Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Hays County’s Social Service Grant application for fiscal year 2027 is now open.
According to Hays County Precinct 1 commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, the grant program provides funds to established social service agencies that address specific needs among priority populations in the county.
“The Hays County Commissioners Court administers Social Service Grants to promote community well-being and to address gaps in services among populations in need,” said Ingalsbe. “These investments help strengthen the local network of organizations that residents rely on every day. By supporting agencies that are already making a measurable difference, we’re able to expand access to vital resources and ensure that more families, individuals and neighborhoods receive timely support.”
Previous awardees have used funds to support library services, senior services, career advancement initiatives, youth programming, mental health and substance use treatment, animal services, food assistance and more.
To qualify, applicants must:
• Be a nonprofit entity
• Be located within Hays County,
• Provide services to Hays County residents
• Complete the proposed project within the one-year grant period
• Clearly define a Hays County population in need and outline activities that will address that need
The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027. Applications are due by 3 p.m. June 1.
To better align with the county’s strategic initiatives, the application process has been updated to encourage systematic program approaches, stated a Hays County news release. Awardees will now be required to submit quarterly programmatic reports throughout the grant period.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend either the virtual webinar or in-person meeting from 2-3 p.m. April 1. The in-person session will be held at the Hays County Elections Center, 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. The virtual meeting link is available at www.hayscountytx.gov/county-administrator.
The meeting will provide an overview of the reporting requirements and introduce the fiscal year 2027 point of contact.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the application process.
“By investing in organizations already doing critical work in our communities, Hays County is helping strengthen long-term solutions for residents who rely on these services every day,” said Precinct 2 commissioner Michelle Cohen.
