greater-taylor-foundation

Press Release: Give Taylor | Giving Tuesday Hosts Critical Informational Meeting for Nonprofits

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:07:05 GMT

PRESS RELEASE: GTCF HOSTS GIVING TUESDAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Diana Phillips

Email: diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org

Give Taylor | Giving Tuesday Hosts Critical Informational Meeting for Nonprofits

Taylor, Texas

August 19, 2026

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation, host of Give Taylor Giving Tuesday, will hold a high priority informational meeting for nonprofits on Wednesday, August 26th at 4:00 PM at Holiday Inn & Suites Taylor.

This meeting is the primary opportunity for agencies to meet the 2026 Give Taylor Campaign Leadership Team, learn the strategies behind this year’s coordinated giving effort, and understand how to maximize donor engagement and raise more funds during the December

1st Giving Tuesday event.

Organizers emphasize that this session is essential for all participating nonprofits — including returning partners and firsttime agencies — because the 2026 campaign includes new tools, updated posting schedules, expanded business partnerships, and a unified marketing plan

designed to increase visibility and keep charitable giving 100% local.

Quote from Steve Laukhauf, Chair – 2026 Give Taylor Campaign. “Give Taylor works because Taylor shows up for Taylor. This meeting is where nonprofits get the strategy, tools, and support that help turn one day of giving into longterm impact. When our organizations

succeed, our entire community succeeds — and we want every nonprofit to walk into Giving Tuesday prepared to raise more and reach more people than ever before.”

Meeting Details

Date : Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time : 4:00 PM

Location : Holiday Inn & Suites Taylor

Audience : Taylor based nonprofits, churches, civic groups, youth organizations, and community agencies

Nonprofits of all sizes, from small volunteer run groups to large agencies, are encouraged to attend the meeting to ensure they are fully prepared for the 2026 giving season.

About the Greater Taylor Community Foundation

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation strengthens families by removing barriers to stability. The Foundation invests in initiatives that reduce food insecurity, expand access to childcare, improve housing stability, and support health and behavioral health so families

across Taylor can thrive.

As an affiliate of the Central Texas Community Foundation (CTXCF), GTCF operates locally while benefiting from CTXCF’s regional infrastructure, fiduciary oversight, and administrative support. This affiliation allows GTCF to focus on local donors, local needs, and local impact, backed by CTXCF’s strong financial stewardship and compliance systems.

For information about Give Taylor or the Greater Taylor Community Foundation visit the website at www.greatertaylorfoundation or email : diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org.

GTCF Press Release: Taylor Money Matters

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:09:26 GMT

Taylor Money Matters Delivers Life-Changing Financial Literacy Training for Taylor Employees

For Immediate Release: August 7, 2026

Contact: Diana Phillips

Email: diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org

Taylor Money Matters Delivers Life-Changing Financial Literacy Training for Taylor Employees

Taylor, Texas — The Greater Taylor Community Foundation, recently launched an employer-based financial literacy initiative at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor, marking a major step forward in expanding trusted, no-pressure financial education for Taylor’s workforce.

The inaugural training session was led by Ryan Stiba (Citizen’s National Bank), James Marek (City National Bank), Candice Karkoska, and Cindy Crensky (Frontier Bank). These financial professionals equipped Holiday Inn employees with practical tools to strengthen financial confidence, reduce vulnerability to fraud, and build long-term household stability.

“For my employees, it was life-changing,” said Zona Sweeney, General Manager of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor. “They walked out with real knowledge, real confidence, and real hope. This is exactly the kind of support our workforce needs.”

Addressing Taylor’s Financial Vulnerability

Financial literacy is a critical need in Taylor, where rapid growth, rising living costs, and increased exposure to predatory financial products place added pressure on working families. Many residents struggle with budgeting, credit repair, and accessing traditional banking services, while payday lending can create a cycle of financial hardship.

Taylor households are frequently targeted by payday lenders offering loans with interest rates that can exceed 400–500%, trapping families in long-term cycles of debt and instability. Employer-based financial education helps interrupt that cycle by providing workers with trusted guidance, safe banking alternatives, and practical tools to avoid or exit high-cost loans. Taylor Money Matters is committed to reducing reliance on payday lending by expanding neutral, accessible financial education across the community.

Participants engaged in hands-on learning covering:

Budgeting and Managing Monthly Expenses
Building and Repairing Credit
Reducing Debt
Protecting Against Fraud and Identity theft
Understanding Banking Basics
Preparing for Major Purchases
Strengthening Long-term Financial Stability

Financial Institution Partners

Financial Institution Partners
City National Bank
Citizen’s National Bank
Eagle Bank
Frontier Bank
Huntington Bank

These partners are united in their commitment to bringing neutral, relationship-based financial education to residents across Taylor.

What’s Next

Following the success of this first employer-based training, Taylor Money Matters will expand sessions throughout the fall, with additional workshops planned for churches, schools, neighborhood organizations, and other local employers.

Organizations interested in hosting a class can contact: Greater Taylor Community Foundation diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org

About the Greater Taylor Community Foundation

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Central Texas Community Foundation, which provides backend administrative infrastructure and fiduciary compliance, while GTCF maintains full local governance and leadership for Taylor-based initiatives. The GTCF strengthens stability, opportunity, and quality of life for Taylor residents through collaborative, community-driven efforts. The Foundation leads initiatives in financial literacy, housing stability, childcare, food insecurity, and neighborhood engagement, ensuring families have access to trusted resources that build long-term resilience.

Greater Taylor Community Foundation Awards $47,500 in Emergency Grants to Address Summer Hunger Across East Williamson County

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:27:17 GMT

Funding provided by St. David’s Foundation provides immediate relief to local pantries facing unprecedented summer demand.

July 10, 2026

Taylor, TX

To combat a sharp increase in summer hunger, the Greater Taylor Community Foundation (GTCF) has awarded $47,500 in Emergency Summer Food Grants to local pantries throughout East Williamson County. The funding, made possible through a strategic investment by St. David’s Foundation, will help strengthen the region's safety net and ensure families have consistent access to nutritious meals.

Local food pantries across East Williamson County report a significant surge in unique households seeking assistance this season. The spiked demand is driven by rising grocery costs, increased household food needs with children out of school, and limited access to summer meal programs. These emergency grants enable pantries to immediately restock essential food items, expand operational capacity, and quickly adapt to community needs.

�� Grant Distribution Breakdown

Deepening Regional Impact

To foster collaboration and highlight local needs, GTCF organized a regional site visit featuring pantry leaders and representatives from St. David’s Foundation. The event included guided tours of East Williamson County food pantries and a working lunch, providing St. David’s Foundation leadership with firsthand insight into daily operations, systemic challenges, and the vital role of summer food initiatives.

"St. David’s Foundation’s support arrived at exactly the right moment," said Diana Phillips, President of the Greater Taylor Community Foundation . "Their investment strengthens the shared ability of these pantries to ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food throughout the summer. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment."

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation remains dedicated to funding collaborative, community-driven solutions that expand food security and support families across East Williamson County.

About the Greater Taylor Community Foundation

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation works to enhance the quality of life in Taylor and surrounding East Williamson County communities by connecting generous donors with impactful local causes and driving sustainable solutions to regional challenges.

Small Tasks, Life-Changing Impact: Introducing Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:24:28 GMT

Greater Taylor Community Foundation Launches "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" to Strengthen Community Through Simple Acts of Care

TAYLOR, TEXAS – The Greater Taylor Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Neighbor Helping Neighbor (NHN) , a new community-based initiative designed to connect Taylor-area residents with simple, practical support rooted in generosity, fairness, and shared leadership. NHN is a non-clinical, volunteer-driven network that transforms everyday acts of kindness into a coordinated effort that restores stability, dignity, and quality of life for neighbors in need.

Small Tasks, Life-Changing Impact

Neighbor Helping Neighbor provides essential, small-scale support to help Taylor residents stay safe and connected at home. Rooted in integrity and inclusion, the program empowers local volunteers to address immediate needs that often go overlooked.

"NHN is our mission in action," says Diana Phillips, Board Chair. "We are turning simple gestures into a reliable network of support that helps our neighbors and our community flourish."

A Focused Scope for Safe, Effective Support

NHN provides specific, non-clinical, and non-technical assistance to residents, with a focus on:

Outdoor & Beautification: Including mowing, yard cleanup, leaf and brush removal, trash pickup, and seasonal tasks like clearing walkways to improve safety and curb appeal.
Indoor & Light Home Tasks: Such as changing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries, light organizing, and short, simple fixes like tightening screws to improve daily functioning.
Community Connection: Volunteers will help refer residents to other community resources and partners when a need falls outside the NHN scope.

To maintain the safety and integrity of the program for both residents and volunteers, NHN adheres to strict program boundaries. It does not provide medical care, emergency services, professional technical or licensed trades (such as electrical, plumbing, or roofing), hazardous tasks, financial assistance, or recurring housekeeping.

Community-Driven Governance and Accountability

Neighbor Helping Neighbor is governed by the Greater Taylor Community Foundation Board of Directors, with program oversight delegated to the Foundation's Housing Impact Council. This structure ensures that all NHN policies, procedures, and service boundaries align with the Foundation’s Mission, Vision, and Values, while maintaining responsible stewardship. Success for NHN will be measured by increased neighbor-to-neighbor connection, safe and consistent volunteer engagement, and positive feedback from both residents and community partners.

Get Involved

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation invites all Taylor-area residents, businesses, and organizations to be a part of this transformative initiative. A stronger community is built one simple act of kindness at a time.

For more information about Neighbor Helping Neighbor, to volunteer, or to request assistance for a neighbor, please contact the Greater Taylor Community Foundation at getinvolved@greatertaylor.org

Taylor Press: Volunteers sought for new program helping neighbors

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:18:31 GMT

Resources needed for Big Taylor Cleanup

A local nonprofit needs volunteers to staff Neighbor Helping Neighbor, a new program to aid Taylor communities and create awareness about a city cleanup, sponsors said.

Launched in conjunction with the city, the Greater Taylor Community Foundation through NHN seeks supporters for April 11, Canvassing Day, to walk neighborhoods, share information and connect residents with resources before the launch April 25 of The Big Taylor Cleanup.

The NHN program “exists to restore stability, dignity and quality of life for Taylor-area residents by mobilizing local volunteers, businesses and partners to meet essential, smallscale needs that help people stay safe, connected and at home,” officials said in a release.

In addition, the Big Taylor Cleanup is a communitywide effort to beautify local neighborhoods and help residents fix the exterior of their properties. “As a local business owner, I hear from neighbors all the time about how hard it is to deal with large or heavy items — old appliances, broken furniture, even cars that have been sitting for years,” said Julie Downs, a business owner and GTCF board member.

Teams of volunteers with pickups, trailers and equipment are also requested for The Big Taylor Cleanup to help load and haul.

“For many residents, removing those items feels impossible. The Big Taylor Cleanup gives people real relief,” Downs said in the news release. “When volunteers help clear away the things that have become overwhelming, it restores safety, pride and peace of mind. That’s what Neighbor Helping Neighbor is all about.”

Volunteers can sign up for either or both events at VolunteerTaylor_ GivePulse and select “Big Taylor Cleanup.”

For questions about NHN or the Big Taylor Cleanup, email getinvolved@ greatertaylor. org. The foundation is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the well-being, dignity and quality of life of Taylor-area residents, officials said.

The city does not own, sponsor or run NHN, but participates as a partner, providing referrals, communication support and coordination, they added.

“The Big Taylor Cleanup gives people real relief.”

– Julie Downs

Link to Article

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Volunteers Needed

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:58:56 GMT

Volunteer Recruitment for Neighbor Helping Neighbor

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation is recruiting volunteers for the launch of its new program, Neighbor Helping Neighbor (NHN), created in partnership with the City of Taylor. NHN exists to restore stability, dignity, and quality of life for Taylor‑area residents by mobilizing local volunteers, businesses, and partners to meet essential, small‑scale needs that help people stay safe, connected, and at home.

NHN will officially launch on April 25th with The Big Taylor Cleanup , a community‑wide effort from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM focused on helping residents address exterior property concerns and strengthen the look and feel of their neighborhoods.

To prepare for the event, the Foundation is also hosting a Canvassing Day on April 11th. Volunteers will walk neighborhoods, share information, and connect residents with resources ahead of the cleanup. Canvassing volunteers should report to the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce, 1519 N Main St, parking lot at 8:00 AM on April 11th to receive instructions and assignments.

Teams of volunteers with pickups, trailers, and equipment are also needed to help load and haul items on April 25th.

How to Volunteer

Community members are encouraged to sign up for either or both volunteer opportunities:

Canvassing Day – April 11
Big Taylor Cleanup – April 25
Big Taylor Cleanup - Drop Off Station Volunteer
Big Taylor Cleanup - Mobile Pick-up Teams

To register, visit VolunteerTaylor and select Big Taylor Cleanup.

“As a local business owner, I hear from neighbors all the time about how hard it is to deal with large or heavy items — old appliances, broken furniture, even cars that have been sitting for years,” said Julie Downs, local business owner and board member of the Greater Taylor Community Foundation. “For many residents, removing those items feels impossible. The Big Taylor Cleanup gives people real relief. When volunteers help clear away the things that have become overwhelming, it restores safety, pride, and peace of mind. That’s what Neighbor Helping Neighbor is all about.”

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation is an independent, non‑profit organization committed to strengthening the well‑being, dignity, and quality of life of Taylor‑area residents. Neighbor Helping Neighbor (NHN) is a Foundation‑owned program operated solely under the Foundation’s mission, values, and governance.

The City of Taylor participates as a partner, providing communication support, referrals, and coordination as appropriate. This partnership does not imply City ownership, sponsorship, or governance of the NHN program. For questions about Neighbor Helping Neighbor or the Big Taylor Cleanup, email getinvolved@greatertaylor.org.

Click here for PD F

2026 Celebrate Taylor

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:48:16 GMT

A Celebration of Community Excellence and Collective Impact

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation’s 2nd Annual Celebrate Taylor Awards Luncheon brings together the people, organizations, and leaders driving real change across Taylor. This signature event honors those whose dedication, collaboration, and generosity strengthen our community and elevate shared progress across critical areas like childcare, housing, health, and economic wellbeing.

About the Luncheon

The Celebrate Taylor Awards Luncheon is a gathering like no other — part celebration, part recognition, and all community heart. It unites civic leaders, local businesses, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and residents to spotlight the individuals and organizations whose leadership makes Taylor stronger.

This event is not just an awards ceremony — it’s a testament to the spirit of Taylor, where collaboration across sectors creates meaningful impact for all our neighbors.

January 20, 2026

11:15 AM – 1:00 PM

First Baptist Church, Taylor

2500 Mallard Lane, Taylor, TX 76574

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets!

Highlights from 2025 Celebrate Taylor

Recognition Categories

At the heart of the luncheon are the awards recognizing exceptional service, leadership, and impact in 2025.

Categories include:

John Wehby/Ed Komandosky Philanthropist of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Impact Partner of the Year

Business Philanthropist of the Year

Business Champion of the Year

These honors reflect the diversity of contributions and the many ways community members step up for Taylor.

Why It Matters

Taylor thrives because of people who believe in its potential and work tirelessly to make it better. The Celebrate Taylor Awards Luncheon shines a spotlight on that work — highlighting compassionate leadership, creative problem-solving, and the collaborative spirit that fuels community progress.

Whether it’s expanding access to childcare, advocating for affordable housing, improving health outcomes, or strengthening economic opportunity, this event honors the people and partnerships making real impact in Taylor every day.

Thank You to Our Supporters

This event is made possible by the commitment of community partners, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in local leadership and collective action. Your support ensures these stories are celebrated and the work continues long after the luncheon ends.

GTCF July 7th Press Release

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:33:28 GMT

July 5th Flood in Central Texas

Here is the official press release from the Greater Taylor Community Foundation regarding local flood response and available community resources. Click here to read the full PDF with active links for alerts, shelter, and how to help.