Who We Support
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 organizations with a demonstrated capacity to deliver meaningful results.
Our Approach
The majority of our grants support organizations with which the Foundation has an established funding relationship. We believe that sustained, long-term partnerships with proven organizations produce the deepest and most durable impact. As a result, opportunities to fund new organizations are limited.
Geographic Focus
The Foundation funds organizations serving the greater Houston area. We do not consider requests for programs or services outside this region.
Priority Areas
Our grantmaking is limited to the following priority areas: education, medical research, civic and cultural assets, and human services. Requests outside these areas will not be considered. Before initiating a grant application, please confirm your organization's mission is consistent with what we fund.
Limitations
To make the most of our resources, the Foundation favors efficient grants that provide a direct service to constituent(s). We are generally unable to support endowments or organizations that regrant to others, nor do we fund:
- debt reduction or loans;
- event tickets, tables, or sponsorships (such as galas, luncheons, or golf tournaments);
- uniforms, equipment, or travel for school groups or amateur sports teams;
- public policy or advocacy.
While we value the role of learning and faith communities, we do not support:
- Private schools;
- Church operations;
- Organizations whose sole purpose is to promote a particular religion or denomination.
We have made a strategic commitment to invest in medical research conducted by McNair Scholars at established partner institutions. While we deeply admire the scientists, clinicians, and institutions working to advance human health, the Foundation is unable to consider any new medical research requests.