In 2020, he George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation committed $108,000 to nine organizations across Hill County. Grants were awarded to a variety of educational entities, social and public services, and civic organizations for projects consistent with the Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of Hill County citizens. Grant amounts ranged from $3,000 to $30,000. Recipients and purposes of the 2020 grants are provided below.
Aquilla ISD Theater Department
The Smith Foundation’s grant to Aquilla ISD’s Theater Department provided a set of portable modules that can be used for their One-Act play competitions. The 32-piece set will allow high school and junior high school students to design sets for specific plays and will greatly enhance their ability to advance in UIL competitions.
Boys and Girls Club of Hill County
The Boys and Girls Club of Hill County received a Smith Foundation grant to construct a permanent home for the club at Hillsboro City Park. The project, called Building Hope a Home, significantly expands the organization’s capacity to serve the youth of Hill County through programs that help promote academic success, develop good character and citizenship, and learn healthy lifestyles.
City of Hubbard
Funding to the City of Hubbard from the Smith Foundation enabled the community to revitalize and upgrade its swimming pool. New fencing materials and mechanical upgrades that meet state regulations will improve the safety and enjoyment of the only public swimming pool in Hill County.
Hill County
The Smith Foundation provided a grant to Hill County to install a quality sound system in the existing exhibits building. The new sound system significantly improved the effective use of the building as a banquet, reception, and activity venue for citizens across Hill County.
Hillsboro Interfaith Ministries
Smith Foundation funding to Hillsboro Interfaith Ministries made it possible for the organization to purchase a new freezer that will increase the amount of frozen foods it can offer to Hill County citizens. This equipment was vital to respond to the current health crisis that has produced a surge in the number of clients and foods needed to serve local citizens.
Hillsboro ISD Eagle Academy
Hillsboro ISD received Smith Foundation funding for updating and furnishing a portion of the Annex room for instruction, counseling, and parent meetings. These improvements will provide much-needed electronic equipment to facilitate teaching and learning in a safe, modern, private, climate-controlled environment.
Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic
Mission Hillsboro Medical Clinic received funding from the Smith Foundation to construct and furnish a dental area in their current building that will add needed services to uninsured and medically underserved individuals in Hill County. Statistics show that the need for dental services is high in Hill County, and this project is designed to provide many such services.
Texas Ramp Project
The Smith Foundation granted funding to the Texas Ramp Project to enable local volunteers to purchase lumber and materials to build free wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The ramps provide safety, independence, and improved quality of life to clients and relief for caregivers. They also allow clients to remain in their homes much longer, rather than entering nursing or assisted living facilities.
Woodbury Community Center
Woodbury Community Center received a grant from the Smith Foundation to replace an old air-conditioner and heater unit in the community center. As a former schoolhouse, the Community Center, is used as a polling place during each election due to its central location within its Hill County precinct. The building is also regularly used as a meeting location by a variety of community services.
Information about the foundation is available on this website or from:
The George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation | P. O. Box 1245 | Hillsboro, TX 76645