HUTTO — Five local nonprofits received almost $38,000 in grants this past weekend as the Hippo Foundation awarded money raised from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament in April.
“Right now there’s not very much money being funded from the government to nonprofits in Hutto, and there’s a huge need in our community. We all want to make a change, and we do that by hosting the golf tournament and a raffle and we grant that money to the nonprofits,” said Erin Clancy, board vice president.
Close to 200 players participated in the second annual event at The Golf Club at Star Ranch.
In a collaborative spirit, grants from the Hippo Foundation are awarded to nonprofit organizations, which in turn volunteer their time to help with the golf tournament fundraiser, organizers said.
The Hippo Foundation was created by Mayor Mike Snyder in 2022 to bring nonprofit organizations together to help each other. Snyder regularly speaks out against special-interest and civic groups depending on the government for funding and has been instrumental in helping these organizations form their own alliances.
Recipients said funds from the grants will help provide additional services to the community, including supporting programs for veterans, providing activities and opportunities for local students, promoting recycling, ensuring food security for families in need and enhancing community safety.
This year’s recipients include:
• Hutto Resource Center: $9,100
• Keep Hutto Beautiful: $7,000
• American Legion Post 302: $7,185
• The Sandbox at Madeline’s Place: $9,100
• Hutto Police Officers Association: $5,500 “Nobody gets into a nonprofit because they’re passionate about raising money, but you need the money to do what you’re passionate about,” Snyder said, adding the foundation hopes to connect businesses that want to help the community with organizations that want to do the legwork. “Hopefully this will grow, and in 10 years, you guys will be thinking of ways to expand your programs, and we can be a part of that.”
