioneer, rancher, and livestock market reporter, operating independently and serving the agricultural and local event community. He studied at Texas A&M University and has deep ties to Fayette County’s rural culture and economy. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lee engages actively in community events.

He has served as an auctioneer at local fundraisers and as Master of Ceremonies for the Fayette County Fair, helping bring people together for civic and cultural occasions.

In late 2025, he and his wife Phyliss were recognized by the Fayette County 4-H Council when the group presented them with a check for the Emily Fritsch 4-H Scholarship, showing support for youth and agricultural education locally The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes.

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