Hill Country Alliance

What Hill Country Alliance does

Hill Country Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 2005 and headquartered in Dripping Springs, Texas. It serves as the convener, backbone organization, and fiscal sponsor of the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network, coordinating land, water, night sky, and community conservation efforts across 17 counties encompassing more than 11 million acres. Its programming spans four interconnected pillars (Land Stewardship and Conservation, Water Resources, Night Skies, and Communities) supported by the Hill Country Leadership Institute, signature events such as the Leadership Summit and Texas Water Symposium, and educational resources including issue papers, the One Water Guidebook, and the Native Landscaping Templates.

HCA's core technology is a GIS-based interactive mapping tool, the Hill Country GIS Viewer, which provides free public access to over 70 layers of geospatial data covering hydrology, watersheds, topography, development plats, springs, and groundwater vulnerability for the 17-county region. The organization also maintains the All Conserved Lands Inventory, a regional dataset tracking conserved public lands, parks, and easements. Distribution relies on community-led go-to-market: direct outreach via community meetings, landowner workshops, policy briefings for elected officials, a newsletter distributed 3-4 times monthly to 6,000+ subscribers, the Hill Country View radio program on Texas Public Radio, social media channels, and a network of 80+ partner organizations.

Revenue is generated through diversified nonprofit streams: individual donations and planned giving, an endowment fund established in 2009 and held at the Austin Community Foundation, foundation and government grants for specific projects (such as the $1.51M awarded in 2025 from a $14M regional flood recovery investment), and merchandise sales through the HCA Store. All programs and resources are provided free to the public; there is no commercial pricing model. The organization operates with approximately a dozen staff and a dozen volunteer board members, supported by an extensive coalition of conservation nonprofits, universities, groundwater districts, river authorities, and government agencies.

Name

Hill Country Alliance

Legal name

Hill Country Alliance

Website

https://hillcountryalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hill Country Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that serves as convener and fiscal sponsor for conservation across 17 Texas Hill Country counties, coordinating land, water, night sky, and community stewardship programs with 80+ partner organizations and 7,000+ supporters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations and one-time gifts from supporters. The organization also accepts planned giving and living will contributions.
2. Endowment Fund: The Hill Country Alliance Endowment Fund was created in 2009 and is held at the Austin Community Foundation to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
3. Shop Sales: The HCA Store sells calendars, merchandise, and other items.
4. Grants and Project Funding: Funding from foundations and government agencies for specific conservation projects, such as the $1.51M awarded for Upper Guadalupe flood recovery as part of a $14M regional investment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Hill Country Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs regional conservation programs across the 17-county Texas Hill Country, covering land stewardship and conservation, water resources, night sky preservation, and community planning. It supports this work with educational resources (One Water Guidebook, Native Landscaping Templates, HCA Issue Papers), an interactive Hill Country GIS Viewer with 70+ data layers, the Hill Country Leadership Institute, the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network (which it fiscally sponsors), and convening/advocacy services for landowners, local governments, and partner organizations.

Product overview

Hill Country Alliance is a nonprofit conservation organization that offers a unified portfolio of conservation programs and educational resources rather than a traditional product-platform architecture. Its core offerings span four interconnected program areas: Land Stewardship and Conservation, Water Resources, Night Skies, and Communities—all supported by the Hill Country Leadership Institute and the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network backbone organization. Key resources include the One Water Guidebook, Native Landscaping Templates, Hill Country GIS Viewer (interactive mapping tool), and various issue papers and guides. The organization also runs signature events including the Leadership Summit, Texas Water Symposium, Hill Country Photo Contest, and Night Sky Month. Funded programs like the Night Sky Fund, Riparian Management, and Roots & Reach support specific conservation initiatives across the 17-county Texas Hill Country region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Land Stewardship and Conservation Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Only 3.6-4% of the 17-county region is currently in permanent conservation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

66 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Community Foundation of the Texas Hill CountrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed a $14M regional investment for Upper Guadalupe flood recovery with HCA awarded $1.51 million. Strong partnership in funding and coordinating regional conservation efforts.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner on Pedernales River Basin conservation, Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape Partnership, and riparian restoration projects.
• University of TexasmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership resulted in publication of regional conservation strategies. UT School of Architecture conducted Hill Country Planning Studio with HCA as client.
• Texas State UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on GIS mapping of the Hill Country region. Collaboration with Meadows Center for Water and the Environment on water resource programs.
• Texas Tech UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Texas Water Issues Symposia Series with Schreiner University and Texas Public Radio. Llano River Field Station partnership.
• Texas Public RadiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Texas Water Symposium and Hill Country View radio program featuring 90-second segments on conservation topics.
• The Nature ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner on land conservation and watershed protection initiatives in the Hill Country.
• The Trust for Public LandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Travis County Greenprint and Conservation Finance Feasibility Study for Hill Country counties.
• Schreiner UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Texas Water Issues Symposia Series with Texas Tech University and Texas Public Radio.
• Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in groundwater conservation and water resource protection in the Barton Springs segment of the aquifer.
• Guadalupe-Blanco River TrustmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to preserve the unique natural heritage of the Guadalupe watershed through conservation easements, education, and outreach.
• Cibolo Nature CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner in environmental education and conservation in Kendall County.
• Hill Country Land TrustmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative land trust partner for conservation easements and land protection.
• Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed the Water Team and collaborated on conservative groundwater management of the Hill Country Trinity Aquifer.
• Native American SeedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in native landscaping and night sky initiatives. Founder Bill Neiman serves on HCA board.
• San Antonio Water SystemmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on One Water guidebook and water conservation projects.
• Kerr County River FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in Upper Guadalupe flood recovery efforts and riparian restoration.
• International Dark-Sky AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in night sky preservation efforts and dark sky designations.
• Bat Conservation InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in protecting bats and their ecosystems, worked to prevent development near sensitive Bracken Cave.
• Bamberger RanchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner5,500 acre ranch known as the largest habitat restoration project on private land in Texas, collaborative conservation partner.
• Texas Water FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in water resource advocacy and education programs.
• Wimberley Valley Watershed AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on watershed protection and the Hill Country Network Research Project.
• Edwards Aquifer AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on groundwater management and water conservation in the Edwards Aquifer region.
• San Antonio Botanical GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in river restoration efforts and native plant distribution programs.
• Hunt Preservation SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in river restoration and conservation initiatives.
• Texas Water Development BoardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on water planning, data resources, and water conservation programs.
• American RiversminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner on river conservation and restoration efforts.
• Austin Youth River WatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth education partner combining peer mentoring with environmental education.
• Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner protecting water and natural resources in Bandera County.
• Bandera Canyonlands AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbors working together for land, water, native plants and animals and rural way of life.
• Comal ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer organization preserving land, water, and wildlife in Comal County.
• Friends of Enchanted RockminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in maintaining and protecting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
• Friendship AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbors in Northern Hays County protecting water quality and rural character.
• Native Plant Society of TexasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in promoting native plants and plant habitats through education and outreach.
• Native Prairies Association of TexasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in conservation and restoration of native prairies and grasslands.
• Texas Riparian AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in improving health of water quality and quantity in Texas streams.
• Texas Rainwater Catchment AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in promoting rainwater collection and conservation in Texas.
• Sierra ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots environmental organization partner on conservation initiatives.
• Hill Country ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in preserving natural areas and rural heritage in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer region.
• Save Barton Creek AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in protecting Barton Creek and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer.
• Save Our Springs AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in protecting the Edwards Aquifer, springs, and natural heritage.
• The Meadows Center for Water and the EnvironmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on water resources programs and conservation initiatives.
• Greater Edwards Aquifer AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in advocacy for protection and preservation of the Edwards Aquifer.
• Llano River Field Station (Texas Tech)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on water, watersheds, and natural resources research projects.
• Tree FolksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in growing the urban forest of Central Texas through tree planting.
• Green Spaces Alliance of South TexasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in land preservation and community gardens in South Texas.
• Texas Land ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in conserving natural areas and wildlife habitat in Texas.
• Texas Agricultural Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in protecting private working lands and ranching heritage.
• Westcave PreserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in environmental conservation and education in the Hill Country.
• Wildlife Rescue & RehabilitationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in the region.
• San Marcos River FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in preserving public access to and protection of the San Marcos River.
• Boerne TogetherminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitizens group supporting responsible growth policies in Boerne and Kendall County.
• Citizens Alliance for Responsible DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner promoting sensible growth in the Wimberley Valley and western Hays County.
• Clear View AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbors working for responsible transmission line planning.
• Save Our Scenic Hill Country EnvironmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandowners and citizens committed to sensible development in Gillespie County.
• Jacob's WellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in protecting the perpetual artesian spring and Cypress Creek watershed.
• South Llano Watershed AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in preserving and enhancing the South Llano River watershed.
• Plateau Land and Wildlife ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in helping landowners protect and enhance rural land.
• Green Building Energy ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in environmentally responsible and energy efficient solutions.
• Public Citizen Texas OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in promoting cleaner energy and environmental protection.
• Sustainable Energy and Economic Development CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in advocating sustainable energy strategies including renewables and conservation.
• Texas Master NaturalistminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in scientific training in wildlife and natural resource management.
• League of Women VotersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonpartisan partner in public policy education and advocacy.
• Scenic TexasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in preservation of Texas's visual environment.
• Keep Bandera BeautifulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in community beautification and environmental stewardship.
• Keep Utopia BeautifulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in recycling and environmental stewardship in the Sabinal Canyon area.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• American Rivers: National river conservation nonprofit focused on protecting and restoring rivers. HCA is an existing partner, with overlapping riparian management and water quality programs in the Hill Country.
• Trust for Public Land: National land conservation nonprofit focused on creating parks and protecting land for communities. HCA is an existing partner on the Travis County Greenprint and Conservation Finance Feasibility Study, operating in overlapping geographies with comparable mission elements.
• The Nature Conservancy - Texas: Large established conservation nonprofit operating in Texas on land protection, water resources, and habitat conservation. Highly comparable to HCA's mission across the same Hill Country landscape, with broader national funding and policy reach.
• Hill Country Conservancy: Regional nonprofit preserving natural areas and rural heritage in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer region. Operates in the same Hill Country geography as HCA on overlapping conservation easements and land protection.
• Texas Land Conservancy: Statewide land trust conserving natural areas and wildlife habitat in Texas. Directly comparable to HCA's land stewardship program and an existing HCA partner organization.
• Texas Water Foundation: Texas-focused water resource advocacy and education nonprofit. Comparable to HCA's water program, and an existing HCA partner; HCA's Water Program Manager Marisa Bruno previously worked there.
• Bat Conservation International: Specialized conservation nonprofit protecting bats and their ecosystems, including work near Bracken Cave in the Hill Country. HCA is an existing partner, with overlapping habitat protection mission and Texas base of operations.
• Hill Country Land Trust: Regional land trust focused on conservation easements and land protection across the Texas Hill Country. Operates in the same geography as HCA with overlapping landowner outreach and easement missions.

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Club: Large grassroots environmental organization with advocacy on land, water, and conservation issues. HCA is an existing partner; Sierra Club operates broadly rather than regionally focused like HCA.
• National Wildlife Federation: Large national conservation advocacy organization working on wildlife, habitat, and land conservation policy. Broader than HCA in scope, but comparable in advocacy-driven approach and partner-based delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NewsHCA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HillCountryAlliance
• Facebookfacebook.com/HillCountryAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hill-country-alliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/hillcountryalliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hill Country Alliance