Comal County Needs Assessment

United Way Comal County

Brief History of the Comal County Needs Assessment

In 2002, a few UWCC Board members expressed concern that the county had changed so much that the United Way needed to examine how it determined who and what organizations received funding. With a little research, the board learned that there were more than 400 501(c)3 non-profit organizations listed for Comal County. Also in that research, the board learned of a UW office in Pennsylvania with a similar population but was raising twice the money and helping twice the number of people. The board later invited the Executive Director from Pennsylvania to give a workshop for the United Way of Comal County board members.

This Director became a consultant and returned in 2006 for a follow up meeting. Out of that process came two initiatives:

  • Change and standardization to the process and policy of the funding application process

  • Conduct a county-wide assessment, now known as the Comal Community Needs Assessment

In 2007, the United Way of Comal County secured the financial and directional support of several organizations to support the Assessment:

  • City of New Braunfels

  • Kronkosky Foundation

  • McKenna Health System

  • Carmage and Martha Ann Walls Foundation

Later that same year, the United Way of Comal County signed a contract with the University of Texas, School of Public Health to conduct the Assessment.

Another contract was signed with the University in 2014 to update the data in the 2008 Assessment and to include Guadalupe County data. Those organizations that supported this work include Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels, City of New Braunfels, McKenna Foundation, New Braunfels Area Community Foundation, Resolute Health, United Way of Comal County, and the United Way of Guadalupe County.

2008 Needs Assessment
2014 Update to the Assessment
2014 Youth Assets Assessment

More than $100,000 has been committed to this project along with hours of dedicated support that resulted in hundreds of interviews, community and neighborhood meetings, and statistical compilation. The result of this project will provide:

  • A baseline of needs and resources allowing the United Way of Comal County to be more precise with fund allocation

  • Identification of competing organizations serving the same needs

  • Allows for strategic planning in fundraising and allocations

  • Baseline for another assessment in 3 to 5 years

  • Information available to all who request it

  • Document that will support applications for funding from other sources