Texas Bankers Foundation rallies industry to support flood ravaged communities
(AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), is rallying Texas community banks, the broader banking industry, and its partners to provide immediate financial assistance in response to catastrophic flooding that occurred on Independence Day in Kerrville, across the Hill Country, and in Central Texas.
The Texas Bankers Foundation, funded by Texas banks, individual bankers, and banking industry partner organizations, has set up an online link so contributions may be quickly and specifically earmarked for 2025 flood relief. The TBA Foundation seeded banker efforts with an initial $10,000 donation that has already been to sent to the Kerrville-based Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to help victims of the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River and surrounding communities. More support will be forthcoming and 100% of earmarked donations will go directly to support those impacted by this natural disaster.
The unprecedented floods have claimed the lives of at least 82 individuals statewide, with more than 40 still missing as of Sunday afternoon. Search and rescue efforts continued over the weekend, and communities are just beginning what will be a long and difficult process of recovery.
“Banks and bankers in Texas and from across the nation are reaching out and are ready to help victims, their families, and communities,” said TBA President & CEO Chris Furlow. “By setting up this link, we can ensure that financial support goes quickly to where it is most needed.”
The Texas Bankers Foundation has previously responded to major disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, the tragic 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, and the 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
“This is just the first step in supporting hurting communities like Kerrville and in Central Texas,” said Bowden Jones, Chairman of the Texas Bankers Foundation and Executive Vice President at FirstBank Southwest. “As funds are collected, the Foundation’s Board of Directors will assess needs in consultation with community leaders and local bankers to ensure that the funds for flood impacted areas are distributed effectively and meaningfully.”
Individuals, banks, or groups wishing to contribute to the Texas Bankers Foundation 2025 flood relief efforts, may do so directly on our Foundation Donation page. Please reach out directly to Foundation Director, Jocelyn Carby, if you have any questions about the fund or how you can help at jocelyn@texasbankers.com.
“It is hard to describe the heartache for these Texas communities and families,” Furlow added. “In addition to your financial support, we want to echo Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and thank you for your prayers as well.”
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About Texas Bankers Association
Founded in 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest state-based banking association in the US. TBA advocates for nearly 400 member banks in Austin and Washington, trains more than 20,000 bankers annually, provides nationally recognized community bank services, and invests in Texas communities through financial literacy, scholarship, and charitable activities.