Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
​​What is the HLSR Community Coalition's purpose?
HLSR Community Coalition (HLSRCC) is a long-term commitment that will advocate and promote four pillars: agriculture, education, entertainment, and Western heritage for the general benefit of the community. This coalition will work with and support policymakers who secure the resources and support needed to ensure the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s (HLSR) long-term ability to impact our four pillars. HLSRCC will also work year-round to promote the benefits of our work within the communities we serve.
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​What is the difference between the community coalition and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
HLSR as a 501(c)(3) operates for charitable, educational, or preventative purposes. Donations made to these organizations are tax-deductible for the donors. These organizations are prohibited from any political or lobbying work. They may engage in limited advocacy work related to their mission.
HLSRCC is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that has a broader purpose and operates exclusively to promote social welfare. It has more flexibility in activities and is allowed to engage in lobbying and limited political campaigns activities to further its purpose. Donations to a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. As always, consult a tax professional for tax advice.
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What can a 501(c)(4) organization do?​
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A 501(c)(4) organization has significantly more flexibility in its activities compared to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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A 501(c)(4) organization can engage in unlimited lobbying activities and can advocate for policies, positions, or candidates so long as those political activities are not its primary purpose.
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A 501(c)(4) organization can conduct [voting-related] educational activities to inform the public.
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A 501(c)(4) organization can also pay for surveys in specific markets that would raise questions that could influence a certain voter outcome.​​
What are the donation levels?
Donations starting at $50 will receive a Donor pin.
Donations starting at $1,000 will receive a Founder pin.
Donations starting at $10,000 will receive an annual Lifetime Founder pin.
Contributions to HLSRCC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.
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Where will the donations go, and how will they be used?
Donations will be used to advocate and educate policymakers and the general public for years to come on important initiatives related to education, agriculture and our facilities. Activities in which HLSR cannot participate.
HLSRCC must be funded independently by its members and not by HLSR. HLSRCC is a long-term commitment. It will be our voice to advocate for our four pillars for years to come. Ensuring the public reaps the benefits of HLSR’s cultural impact and its advancement of higher education. We understand that to thrive, we need to work hand in hand with our policymakers and community leaders to ensure we work together with legislators and community leaders.
HLSRCC does not sell or maintain memberships.
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Why should donors give money to C4 instead of, or in addition to, HLSR?
When someone donates to HLSR, they are supporting its mission to empower students and to celebrate Western heritage through its annual event
 
When you donate to the HLSRCC, you are actively participating in shaping and growing support for Rodeo's future to ensure it continues to change lives and support the community for another 90 years. Donations help support initiatives that advocate for the interests and growth of the Rodeo’s community impact.
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HLSR has never been involved in politics, why a change? Why now?
Meaningful participation in public policy discussions is essential to ensure these decisions advance the social and economic well-being of the region.
For nearly a century, the Rodeo has delivered measurable public benefit by expanding access to higher education, supporting workforce and youth development, preserving Texas’s cultural heritage, and generating significant economic activity. Protecting and strengthening these community benefits requires sustained engagement with state and local governments and other public institutions whose policies directly shape regional outcomes. It is imperative that, as priorities and resources evolve, HLRSCC be engaged in the policy-making process.​
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More about HLSRCC
The HLSR Community Coalition will (i) advocate for the encouragement and promotion of breeding, raising, and marketing better livestock and farm products, the education and support of Texas youth, and the preservation of Western heritage with elected representatives, policy makers, and their staff persons, (ii) advocate for the promotion and maintenance of research and educational functions within the livestock industry, (iii) encourage agricultural scholarships, educational endowments, agricultural research projects, and other similar programs, and (iv) encourage direct local, state, and federal governmental support for necessary resources and public expenditures addressing the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of facilities (capital additions and improvements) that support and further its advocacy goals.​