Create Healthy Opens 2026 Fuel to the Fire Application

Community donations to participating Fuel to the Fire nonprofits will be matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31

Create Healthy is inviting Hill Country nonprofits working to improve community health and well-being to apply for the 2026 Fuel to the Fire matching program.

Now in its fourth year, Fuel to the Fire helps participating nonprofits build momentum around year-end fundraising by matching eligible community donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000 per organization.

In 2025, Create Healthy awarded $270,000 in matching funds to 11 nonprofits through Fuel to the Fire, helping organizations across the region turn the generosity of their donors into even greater resources for local programs and services.

“Fuel to the Fire is about investing alongside our community,” said Jayne Pope, RN, CEO and president, Create Healthy. “Our nonprofit partners are doing essential work every day to enhance and support the health and well-being of Hill Country residents. By matching the donations they generate from their own communities, we can help them build on that work, engage more local donors, and bring additional resources to the people they serve.”

Create Healthy is accepting applications from qualifying Hill Country-based nonprofits whose work aligns with one or more of the organization’s funding priorities:

• Mental Health – Expanding access to compassionate, accessible mental health resources throughout the Hill Country.
• Food Security – Expanding access to healthy foods, strengthening local food systems and providing nutrition education.
• Early Childhood Development – Enhancing learning, care, and developmental outcomes for young children.
• Health Education – Empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their health.
• Healthy Living – Supporting access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and safe living for children, families, and seniors.

Selected organizations will have October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, to raise eligible donations from their communities. Create Healthy will match those contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000 per organization.

In addition to matching funds, Create Healthy will help participating nonprofits increase their visibility during the campaign by highlighting each organization, its mission, and its impact through Create Healthy’s communications and social media channels.

Eligible nonprofits can apply through September 18, 2026. Selected organizations will be notified September 25, 2026. Selected organizations will be required to provide a donation report no later than January 15, 2026.

Applications and additional program information are available at CreateHealthy.org/FTTF