Methodist Healthcare Ministries is sharply ramping up its giving in Bexar County, more than doubling its 2026 local grant funding to $15 million from about $6.8 million in 2025. That money will flow to dozens of nonprofits working on food, housing, behavioral health and primary care, while the nonprofit also rolls out broader efforts across South Texas. Organization leaders are framing the surge as a direct response to rising need and increasingly tight public funding streams.
According to the San Antonio Report, the new funding will support roughly 61 nonprofits in Bexar County, including CentroMed, Faith Kitchen, Corazon Ministries, Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Food Bank. The outlet also notes that Methodist Healthcare Ministries already operates two health and wellness centers in San Antonio and runs nine Wesley Nurse sites, with these grants meant to complement that existing footprint rather than replace it.
MHM's Statewide Push
Zooming out beyond Bexar County, Methodist Healthcare Ministries announced it will invest $237.5 million in 2026 across its 74-county service area, which is an 11 percent increase over 2025. The money will cover grants, strategic initiatives and direct clinical services, according to Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Jaime Wesolowski, the organization’s president and CEO, said, “This investment enables MHM to continue elevating the impact we have across our 74‑county service area.”
Where the Money Will Go
Locally, the awards are designed to shore up basic needs and strengthen system capacity, with particular emphasis on housing and workforce programs in higher-need neighborhoods, according to the reporting. The San Antonio Report also highlighted plans for the American Cancer Society–Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge, a free lodging community for cancer patients and caregivers that is expected to open later in 2026.
Why This Matters Now
The funding bump arrives as public support for health and social services faces mounting pressure. Recent and potential federal and state budget shifts have put strain on Medicaid and other safety-net programs, which can push more people toward nonprofit providers for help. Health policy observers are flagging those trends in their analyses of Medicaid and state budgets, as outlined by KFF.
How Nonprofits Can Apply
Methodist Healthcare Ministries says it will distribute a mix of open and invitation-only grants in 2026. Roughly $5 million will be awarded through the open grant cycle, with applications due Aug. 15 at 5 p.m., according to the 2026 grant page from Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Prospective applicants are urged to review eligibility rules, priority Bexar County ZIP codes and the online portal carefully before applying.
