News of the devastation of the flooding in Central Texas has been overwhelming. Many lives have been lost. Families displaced. Entire communities thrown into grief and uncertainty. Our hearts go out to those affected.
In the face of such tragedy, it’s striking how quickly ordinary people spring into action. Before programs are mobilized or aid arrives, neighbors step in. Churches open their doors. Volunteers show up with food, supplies, and helping hands. Local nonprofits move swiftly to meet urgent needs.
When wildfires ravaged California earlier this year or when Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina last fall, ordinary people stepped up. Many in the DonorsTrust community used their donor-advised funds to quickly deploy charitable funds they had set aside for just such a time of need.
That instinct—to organize, to respond, to care for one another without waiting for direction—is a hallmark of American civil society. It’s what philanthropy at its best looks like.
At DonorsTrust, we believe deeply in that model. When disaster strikes, giving is not just an act of charity—it’s an act of community. And for those who use a donor-advised fund, it’s also a practical and powerful way to support organizations making a difference right now. Our friends at Philanthropy Roundtable have put together a short resource for those looking to aid the relief efforts, which you can view here.
Below, you’ll find some of the trusted charitable organizations working to aid those affected by the Texas floods. If you wish to give to any of these groups via your DonorsTrust DAF account, reach out to us directly and we will expedite the grantee approval process to get your funds to relief organizations as quickly as possible. Our board has already approved the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Mercy Chefs, and Operation Blessing, which you can read about below.
Serving Burnet and Williamson Counties, this faith-based organization partners with churches, volunteers, and local groups to provide coordinated disaster response. They’re operating meal distribution centers that offer hot meals and support for flood survivors, first responders, and cleanup crews.
Austin Disaster Relief Network
A coalition of over 200 Greater Austin churches and trained volunteers, ADRN provides rapid, compassionate aid—spiritual, emotional, and material—to flood-affected families. Their teams are deployed across Travis, Williamson, Burnet, and, pending approval, Kerr counties, offering cleanup assistance, gift-card distributions, and direct support
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
This foundation established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to pool resources for vetted nonprofits, first responders, and local government agencies. Its grants are intentionally flexible—supporting immediate rescue operations, ongoing relief efforts, and long-term community recovery .
GEM is actively working in Kerr County, distributing cash cards to flood survivors and sending truckloads of family necessity kits filled with water, food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. Their on-site damage assessments are helping shape longer-term recovery plans.
Matthew 25’s rapid response team has deployed mobile units to deliver essential relief—distributing hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, tarps, batteries, and coordinating efforts with local partners. They also brought mobile laundry units, showers, and restrooms to flood-affected areas.
One of the first groups deployed in the Hill Country, Mercy Chefs has provided thousands of chef-prepared hot meals to first responders, relief workers, and families—serving in Kerrville and surrounding areas when the need is most dire.
Working through church partnerships in Kerrville and Hunt, Operation Blessing has distributed emergency food boxes, meals, and essential supplies—bringing not only nourishment, but also a message of care and encouragement in trying times.
The Salvation Army placed a mobile kitchen in Kerrville at the request of local emergency services. They are providing hot meals, hydration, emotional and spiritual support, and have deployed additional mobile kitchens and rapid-response teams into the county and neighboring San Angelo.
Quick to respond, this foundation launched a local Disaster Relief Fund and is collaborating with Community Organizations Active in Disaster to assess needs. They’re coordinating emergency grants to support flood survivors and channel resources where they’re most urgently needed.
Chaplains and volunteer crews from Texans on Mission have been active in Kerrville since the weekend of the floods. Their teams are delivering meals, setting up showers and laundry facilities, providing electrical and asset protection assistance, and offering emotional and spiritual support.
Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
TEXSAR, based in Austin, is a specialized first-responder group deploying water rescue teams, ground search crews, K9 units, boats, drones, and more across flood zones. In Kerr and surrounding counties, they’ve conducted dozens of water rescues and are coordinating closely with emergency agencies.
