"The McKenna Foundation values families and funds programs that support all generations—kids, adults and seniors," CEO Alice Jewell said. "Ultimately, children thrive when their parents do. People's needs change over time based on internal and external conditions, and Comal County is fortunate to have nonprofits with strong programs that meet needs for a lifetime."
The specifics
1HOPE for Kids is a foster and adoption agency and received funding for its Providing Hope and a Home for Kids in Crisis program. The program offers foster family assistance, recruiting and training alongside working with biological families. In addition to providing adoption services, the agency also partners with churches to create adoption ministries in an effort to provide support to foster families, according to the foundation.
The McKenna Foundation also granted funding to Project 10:27 Inc., which is committed to alleviating loneliness and social isolation experienced by senior adults. According to the foundation, the funds will go toward the agency’s planned expansion of engagement and outreach efforts in Comal County, including its Caring Connections Card program and support or nursing home visits.
Funding was also awarded through grants to nonprofits Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center, CASA of Central Texas, Chosen Care Inc., Hope Hospice Foundation and New Braunfels Angels for its family relationship programs.
The background
The foundation accepts applications from verified local nonprofit organizations. In 2023, the foundation has awarded nearly $2.1 million in grants to 42 nonprofit organizations in Comal County. Beginning in 2009, the McKenna Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that serve New Braunfels and Comal County residents, according to the news release.
