Grantseekers
The Foundation is committed to making a lasting difference in the Houston community. To maximize the impact of our resources, we focus our grantmaking on a defined set of priorities and on organizations with a demonstrated capacity to deliver meaningful results.
Applying for a Grant
Process
Our process is designed to minimize the administrative burden on grantseekers while ensuring we can appropriately assess each request. We have therefore staged the application so that information is requested only when it will be reviewed. Applications will be advanced to the next stage after consideration of each submission. We appreciate your patience as we prayerfully consider each request.
- Confirm eligibility
- Complete pre-application
- Submit full proposal
Timeline
Grant applications are accepted throughout the year, but grant reviews only occur twice a year: once in the Spring and once in the Fall. The process, therefore, often takes several months. If your organization’s funding is needed by a specific date, your pre-application should be submitted four to six months in advance.
Spring 2027
- Feb. 15 - Pre-application due
- April 15 - Proposal due
- June 15 - Grant funded
Fall 2027
- Aug 10 - Pre-application due
- Oct 1 - Proposal due
- Dec 15 - Grant funded
We are no longer accepting submissions for the Fall 2026 grant review cycle. New grant requests may be submitted but will not be reviewed until the Spring 2027 review cycle.
Current Grantees
The McNair Foundation grant portal has a new platform. As of April 2026, grantees will no longer be able to access grant information via Wizehive. For questions about a current grant, to submit a progress report or to request an invitation to reapply, you may contact Elizabeth Grossman directly. Please ensure you are compliant with our guidelines before inquiring about a new application:
- Renewal applications may be considered but only when an annual progress report has been submitted within 30 days of the prior gift’s anniversary.
- We will not review applications from organizations more frequently than once every 12 months.
- We will not review multi-year requests submitted within 24 months of the last payment of a prior multi-year grant.
Past Grantees
If your organization has received a grant from the McNair Foundation in the last five years and you are interested in reconnecting, please reach out to us at info@mcnairfoundation.org.
If your organization received a grant from the McNair Foundation more than five years ago, you will need to reconfirm its eligibility. Please see below for grant requirements and other guidelines.
Criteria for New Grantees
When the Foundation considers support for an organization it has not previously funded, we look for organizations that can demonstrate:
A clearly defined need. The organization addresses a significant, well-documented need within the Houston community and within one of our priority areas.
A proven track record. The organization has an established history of successful programs, supported by measurable outcomes.
Operation at scale. The organization has the infrastructure, leadership, and financial capacity to serve a substantial population and to put a significant grant to effective use. The Foundation generally does not fund small or early-stage organizations.
Accountability. The organization maintains strong governance, sound financial management, and transparent reporting, and is prepared to share clear evidence of results with its funders.