Our Story.

As a community foundation, Greater Houston Community Foundation is relatively young compared to others across the nation. In fact, the first community foundation was created in 1914 by a banker at Cleveland Trust Company, who was inspired to create a “community chest” that could help generous residents make sure their philanthropic dollars did good in the community. Today, there are over 730 active community foundations across the country representing philanthropic assets of $140 billion.

Following Greater Houston Community Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, we remain steadfast in honoring donor intent and serving as a powerful resource and collaborative partner in amplifying giving throughout the philanthropic space. More than three decades of impact reflect the deep philanthropic spirit that defines Houston and extends beyond our region. Building on this legacy, we are focused on growing our donors’ philanthropy, embracing the future, and continuing to make a meaningful impact in partnership with our donors.

The Beginning

Incorporated in 1971 under the auspices of the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation was seen “as a mechanism through which people can contribute to the enhancement of the Houston community.”

When Randall Meyer became President of the Greater Houston Community Foundation Board of Directors, he conveyed to the Chamber of Commerce that a more traditional community foundation, such as those found in many other U.S. cities, would have immense value for Houston. In 1990, the Community Foundation was reconstituted as a public charity independent of the Greater Houston Partnership. The Greater Houston Partnership, as it exists today, was formed in 1989 through the merger of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Economic Development Council, and the Houston World Trade Association.

The Community Foundation’s new board began actively seeking operating support and introducing the new organization to Houston’s philanthropic landscape. In 1995, our official “birth year,” Greater Houston Community Foundation began active operation with assets of $3.6 million by the end of that year.

Since 1995, we have been an impactful philanthropic resource in the community, distributing over $2.7 billion in grants since our founding. We believe that we are one community, and as such, we have made it our mission to ignite meaningful and positive change in the community we call home.

Continue reading: 30 Years of Amplified Giving: Insights from the CEO

What Is A Community Foundation?

A community foundation, like Greater Houston Community Foundation, is a tax-exempt, nonprofit public charity that partners with individuals, businesses, and foundations to receive charitable donations, manage philanthropic assets, and make grants through a variety of diverse giving vehicles including donor advised funds.

In addition to grant making, community foundations help to support their communities in many other ways. For example, Greater Houston Community Foundation provides leadership in addressing critical community needs as well as providing emergency disaster relief during times of great need. We also support initiatives like Understanding Houston, a comprehensive regional indicator project enabling data-informed decision-making to effect change in our communities.

Through all that we do, we remain strongly committed to honoring donor intent, serving as a powerful resource and collaborative partner in the philanthropic space.

How Can Greater Houston Community Foundation Help Your Philanthropic Efforts?

Think of us as your philanthropic partner, helping connect donors to various giving vehicles and services — including donor advised funds, strategic consulting, next gen engagement, and foundation services — all aimed to help maximize charitable dollars for the causes that mean the most. We can also serve as your charitable back office, supporting donors throughout the grant making process as well as providing programming, advising, and educational opportunities to both donors and their families.

To learn more about how we can help you achieve your philanthropic goals, contact us today!