About Our Foundation
Building a legacy of compassion, opportunity, and faith across the United States.
Our Founders
The heart and soul behind the RKR Family Foundation.
Rob & Katie Ruelas
Co-Founders, RKR Family Foundation
Rob and Katie Ruelas founded the RKR Family Foundation in 2023, driven by a deeply personal mission to give back to their communities.
Katie, a former UTEP cheerleader, knows firsthand how financial pressures can affect students trying to balance academics, athletics, and work. Her experience inspired the foundation’s scholarship programs and the special commitment to the UTEP Spirit program.
Rob brings decades of professional experience and a heart for service. His understanding of the challenges facing working families drives the foundation’s short-term financial assistance program.
Together, their faith guides the foundation’s support for Christian ministry and missionary work through partnerships like E3.
The foundation operates from Texas but serves communities across California, Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania), and Texas.
Board & Governance
The foundation board is currently being established with formal bylaws being put in place to ensure strong governance and accountability.
By the Numbers
A snapshot of our impact since the foundation was established.
Our Journey
Key milestones in the foundation’s growth and impact.
Founded & IRS Approved. The RKR Family Foundation was established and received IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The vision to empower lives through education, compassion, and faith became official.
First Scholarships & UTEP Commitment. Awarded the first round of scholarships to students in vocational and community college programs. Established a four-year, $40,000 commitment to the UTEP Spirit and Cheer program.
20+ Scholarships & Expansion to Three States. Grew the scholarship program to over 20 awards. Extended the foundation’s reach to California, Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania), and Texas communities. Deepened partnerships with E3 Ministry and other organizations.
Online Presence & Public Applications. Launched the foundation website, opened public grant applications, and began building a membership community. Working to formalize board governance and expand impact.
Who We Are
The Rob & Katie Ruelas Family Foundation is a Texas-based IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit that channels resources through three pillars: educational scholarships, short-term financial assistance for those facing hardship, and support for religious ministries and missionaries.
We believe that targeted, compassionate giving can transform lives. Every dollar we invest is directed toward people and programs that demonstrate genuine need and the potential for lasting positive change.
Foundation at a Glance
Our Community Focus
We serve communities across the United States with a special focus on three regions where we have deep roots.
California
Supporting students and families across the Golden State with scholarships and financial assistance.
Lehigh Valley
Investing in the Lehigh Valley community through education and ministry partnerships.
Texas
Our home state, where we are committed to uplifting communities through all three pillars of impact.
What We Have Accomplished
A track record of meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
20+ Scholarships Awarded
We have awarded over 20 scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 per student, supporting education in culinary arts, HVAC certification, cosmetology, community college programs, and more. We believe every career path deserves investment.
UTEP Spirit Program
A 4-year, $10,000-per-year commitment to the University of Texas at El Paso Spirit and Cheer program. These funds help student cheerleaders who miss work shifts for games, cover uniform costs, and support the spirit program's general needs.
Ministry Support
Ongoing support for E3 Ministry, a Dallas-based organization that trains pastors and clergy around the world. We also support tithe contributions and other Christian ministry organizations through our donor-advised fund and direct donations.
Success Stories
Real impact from real people. Here are some of the lives our foundation has helped transform.
From Community College to Career
A first-generation college student received a $3,000 scholarship to pursue an associate degree in culinary arts. Today, they work as a sous chef at a respected restaurant, supporting their family and mentoring other aspiring chefs in their community.
Scholarship Recipient, Texas
Back on Their Feet
After an unexpected medical emergency left a single parent unable to work for three months, our financial assistance grant covered rent and utilities during recovery. Within six months, they were back to work and financially stable.
Financial Assistance Recipient, California
Expanding Ministry Reach
A pastor training program received a grant that enabled them to expand their curriculum and train 15 additional pastors in underserved communities. These new church leaders now serve congregations across three states.
Ministry Grant Recipient, Dallas
What People Are Saying
"The RKR Family Foundation gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed HVAC technician. Without their scholarship, I would not have been able to afford the training program. I am forever grateful."
"When our family hit a rough patch, the foundation stepped in with compassion and dignity. They did not just give us money — they gave us hope and a path forward. This foundation truly lives its values."
"The support from Rob and Katie's foundation has been transformative for our ministry. Their generosity has allowed us to train more pastors and reach more communities than we ever thought possible."
Our Values
The principles that guide every decision we make and every life we touch.
Leadership
The foundation is guided by the Ruelas family’s commitment to service and stewardship.
Family Photo Coming Soon
The Ruelas Family
Rob and Katie Ruelas lead the foundation with a shared vision of empowering communities through education, compassion, and faith. Their personal commitment to giving back drives every decision the foundation makes.
The foundation board is currently being established with formal bylaws being put in place to ensure strong governance and accountability. Additional board member information will be shared as it becomes available.
Get in TouchDonor Recognition
We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals and organizations who support our mission.
Donor Honor Roll
Our donor honor roll is being compiled and will be published here soon.
If you would like your donation to be recognized publicly, please let us know when you contribute.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. We honor and appreciate each of our donors for their commitment to our shared mission.
Become a Donor