Local nonprofits selected for latest round of grants
(Seguin) — The spare change GVEC members add to their monthly electric bills will soon be responsible for some major improvements across Guadalupe County.
Thirteen organizations across South Central Texas have been awarded more than $208,000 through GVEC’s Power Up community grant program. Of those 13, four belong right here in Guadalupe County.
According to Christine Presley, GVEC community relations representative, the funding for the grant projects comes directly from members who voluntarily round up their electric bills each month.
“So just to stress, this is member money,” said Presley. “I round up my bill on my electric bill and that change gets put into a collection pot and we use a portion of that for Power Up grants specifically to go back into the community.”
Presley says these small contributions have added up to make a major difference in local communities.
“It is such an amazing thing to be able to turn around and give right back directly into the towns and the communities that we’re in and living in and working in,” said Presley.
The Guadalupe County recipients include the McQueeney Volunteer Fire Department, which received $20,000 to upgrade equipment for its new attack rescue pumper.
Funding will help purchase AEDs, CPR suction units, thermal imaging equipment and other emergency response tools designed to improve firefighter and citizen safety across the department’s 18-square-mile coverage area.
Seguin ISD also received nearly $20,000 for a new Construction Trades education mobile classroom. The trailer will be equipped with construction-grade power tools, cabinetry and a generator, giving students expanded hands-on learning opportunities while also allowing the program to travel to campuses and job sites.
Presley adds that this project stood out across the board during the grant review process.
“I want to specifically speak to the Seguin ISD,” said Presley. “It was one that just unanimously every single time a committee reviewed it and looked at it, was absolutely — they are so passionate about putting back into the community specifically for the CTE program.”
The Seguin-Guadalupe County Senior Citizens Center, better known as The Silver Center, received more than $18,000 for a new digital sign to improve communication about activities, events and community programs hosted at the facility.
St. James Catholic School also received $9,200 for an outdoor learning pavilion and garden area that will provide students with additional classroom space and hands-on learning opportunities.
The vision for future possibilities is not over. Presley says GVEC encourages even more nonprofit organizations and community groups to apply for future funding cycles.
“My first suggestion would be to go to gvec.org and go under community and Power Up information. There is a lot of great information. I would take the time to review that. My cellphone is on there and you can call me and I would be happy to go over any questions people may have,” said Presley.
Since the program launched in 2012, more than $4.6 million has been awarded to 283 projects across the cooperative’s service area. The next Power Up grant application deadline is Aug. 17, 2026.
See photos on page 3.