For fiscal year 2026-27, the city of San Marcos received applications for a total of $1.7 million in Human Services Grant funding from 30 local nonprofit organizations to support 40 programs.
On Sept. 15, the City Council approved the allocation of $750,000 in grants to be awarded to 32 programs serving the community.
The gist
The council-appointed Human Services Advisory Board, or HSAB, reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the council each year for the allocation of Human Services Grant funding, according to agenda documents.
Board members evaluated each organization’s application using guidance from the City Council and previous feedback. HSAB assessed which programs would have the greatest impact on high-priority community needs.
The board identified food programs and services for survivors of domestic abuse as the highest priority programs for FY 2026-27 funding, according to agenda documents.
Six of the organizations receiving Human Services Grants were previously awarded Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, funding for the upcoming year, including:
Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
CASA of Central Texas, Inc.
Blanco River Regional Recovery Team
Salvation Army
HOME Center
Greater San Marcos Youth Council
The remaining applications and funding allocations are listed in City Council meeting agenda documents located on the city’s website.
Quote of note
“These are not easy decisions to somehow find ways to allocate to meet all the need when we know the need far outpaces what we have,” said San Marcos Council Member Amanda Rodriguez. “I'm very proud of our city. I just hope that as we move forward, we really figure out if there are better ways to allocate the money, to also think about applying money to things proactively.”
