Night Sky Preservation Fund

The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Texas Hill Country. Its mission emphasizes protecting the region’s open spaces, waters, unique character, and dark skies for the benefit of present and future generations. Within this broader mission, the Night Sky Preservation Fund was created as a targeted effort to support community-led initiatives that address light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting practices. The fund highlights the importance of maintaining star-filled skies as an essential part of the Hill Country’s heritage and quality of life. The Night Sky Preservation Fund provides financial reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 for eligible projects. These funds are specifically intended for hard costs incurred in night sky preservation activities, with reimbursement allowed for expenses during the 12 months following an award. Supported projects include applications for International Dark Sky Place designation, lighting retrofits for communities and organizations, property or facility upgrades to night-sky-friendly standards, and educational or outreach initiatives. In order to qualify, lighting-related purchases must adhere to DarkSky International standards, including fixture approvals and bulb specifications. Special conditions apply for projects involving homeowners associations or local businesses seeking recognition under HCA’s Night Sky Friendly Programs. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, sole proprietorships, and local governmental entities. Applicants must be serving one or more of the 22 eligible Texas Hill Country counties, including Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Edwards, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Medina, Real, San Saba, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Williamson. All funded activities must be consistent with the goals of night sky preservation, energy reduction, and improved community awareness around light pollution issues. The application process is structured around a defined annual window. For 2025, applications open on October 1 and close on October 31. This is not a rolling deadline, and only applications submitted within this period will be reviewed. The HCA Night Sky Program team and the funding committee evaluate submissions, and award notifications are expected to be issued in December. Projects are expected to begin shortly thereafter, with funds available for reimbursement over the course of a 12-month project period. Applications are submitted online through the official HCA application portal, linked in the guidelines. Review criteria prioritize projects that have clear alignment with night sky preservation goals, measurable outcomes, and the potential for community impact. Strong applications are expected to demonstrate readiness, compliance with lighting standards, and commitment to HCA’s educational and advocacy efforts. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their projects can contribute to the expansion of International Dark Sky Places, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through improved lighting, or broader community engagement. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Hill Country Alliance directly by email at info@hillcountryalliance.org or by phone at 512-894-2214. The program is coordinated by HCA’s Night Sky Program staff, with oversight provided by its funding committee. With limited resources available in this area compared to other conservation funding, the Night Sky Preservation Fund represents a unique and dedicated opportunity for communities, organizations, and small enterprises in the Hill Country to contribute meaningfully to preserving dark skies.