Strong Families Tax Credit Program

Strong Families Tax Credit Program is sponsored by OneStar Foundation. Encourages private donations to nonprofits providing family-strengthening services in Texas through a franchise tax credit.

Strong Families Tax Credit Program - OneStar Foundation Together Texas > Strong Families Tax Credit Program​ Strong Families Tax Credit Program Incentivize private support for nonprofits that work to strengthen families across Texas by leveraging tax policy to encourage charitable contributions Frequently Asked Questions List of Eligible Nonprofits Engage businesses & companies in promoting family welfare & community-based support systems The Strong Families Tax Credit Program supports charitable organizations that provide services to at-risk families targeting self-sufficiency, stability, and workforce participation as well as increasing fatherhood engagement.

Under this credit, taxable entities can make monetary contributions to eligible charitable organizations and receive a franchise tax credit up to $1 million, with an annual statewide cap of $5 million per year. The program was introduced in the Texas Legislature as SB 2018 during the 89th regular session and enacted under Section 171. 801 in the Texas Tax Code .

OneStar is responsible for certifying nonprofits as eligible to receive designated contributions under the Strong Families Tax Credit Program. Eligible nonprofit completes the application for certification and pays the $20 application fee. OneStar reviews the application and, if approved, issues a Certificate of Eligibility.

Donor reserves their credit amount with the Texas Comptroller’s Office reservation system and makes the donation to the certified nonprofit within 30 days of the reservation. UPDATE: The 2026 credit allocations have been reserved, and the Comptroller’s reservation system is closed. It will reopen in January 2027.

Nonprofit issues a Certificate of Contribution to the donor and submits a copy via email to the Texas Comptroller’s Office ( strongfamiliescoc@cpa. texas. gov ) within 30 days of contribution.

Nonprofit fulfills the duties of an eligible organization, as outlined in the legislation . Nonprofit renews eligibility annually to continue to participate. ​ Download Certificate of Contribution sample Frequently Asked Questions Is this program available to every nonprofit?

No, only certain nonprofits will meet the specific criteria outlined in Texas Tax Code, Chapter 171, Subchapter P .

Eligible organizations must: Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt, charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Be authorized to conduct business in Texas, as verified by an “Active” status on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Franchise Tax Account site Have provided qualifying services in Texas for at least three years Not directly or indirectly provide abortion services, or offer information related to abortion services Have received no more than 50% of total annual revenue from state or local government sources in the prior state fiscal year (September 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026), including school districts or other political subdivisions of the state What qualifying services must the nonprofit provide?

An organization must have experience providing one of the following for at least three years prior to the date of application: Comprehensive case management services for at-risk families based on an assessment of family strengths and needs, including assisting families in achieving self-sufficiency and stability and encouraging workforce participation; OR Fatherhood services and resources to assist fathers in learning and improving parenting skills and being more engaged in their children’s lives through in-school programs and online resources What is an at-risk family?

At-risk family means a family with at least one child or a pregnant woman and at least one of the following: A child in the family has been the subject of an investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; The family or a pregnant woman in the family is experiencing conditions that increase the likelihood of involvement with the child welfare, criminal justice, or juvenile justice systems; OR The family or a pregnant woman in the family is experiencing other conditions that threaten the self-sufficiency or stability of the family or the birth or health of a baby.

( Texas Human Resources Code § 137. 002 ) What are comprehensive case management services?

Comprehensive case management services means a structured and client-centered process that: assesses family strengths, needs, and barriers; develops individualized goals and service plans related to stability, self-sufficiency, and workforce participation; connects families to appropriate services and supports; provides ongoing engagement, coaching, and follow-up; and tracks progress toward improved family stability and economic well-being.

Comprehensive case management involves ongoing support and engagement with families over time. It is intended to go beyond one-time referrals or limited assistance. What is considered an online service or resource?

Online services targeting fathers’ parenting skills and engagement in their children’s lives may range from providing virtual classes and meetings to posting actionable resources on your website for fathers to reference. How does a nonprofit apply for certification? Eligible organizations must submit a completed application and all required supporting documentation through OneStar Foundation’s application process.

Application instructions, timelines, and required forms will be available on the OneStar website. What documentation will nonprofits be required to submit? Organizations may be required to submit documentation demonstrating eligibility, including proof of 501(c)(3) status, organizational history, service descriptions, financial information, and other materials related to program compliance.

How is payment for the application fee collected? After submitting the eligibility application, the organization will be directed to a secure payment platform to pay the $20 application fee. Accepted payment methods include credit or debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App Pay, or ACH.

Payment instructions will also be included in the confirmation email sent upon successful submission of the application. If your organization needs to remit payment via check, please contact info@onestarfoundation. org for assistance.

Why am I getting an error or unable to submit the application? The most common reason for application errors is that the system only allows an applicant’s email address to be associated with one organization at a time. If an email address is used across multiple applications for different organizations, the system will reject those additional applications.

To troubleshoot application errors or to report other issues with the application, please email info@onestarfoundation. org . How long will it take to know if my organization is certified eligible?

Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis and will not be evaluated until the applicable fee has been received. Organizations should expect to receive a determination within two weeks of submitting a complete application. What is a Certificate of Contribution?

A Certificate of Contribution is a required document provided to a donor confirming their donation is eligible to be considered a designated contribution under the Strong Families Tax Credit program. A template Certificate of Contribution is available. A copy must be submitted to the donor and the Texas Comptroller’s Office via email, strongfamiliescoc@cpa.

texas. gov , within 30 days of the contribution. The contribution may result in a tax credit if funds remain available at the time all conditions for the tax credit have been met.

What is a designated contribution? A designated contribution is a monetary donation made by a taxable entity to a certified organization for the purpose of supporting eligible services and activities under the Strong Families Tax Credit Program.

Designated contributions must be directed to an organization that has been certified by OneStar Foundation as eligible under the program and may only be used for eligible purposes consistent with state law. The contributions must be specifically identified by the donor and acknowledged by the certified organization as intended for purposes of the Strong Families Tax Credit program.

When can nonprofits begin receiving designated contributions? Only designated contributions made on or after June 1, 2026, and after the organization is certified as eligible by OneStar Foundation, may qualify under the program. Any contributions made prior to the date an organization is certified are ineligible for the tax credit.

What responsibilities do certified nonprofit organizations have?

Certified organizations must: Conduct local, state, and national background checks for all individuals working directly with children in programs funded by designated contributions Use designated contributions only to serve Texas residents Limit administrative expenses to no more than 5% of designated contributions Submit the organization’s most recent IRS Form 990 annually Provide certificates of contribution to donors Submit copies of certificates of contribution to the Comptroller within 30 days Obtain certification before receiving designated contributions How may a certified nonprofit use designated contributions?

The authorizing legislation does not specify exactly how designated contributions must be used, except that no more than 5% of contributions may be used for administrative expenses. The remaining funds must support services for Texas residents consistent with the Strong Families Tax Credit program.

Certified nonprofit organizations have the flexibility and discretion in how designated contributions are used, provided the funds support the delivery or expansion of eligible services and activities that qualified the organization for certification under the program.

As part of the renewal process, certified organizations will be required to report information related to the use of designated contributions, including the number of individuals served through eligible programs and services supported by those contributions. Can a donor restrict how a designated contribution is used? It is up to the nonprofit organization whether to accept donor restrictions on designated contributions.

However, designated contributions must support eligible services and activities under the Strong Families Tax Credit program, and nonprofit organizations must ensure that any donor restrictions do not conflict with program requirements or applicable law. Is there a time limit to spend designated contributions? No. The authorizing legislation does not set a formal deadline for when organizations must spend designated contributions.

However, participating organizations are required to submit annual metrics demonstrating how the funds were used, the number of individuals served, and program outcomes achieved. Because reporting is required each year, organizations are encouraged to use funds in a timely manner.

Delays in spending may result in limited or missing impact data, which could hinder the ability to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and may affect opportunities for the program to be renewed or expanded. Does certification guarantee funding or contributions? No. Certification only confirms that an organization is eligible to receive designated contributions under the program.

OneStar Foundation does not award funding or guarantee that an organization will receive contributions from donors. What happens if a nonprofit does not comply with program requirements?

Failure to comply with statutory or program requirements may result in corrective action, suspension or revocation of certification, or other actions permitted under applicable law, which may include making the organization ineligible to receive designated contributions under the program. How long does nonprofit eligibility certification last?

Eligibility is valid for one year and the expiration date will be stated on the certification letter. Organizations must reapply for certification if they wish to continue receiving designated contributions beyond that period. How will my organization renew the certification?

The organization will be able to submit a renewal application 30 days before their application expires. A link will be emailed to the primary and secondary contact listed on the original application and published on the OneStar website. Can a nonprofit apply for a tax credit on behalf of a donor?

No. Taxpaying entities seeking to receive the Strong Families Tax Credit must apply directly through the Texas Comptroller’s office and comply with any applicable reservation or reporting requirements. Nonprofit organizations cannot apply for or reserve tax credits on behalf of contributing donors. Where can taxpayer questions or questions about the reservation system be directed?

Taxpayers can find more information on the Comptroller’s Strong Families Tax Credit webpage . For questions, contact the Comptroller’s Office by phone through the franchise tax help line (800) 252-1381, or online by submitting a help form https://comptroller. texas.

gov/web-forms/tax-help/ . What happens if all $5 million of the Strong Families Credits are awarded? The Strong Families Tax Credit is limited to $5 million per state fiscal year and will be administered by the Texas Comptroller’s Offic e on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Comptroller will use a reservation system for taxable entities seeking to claim the credit and will maintain a waitlist if available credits are fully reserved. OneStar Foundation’s role is limited to certifying eligible nonprofit organizations and does not include administration of tax credit reservations or awards.

A nonprofit’s certification will remain valid for the applicable certification period, including into the next program year unless revoked or otherwise expired. When does the Strong Families Tax Credit Program end? The program expires on January 1, 2029 , though credits earned before that date may still be carried forward by donors under the statute.

Are designated contributions tax deductible? Participation in the Strong Families Tax Credit program is not anticipated to affect a nonprofit organization’s charitable status or the potential tax-deductible nature of donations made to the organization, including designated contributions. However, the federal and state tax treatment of charitable contributions and tax credits may vary based on individual circumstances.

Donors and organizations should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of designated contributions and any associated tax credits. Will certified organizations be publicly listed? OneStar Foundation will maintain a public list of certified organizations eligible to receive designated contributions on the OneStar website.

The published information will include: the Organization’s legal name, EIN/Tax ID, link to the organization’s website, and certificate issue and expiration date. Does certification by OneStar Foundation constitute an endorsement of a nonprofit organization? No. Certification by OneStar Foundation only confirms that an organization has met the eligibility requirements established under the Strong Families Tax Credit program.

Certification does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or approval of the organization by OneStar Foundation or the State of Texas. What is OneStar Foundation’s relationship to the State of Texas? OneStar Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to support volunteerism, national service, nonprofit capacity, and community resilience initiatives across Texas, including disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.

OneStar operates in partnership with the State of Texas through Executive Order RP-30 and subsequent direction from the Governor of Texas, and the organization’s board members and CEO are appointed by the Governor. Under state financial reporting standards, OneStar is reported as a component unit of the State of Texas.

The Texas Legislature designated OneStar Foundation to administer nonprofit certification for the Strong Families Tax Credit program. List of Eligible Nonprofits The following Texas nonprofits have been certified as eligible to receive designated contributions under the Strong Families Tax Credit Program.

List of Eligible Nonprofits The following Texas nonprofits have been certified as eligible to receive designated contributions under the Strong Families Tax Credit Program.

Legal Entity Name: 5 Loaves Food Pantry Certification: SF329355810 Effective Date: 6/29/2026 Expiration Date: 6/29/2027 Certification: SF329355774 Effective Date: 6/25/2026 Expiration Date: 6/25/2027 Certification : SF329355625 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Certification: SF329355789 Effective Date: 6/25/2026 Expiration Date: 6/25/2027 Buckner Children and Family Services, Inc. Certification: SF329355651 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock Certification: SF329355892 Effective Date: 7/15/2026 Expiration Date: 7/15/2027 Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. Certification: SF329355793 Expiration Date: 7/1/2027 Children’s Home of Lubbock Certification: SF329355656 Effective Date: 6/10/2026 Expiration Date: 6/10/2027 Communities In Schools of Central Texas Certification: SF329355829 Expiration Date: 7/1/2027 Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County Certification: SF329355830 Expiration Date: 7/1/2027 Certification: SF329355650 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Legal Entity Name: Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc. Certification: SF329355630 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Certification: SF329355756 Effective Date: 6/18/2026 Expiration Date: 6/18/2027 Certification: SF329356015 Effective Date: 7/30/2026 Expiration Date: 7/30/2027 Certification: SF329355631 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Certification: SF329355636 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Certification: SF329355646 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Certification: SF329355927 Expiration Date: 7/20/2027 Certification: SF329355763 Effective Date: 6/18/2026 Expiration Date: 6/18/2027 Certification: SF329355629 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Methodist Children’s Home Certification: SF329356006 Effective Date: 7/30/2026 Expiration Date: 7 /30/2027 Certification: SF329355813 Effective Date: 7/24/2026 Expiration Date: 7 /24/2027 Certification: SF329355644 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Certification: SF329355663 Effective Date: 6/10/2026 Expiration Date: 6/10/2027 Certification: SF329355817 Expiration Date: 7/2/2027 Rainbow Room of Rockwall County Certification: SF329355992 Effective Date: 7/27/2026 Expiration Date: 7/27/2027 Safe Families for Children Certification: SF329355808 Effective Date: 6/29/2026 Expiration Date: 6/29/2027 Legal Entity Name: Vincare Services of Austin Foundation Certification: SF329355988 Effective Date: 7/27/2026 Expiration Date: 7/27/2027 Certification: SF329355667 Effective Date: 6/10/2026 Expiration Date: 6/10/2027 Selah Creek Maternity Home Legal Entity Name: Deep Roots Ministries, Inc. Certification: SF329355628 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Legal Entity Name: Sharing Life Community Outreach, Inc. Certification: SF329355811 Effective Date: 6/29/2026 Expiration Date: 6/29/2027 Texas Baptist Children’s Home Certification: SF329355632 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 Certification: SF329355734 Effective Date: 6/25/2026 Expiration Date: 6/25/2027 The Parent Teacher Collaborative Certification: SF329356045 Effective Date: 7/31/2026 Expiration Date: 7/31/2027 Legal Entity Name: Fostering Family Certification: SF329355775 Effective Date: 6/25/2026 Expiration Date: 6/25/2027 Certification: SF329355627 Expiration Date: 6/4/2027 For More Information on the Strong Families Tax Credit Program Early bird registration now open for the 2027 Texas Nonprofit Summit!

AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award Nicole Gabler turned her AmeriCorps service with SWIFT in Schulenburg and Weimar in 2013 to 2015 into a lifelong commitment to community. After earning her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management with her education award, she went on to support families at Texas Children’s Hospital and now serves children with critical illnesses through Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana.

Nicole is also a deeply engaged volunteer. As President of the Junior League of Galveston County, she launched a Juneteenth book initiative that has reached thousands of children. She also helped create Adaptive Access Tours at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and serves as a dedicated Girl Scout leader.

BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award BOUNCE mobilizes middle school, high school, and college students to support disaster recovery across Texas and beyond. Working with local partners, for the last 12 years, the organization has deployed youth volunteers to repair homes, rebuild community spaces, and support families recovering from storms and flooding.

Teams come fully equipped with their own tools, transportation, and supplies, easing the burden on recovery organizations. Students perform significant tasks including roofing, demolition, flooring, painting, and home repair. After Hurricane Beryl, BOUNCE sent 82 volunteers to Jefferson County to assist families impacted by Hurricane Beryl and helped remodel a donated warehouse for recovery use.

Since 2022, more than 880 students have served with remarkable dedication and teamwork. Lifelong Learning with Friends Lifelong Learning with Friends expands the University of Texas experience to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering inclusive classes where each participant learns alongside a UT student volunteer.

Since 2010, more than 700 adult learners and 1,600 university students have taken part in courses spanning science, arts, culture, and life skills. The program fosters confidence, friendships, and intellectual growth for adults with disabilities while cultivating civic responsibility among college students.

Through thoughtful curriculum design and meaningful relationships, Lifelong Learning with Friends creates a campus community where people of all abilities learn and grow together. Ark of Highland Lakes is a faith-driven organization uniting churches, agencies, and volunteers to serve families in crisis across the Highland Lakes region.

Born after the 2018 floods, Ark provides disaster relief, food, hygiene, dental care, donated goods, and long-term transformation. In 2025, Ark launched Valley View Village, a self-sustaining community that combines housing with income-generating opportunities and Christ-centered support to help families break generational cycles of poverty.

Ark has also led the long-term recovery for Burnet and Llano County after the July 4th, 2025 flood, recruiting and training 840 volunteers. Ark works to unite hands in serving, heal hearts who are hurting and vulnerable, and transform communities through love and resilience.

NiHao Food Bank Initiative Founded in 2021 as a cultural affinity group of the North Texas Food Bank, the NiHao Food Bank Initiative has delivered nearly 3 million meals to neighbors facing hunger. The volunteer-driven group unites families, youth, and community partners to strengthen food security through monthly packing events, cultural fundraisers, restaurant collaborations, and civic advocacy.

In 2025, NiHao volunteers supported the passage of HB 26 (“Food Is Medicine”) and raised the equivalent of 120,000 meals through its 2026 Community Meal Reward Card. Creative events such as its annual charity concert further elevate awareness and engage diverse supporters across Dallas–Fort Worth. KENS 5, San Antonio’s Own For a decade, KENS 5 has been an anchor of mentorship and community service in San Antonio.

Through its partnership with Communities In Schools of San Antonio, station staff mentor high school students through the InspireU Workplace Mentors program, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a clear vision for their futures. KENS 5 also plays a pivotal role in the annual Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive, using its platform to inspire generosity across the city. In 2024, the station delivered more than 5.

9 million impressions through coverage that helped equip students in 140 schools with the supplies they need to succeed. Kendra Scott has built a company where philanthropy and giving back are core pillars of the brand. Through a dedicated philanthropy department and the Kendra Scott Foundation, the company empowers women and youth in health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship.

Signature programs such as Kendra Cares have brought the magic of the Color Bar to pediatric hospitals for over 10 years, while the Yellow Library program has supported 24 Title I elementary schools across Texas, expanding access to books and literacy resources.

In 2025 alone, more than 12,000 Kendra Gives Back events were held in partnership with local nonprofits nationwide, and employees contributed over 9,000 volunteer hours in their communities. Following the devastation in Central Texas, Kendra Scott raised more than $500,000 and collected essential supplies across the state to support immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.

The company continues to champion meaningful, sustained impact in the communities it serves. For more than 30 years, CITGO has embedded volunteerism into its company culture through TeamCITGO, mobilizing employees, retirees, and contractors to strengthen communities across Houston and the Coastal Bend. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed 9,074 hours with 135 causes and financially contributed to 846 causes.

CITGO leads major initiatives in hunger relief, education, environmental stewardship, and community wellness. Programs include its long-running Caring for the Coast program, which has generated over 200,000 volunteer hours, 40% of which occurred in Texas and the Gulf Coast. Additional contributions in Texas supported more than 2.

3 million pounds of food redistribution in Houston and 140,000 meals in South Texas. CITGO’s sustained, collaborative service reflects its deep Texas roots and commitment to community partnership. Oscar, Yolanda & Adrian Cisneros Volunteer Family of the Year Award After losing their young son Alex to cancer, the Cisneros family transformed their grief into service.

Inspired by the joy Alex found in Creative Kids’ hospital art program, Yolanda, Oscar, and Adrian started volunteer weekly with Project RAP, supporting children affected by trauma in El Paso. For the last 18 years, through patient guidance and creative expression, they help young people process fear, rebuild confidence, and experience moments of healing.

Their presence offers comfort drawn from lived experience, and every child they support carries forward Alex’s spirit. The family’s compassion has become a powerful source of hope. Volunteer of the Year Award After the July 4 flood devastated Hunt and western Kerr County, John Dunn became a central leader driving the region’s recovery.

As President of Hunt Preservation Society and Board Chair of Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group, John organized relief operations and, working alongside the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and other partners, secured over $10 million in private and foundation funding to support home repairs, emergency aid, and water system restoration.

John convened local, state, and federal partners and mobilized builders, volunteers, and case managers to accelerate rebuilding of homes and businesses. John’s thousands of hours of service have restored hope and helped revitalize the community, and his leadership continues to shape a stronger, more resilient Hill Country community.

First Lady’s Rising Star Award A nationally recognized youth environmental leader, Asvini Thivakaran began advocating for battery recycling in second grade, collecting more than 65,000 batteries and inspiring the City of Round Rock to adopt a permanent program that has now diverted over 100,000 batteries from landfills.

She later founded Electrify Your Thoughts to expand STEM opportunities for underserved students, partnering with Title I schools to reach more than 1,000 young people and mentor over 100 science fair participants. Her students have advanced to regional competitions with high honors. Asvini’s work blends environmental stewardship, education, and youth empowerment, shaping the next generation of scientists and leaders.

Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Motivated by the loss of his father, a police officer killed in the line of duty, Timothy Stroud founded the Killeen Police Department Law Enforcement Assistance Fund in 2006. The entirely volunteer-run fund has provided over $1. 4 million in direct support to officers, civilian staff, and families facing crisis.

Tim also leads impactful programs for veterans through Stay Tuned for Vets, offering arts-based mental health support, equine therapy, and large-scale community resource events. His leadership with Operation Turkey Houston helps deliver more than 11,000 Thanksgiving meals annually. Tim’s compassion and service continue to strengthen and uplift vulnerable families across Texas.

Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Darrell Rodenbaugh started volunteering with North Texas Performing Arts 19 years ago and has devoted over a decade of full-time service to the organization, leading its transformation into the nation’s largest youth theatre organization. Under his volunteer leadership, NTPA has grown twelvefold, expanded to five locations, and now serves more than 11,000 students annually.

Darrell has developed innovative programs in youth protection, character leadership, artist employment and led teams raising millions in philanthropic support. His hands-on commitment ranges from designing curricula to constructing light rigging and seating systems in new theaters. Darrell’s work has created lasting opportunities for young performers and strengthened arts communities across North Texas.

Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Since retiring in 1995 after over 30 years with the U.S. Secret Service, Dave Freriks has served nearly three decades as the volunteer Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army in the Texas South Plains. He has built and trained a network of responders who have supported almost 700,000 people affected by fires, floods, tornadoes, and emergencies in Texas and throughout the South.

Dave has also contributed 30 years of service as a Salvation Army board member and is a key leader in Lubbock’s Lions Club and Red Kettle Campaign, helping raise more than $5 million. His steady leadership, compassion, and presence have made him a trusted force for good in West Texas. Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award For nearly three decades, Larry Dolan has been a steady voice for children in Dallas’ child welfare system.

As Dallas CASA’s longest-serving volunteer since 1997, he has advocated for more than one hundred children, ensuring their needs and wishes are heard in court and helping secure safe, permanent homes. Larry also mentors new volunteers, generously sharing his experience and compassion. One of his most powerful impacts came full circle when a former child he supported returned as a CASA volunteer—still remembering Larry by name.

His dedication continues to shape young lives and inspire others to serve. AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award Ashley Harris-Land’s service journey began as a full-time AmeriCorps member at Legacy Community Health (2018–2019), where she modernized curriculum, coordinated prenatal education, and became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Now the AmeriCorps Program Director, she expanded the program from 9 to 70+ members, enhancing mentorship, professional development, and career pathways. Ashley played key roles in tech transitions, COVID-19 response efforts, and major fundraising events. She also volunteers with Connect Community, and serves as a speaker to inspire others with her AmeriCorps journey.

Jasper Newton Long-Term Recovery Group (Jasper & Newton Counties) Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact San Jacinto College integrates service-learning to foster civic responsibility and practical skill development among students. Its Service-Learning Council ensures projects benefit both students and the community.

A flagship project is See to Succeed , where Eye Care Technology students volunteered to help provide over 1,300 students with vision care in 2024. Since 2013, service-learning has spanned disciplines: Biology students restore parks, History students document oral histories, and English students combat senior isolation by creating greeting cards.

San Jacinto College celebrates its student volunteers, who excel academically while gaining essential skills and fostering a commitment to community service. Universal City Volunteer Corps The Universal City Volunteer Corps comprises four groups that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities in the close-knit community of 20,000.

Parks Partners has raised six figures in nine years through its Pumpkin Patch event, benefiting 27 charities. The Universal City Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (UCCPAAA) collaborates with police on community programs like Blue Santa and support for the Citizens Police Academy. The Friends of the Universal City Public Library raises funds to support essential library resources.

Homes for Homeless Pets has contributed nearly $500,000 to Universal City’s animal shelter. Beyond fundraising, the Corps also supports students, aids animals, and honors military families, strengthening pride in Universal City. Thrivent, a Fortune 500 financial services company, empowers generosity by helping clients support their communities.

In 2024, Thrivent’s Texas clients donated 492,000+ volunteer hours and over $27 million to verified nonprofits. Thrivent focuses efforts through two key programs: Thrivent Action Teams and Thrivent Choice®. Thrivent Action Teams mobilized 73,000+ volunteers across 5,000 teams in Texas, while the Thrivent Choice® program directed $1.

2 million to 1,300 Texas nonprofits. Overall, Thrivent staff and clients in Texas demonstrate an extraordinary culture of generosity. Thrivent’s approach is an honorable example of a purpose-driven financial services company that is deeply committed to helping people use their finances to support the causes they care about most.

ServiceMaster of Wichita Falls Under Michael and Deana Albert’s leadership, ServiceMaster of Wichita Falls has been an indispensable partner to Meals on Wheels Wichita County. Since September 2023, they have delivered meals weekly, and provided additional support by sending extra drivers on both delivery and non-delivery days.

Last year, their team served over one hundred volunteer hours and provided more than 1,200 meals, far ex9ceeding the average commitment. Whether braving bad weather or stepping in on short notice to cover extra routes, they provide consistent, compassionate service. Their dedication ensures vulnerable community members receive their meals, often sacrificing personal time to fill gaps when needed most.

Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) has partnered with the Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC) for over 30 years, donating more than