Stretching far and wide is a local organization that has shaped many lives in 11 counties across our region. It is the GVTC Foundation, established in 2006. During our interview with Sonia, a representative of the foundation, we explored the foundation's history, mission, and how it makes a difference through charitable donations, volunteer work, and community events.
The GVTC Foundation's roots date back to the late 1940s when a group of farmers in Spring Branch formed the Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative to bring telephone service to rural areas. Today, GVTC is a primary provider of telecommunications services in South Central Texas.
As the cooperative grew, the need to give back became more apparent, leading to the creation of the GVTC Foundation. "Our mission is to profoundly enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve through charitable donations and volunteer work," Sonia explains.
One of the foundation's signature initiatives is the Thanksgiving Give Back Project, which provides traditional Thanksgiving meals to families facing hardships. "Since its inception, we've provided over 3,000 families with meals," Sonia shares. The food is collected through local food pantries, youth groups, and donations and is delivered to families the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For many, this meal is their only opportunity to celebrate the holiday.
Another significant fundraising effort is the GVTC Charitable Golf Classic, which raised $270,000 in 2024. The event is unique because GVTC targets its vendors, many from the northeastern U.S., to sponsor the tournament. "We bring money from out of state and invest it back into local organizations," Sonia says.
The Game Day 5K is another event that engages the community. Now in its second year, this local fundraiser features youth competitions; all proceeds go to local nonprofit organizations. "It's a fun event for families and helps raise funds for important causes," Sonia notes.
Education is a crucial focus for the GVTC Foundation. They offer three significant scholarships:
- The Richie T. Sorrells Leadership and Innovation Scholarship ($25,000)
- The Ola Armstrong Scholarship ($15,000)
- The GVTC Foundation CTE Scholarship ($7,500)
These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement or want to pursue technical careers. "Every year, we award over $200,000 in scholarships," Sonia says. Through a partnership with the New Braunfels Community Foundation, the scholarship selection process is fair and transparent.
The GVTC Foundation also provides grants to local nonprofits focused on health and human services, education, and emergency services. "We don't see them as recipients; we see them as partners," Sonia emphasizes. The foundation works closely with 148 nonprofit organizations, providing funding and volunteer support.
The foundation is focusing on expanding its impact through planned giving. "We're encouraging families to include the GVTC Foundation in their estate planning," Sonia shares. With GVTC's 100% matching policy for donations, this approach dramatically increases the foundation's ability to support local communities.
The foundation's success is driven by its dedicated employees, with over 85% contributing through payroll deductions. Last year, GVTC employees volunteered over 31,000 hours, emphasizing their commitment to giving back.
For those interested in supporting the GVTC Foundation, donations can be made by texting "GIVE" to 830-256-8855. Every dollar goes directly toward making a meaningful difference in the community.
"Our mission is to profoundly enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve through charitable donations and volunteer work. Since its inception, we’ve provided over 3,000 families with Thanksgiving meals, awarded over $200,000 in scholarships, and supported 148 nonprofit partners."