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A veterans’ garden, a nature preserve and a historical courthouse are among nine Hill Country nonprofits sharing nearly $40,000 in community grants from Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC).
Patriots Hall of Dripping Springs received $5,000 to install an irrigation system for its veteran-led community garden. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center was awarded $4,000 to add restrooms with compostable toilets for visitors to the nature preserve. And Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society received $5,000 to restore entry doors for improved energy efficiency.
The grants come through PEC’s Power of Change Program, which allows cooperative members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar or make one-time donations through PayPal or Venmo. This year marks the program’s tenth anniversary. Since its launch, it has raised more than $1 million for Hill Country nonprofits, member bill assistance, and student educational programs.
PEC grant recipients can use funds for projects related to capital improvements, energy efficiency, and technology to further their missions.
The full list of 2026 grant recipients also includes:
Marble Falls Area EMS received a $4,700 grant to help purchase two ultrasound devices to quickly diagnose life-threatening conditions.
Friends of the Kimble County Library will use its $5,000 grant to purchase a security system to improve safety for staff and library visitors.
Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a nonprofit dedicated to providing disaster preparedness, emergency communications, and public service communications to government and nongovernment entities. The nonprofit will use its $5,000 grant to fund two remote field communication stations to use during emergencies.
A $3,600 grant to the Friends of Oakalla Public Library will help purchase a library marquee sign and enhance its community garden.
Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery will use its $2,000 grant to purchase dissection kits for juniors and seniors in advanced placement science courses.
Texas Humane Heroes received a $5,000 grant to improve its climate-controlled buildings for shelter pets.
The Power of Change program also provides financial assistance to members who need help paying their electric bills and supports educational programs for area students. Learn more about PEC’s Power of Change Program and enroll online at myPEC.com/change.
