Rural Impact Investment Fund
Total Available
$250,000 available
Grant term
One 12-month period
Award Amount
Up to $25,000 per grant
What is Riif?
The Rural Impact Investment Fund (RIIF) is a collaboration between Central Texas Community Foundation, Central Texas Health and Wellbeing Network, and HEAL Alliance in partnership with the St. David’s Foundation. This community-led regranting initiative aims to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem and sustainability of rural nonprofit organizations and grassroots leaders who are improving the health and well-being of individuals and families navigating economic hardship as well as historically marginalized communities and groups in Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Hays County, and Williamson County.
Grounded in equity-centered and trust-based philanthropy, the Fund aims to shift power and resources to those closest to the challenges and solutions in rural communities. RIIF will invest in rural grassroots leaders and small under-resourced nonprofits through flexible, unrestricted general operating support grants, capacity building grants, and leadership development grants that will provide resources to strengthen organizations and impact communities.
What does this Fund support?
Funded proposals will build organizational capacity, provide leadership development to grassroots leaders, and provide unrestricted general operating support funds to support the core operations of nonprofits.
These grants will focus on rural grassroots leaders and small, rural nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets totaling $250,000 or less. Additional capacity-building resources are available without receiving a grant.
The three RIIF strategic priorities are: Organizational Capacity Building, Community Leadership Development, and General Operating Support.
Let’s Connect!
Join us to learn more about RIIF. These gatherings are optional.
Caldwell County
August 5, 2025
Lockhart City Hall – Glosserman Room
308 West San Antonio Street, Lockhart Tx 78644
6pm-8pm
Hays County
August 11, 2025
Kyle Public Library
550 Scott St., Kyle, Tx 78640
6pm-8pm
Bastrop County – Session 1
August 18, 2025
Smithville Recreation Center
106 Gazley St., Smithville, Tx 78957
5:30pm-7:30pm
Williamson County
August 28, 2025
Dickey-Givens Community Center
1015 E. MLK Jr. Blvd Taylor, Tx 76574
6pm-8pm
Bastrop County – Session 2
August 29, 2025
First Presbyterian Church
303 N. Avenue C. Elgin, Tx 78621
2pm-4pm
Be the first to know about RIIF opportunities, updates, and announcements.
Application Opens on October 1, 2025
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Application deadline - 10-31-25 5:00 p.m. CST
Grant period - February 2026 to February 2027
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must:
- Be working to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families navigating economic hardship as well as marginalized and historically underrepresented communities and groups in one or more of the following counties: Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Hays County, and Williamson County.
- Have a physical address in at least one of the four rural counties: Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Hays County, and Williamson County.
- Be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)3, and in good standing in the state in which they are incorporated. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may still apply through a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) in good standing with the State.
- Have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less.
RIIF Advisory Council
CTXCF and HEAL Alliance understand that to be fully responsive to the unique needs of rural communities in our service area, funding strategies and decision-making authority should be entrusted to a collaborative of residents who represent the broad diverse population that will be served through this funding opportunity. The RIIF Advisory Council will help co-create the grantmaking strategy, shape application and eligibility guidelines, and guide outreach efforts. Their lived experience and deep community knowledge ensures that the funding model is equity-centered, accessible, and grounded in the real-life challenges and opportunities of rural Texas communities.
While the Council provides valuable input during the funding process, all final decisions regarding RIIF funding are made collectively by the full Council, with support and guidance from CTXCF and HEAL Alliance staff. No individual Council member is responsible for awarding or denying funding. For all inquiries related to the RIIF funding opportunity, please direct your questions to CTXCF and HEAL Alliance staff.
Cydney Ervin-Hall
Chair, RIIF Advisory Council Representing Hays County
Cydney Ervin-Hill serves as the Hays County Network Catalyst for HEAL Alliance, bringing together her expertise as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), somatic space holder, and collaboration expert. Guided by a deep love for human wellness, Cydney’s journey began at Saint Edward’s University, where she earned her degree in Human Behavioral Science with a focus on Social Work and Psychology.
Her passion for self-healing and holistic well-being led her from a career in counseling to advanced yoga studies, exploring practical techniques that empower individuals to connect deeply with themselves. Cydney is driven by a commitment to helping others uncover their truest selves through reflection, exploration, and healing practices—creating pathways for people to live more aligned, joyful lives.
Curtis Hawkins
Representing Caldwell County
Curtis is a young entrepreneur based in Lockhart, Texas, with a passion for community development, education, and youth empowerment. He founded Lions Legacy Community Development to provide impactful resources that uplift individuals and families in his hometown and across Caldwell County. The organization offers educational workshops, entrepreneurship classes, and fosters community engagement through events and hands-on support.
You may hear him referred to as Coach Hawkins. Curtis also launched Lions Legacy Athletic Academy, a program born out of his volunteer coaching work, which provides free athletic training and supports local sports organizations by removing barriers to recreation. Through both initiatives, Curtis aims to equip youth with the skills, mentorship, and access they need to thrive. As a business owner and community leader, his mission is to create sustainable systems that support leadership development, family well-being, and economic mobility in rural Texas.
Ailisha Macharia
At-Large Council Member
Ailisha serves as the Program Coordinator for The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® at Sustainable Food Center. This free, community-driven, peer-facilitated program offers 6-week Cooking and Nutrition Education classes designed to empower individuals and families with the skills and knowledge needed to cook healthy meals, support their well-being, and manage chronic conditions through nutrition. Ailisha brings this programming to a wide range of community spaces, including recreation centers, schools, churches, grocery stores, and clinics throughout Central Texas.
Marcus Reese
Representing Williamson County
Marcus Reese is a lifelong resident of Taylor, Texas, and a certified tennis teaching professional since 2016. As President of the Taylor Area Tennis Association (TATA), he works to make tennis accessible and inclusive in his community. He has led multiple USTA teams to success, including a national runner-up finish in 2021, and was named 2022 Best Tennis League Captain and 2018 USTA Texas Community Service Award winner.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Marcus shares his story to raise awareness and support other survivors. He co-founded the Break the Silence Project, serves on the Texas Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force, and is a dedicated advocate for healing and prevention. His work has been recognized with the 2023 TAASA Champion for Social Change Award and the 2024 Champion for Children Community Honoree Award.
Gerlicia Thompson
Representing Bastrop County
GG is the Primary Prevention Coordinator at the Bastrop Family Crisis Center, where she has served as a Prevention Specialist for the past six years. With over 16 years of experience working with youth and communities in various roles, GG brings a deep commitment to creating safer, more empowered spaces for young people.
GG holds an Associate’s Degree in Child Development and Texas Childcare Administration and Business Practices. She is also an Ordained Pastor, and she merges her passion for youth empowerment, community building, and social justice to create meaningful change in the communities she serves.
In her role, GG facilitates educational programs and leads community engagement initiatives focused on preventing sexual violence, promoting nonviolence, and supporting individual and community wellness. She spearheads youth involvement efforts through the Bastrop County Youth Advisory Board (YAB), which consists of 65 students across four local high school chapters: Bastrop High School, Elgin High School, Colorado River Collegiate Academy, and Cedar Creek High School.
YAB members meet monthly to address current social issues and organize impactful events throughout the year. These include campus and community-wide activities for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Bullying Prevention. YAB also hosts a Youth Leadership Camp—Camp Trailblazer—for middle school students, assists with community Unity Nights during the summer, and organizes the annual Cookies and Cocoa holiday event.
GG’s dedication to prevention and youth leadership continues to shape a stronger, more resilient Bastrop County.
have more Questions?
All questions about this funding opportunity should be directed to CTXCF and HEAL Alliance staff. We are here to support you—from understanding the opportunity to completing your application, our team is ready to help.
Amy Mizcles
Program Officer for Rural Community Investments, CTXCF
Amy.Mizcles@ctxcf.org, (512) 514-0046 ext. 1007
