Step by Step: The Next Gen Donor Institute Experience
Greater Houston Community Foundation offers next-generation engagement for donors who have a deep desire to develop their skills in strategic and intentional philanthropy and community engagement. Our goal is to help the next generation build bridges and connect with other donors, foundations, nonprofits, corporations, and partners—preparing them to carry on a philanthropic legacy or create one of their own.
Supporting Emerging Philanthropic Leaders
The Community Foundation’s Next Gen Donor Institute (Institute), established in 2011, is a program for donors who wish to develop their philanthropic identities and learn from peers and community leaders about philanthropic trends and opportunities. The Institute’s mission is to connect, cultivate, inspire, and engage the next generation of philanthropic leaders in Houston.
Throughout our year-long program, participants gain a deeper understanding of their own philanthropic identity, leaving with new tools, resources, and an extensive network to help them share their giving and community leadership. Together, Next Gen donors are building a more generous and engaged community.
Click here to understand the great wealth transfer and why it’s essential to educate the next generation on practical approaches to giving.
A Practical Snapshot
For many of us, time is one of our most valuable commodities. That said, the Institute’s course schedule is designed to be comprehensive while also maximizing the time each cohort spends together. In the spring of each year, we host two full-day learning retreats with the primary goals for participants to:
- Craft their philanthropic story or identity, including values and motivations.
- Develop an intentional and strategic giving plan.
- Review the roles of nonprofits and theories of change.
- Evaluate nonprofits—financials and beyond.
- Understand the local and national philanthropic landscape.
- Know how to work with professional advisors.
- Refine Board and community leadership skills.
An ideal Institute candidate is an individual who wishes to enhance their skills and understanding of strategic philanthropy and community leadership. Participants should already be involved in philanthropic activities, whether through a donor advised fund with the Community Foundation, through a family foundation, Board service, or other avenues. Each Institute alum has their own journey and values, yet they all share one goal: transforming their wealth—self-made or inherited—into purposeful action that drives meaningful change.
Click here to view the 2026 schedule and gain a comprehensive understanding of the time commitment in a given year.
Next Gen Giving Circle
Once participants have completed their two full days of learning, they join fellow alums for the Next Gen Giving Circle. This Giving Circle is an opportunity to explore, develop, and implement the tools of strategic giving. Each year, Giving Circle members gather quarterly to collaborate and choose one critical area of need to support in Greater Houston. Then, they solicit and examine grant applications, perform site visits with semi-finalists, and select one or more organizations to support.
The Giving Circle is designed to facilitate collaborative giving in Houston. It allows Institute alums to come together, pool resources, and recommend grants to the causes that matter most to them. The fee for participating in the Institute includes a $1,000 contribution to the Giving Circle’s grant pool. Since 2012, our Next Gen Giving Circles have granted over $180,000 to 35 local nonprofit organizations, impacting a variety of issue areas affecting Houston, ranging from unhoused youth and maternal health to food insecurity.
Ben Marek, a recent graduate of the Next Gen Donor Institute and current Next Gen Giving Circle Chair, shared, “Think of the Institute’s learning retreats like a science class, where you learn the concepts and principles, and the Giving Circle is like the science lab portion, where you apply those concepts into a hands-on learning experience.”
Click here to read more about how the Community Foundation, home to several community-based giving circles, facilitates collaborative giving opportunities in Houston for all ages.
Philanthropic Advising
Another key component of the Institute is two one-hour advising sessions with a Community Foundation philanthropic advisor. These sessions are designed around your priorities and circumstances, helping you craft a personalized learning agenda and giving plan.
When it comes to Houston philanthropy, the Community Foundation’s philanthropic advisors are unmatched in their knowledge and experience. These individualized sessions help Institute participants make a targeted impact on the greater Houston community. Our team shares best-in-class resources, special programming, infrastructure, and networking opportunities that allow participants and their families, foundations, or businesses to exceed their charitable and grantmaking goals.
Alumni Network
Upon completion of the Institute, participants become members of the Next Gen alum network. This group, currently with over 170 members, is deeply committed to strategic philanthropy and community engagement.
Ongoing Donor Learning
Deepening your impact starts with a commitment to continuous learning—and the Community Foundation is here to make that journey meaningful. Another way we support Institute alums is through tailored programming that keeps them connected and informed. After completing the Institute, alums are invited to attend our educational programming specifically tailored to Community Foundation fundholders, where learning doesn’t stop; it evolves.
Throughout the year, the Community Foundation hosts dynamic events that introduce partners and fundholders to pressing causes and community challenges. These programs feature distinguished local and national speakers who share critical insights on a wide range of issues, empowering donors with the clarity and confidence they need to make a difference. From emerging opportunities to complex challenges, we provide the knowledge and perspective to help you create lasting impact in Houston and beyond.
Next Gen Representatives on Governing Board
Each year, the Community Foundation’s Governing Board elects one Institute Alum to join its Governing Board for a two-year term—a unique opportunity to lead, learn, and make an impact. Because the Governing Board is comprised of Houston’s most influential professionals across diverse industries, the Next Gen Representative gains unparalleled access to high-level decision-making, strategic governance, and leadership development.
Beyond expanding their network, Next Gen Representatives help shape initiatives that strengthen our community and create lasting change. Congratulations and thank you to the following alumni for their Board service:
- Kate Fowler*
- Lacey Goossen
- Kelly Hackett*
- Jennifer Laporte
- Cody McGregor, Current Representative
- Brad Morgan
- Cullen Geiselman Muse, Ph.D.*
- Avani Narang, Current Representative
- Caren Sweetland*
- Chris Weekley*
- Richard Wilkens
- Rob Galtney
- Brynne Dyrhood
- Frost Murphy
- Leslie Margolis
*Indicates current Community Foundation Governing Board member.
How to Participate
The Community Foundation exists to spark meaningful change in Houston and beyond. Through our Next Gen Donor Institute, we are shaping a committed cohort of Houston’s philanthropic influencers to be leaders of critical initiatives throughout our region. Contact Annie Hurwitz, Director of Donor Learning and Engagement, to learn more about the Institute or other Community Foundation program offerings that can help you achieve your charitable goals.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is the program fee?
The 2026 program fee is $4,000, which includes a $1,000 grant to a local nonprofit through the Next Gen Giving Circle. If you are a current Community Foundation fundholder, you receive a discount on the program fee.
How big is each cohort class?
Class size is limited to 15 participants each year.
How do I nominate someone who I think could be a great fit for the program?
Please email the Director of Engagement and Learning, Annie Hurwitz.
When should I sign up?
We aim to establish our Next Gen Cohort by the end of December each year.
Do I have to be a fundholder at the Community Foundation to participate?
While the Community Foundation offers a discount on the program to Community Foundation fundholders, this program is open to anyone motivated to use their wealth—whether self-made or inherited—for purposeful, strategic impact that drives meaningful change. After you participate in the program, we aim to become your philanthropic partner for the long term, whether it is by opening a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation or partnering with us in other strategic ways.
I have a career in the nonprofit sector. Is this program right for me?
This program is designed for donors or supporters of the nonprofit sector, rather than for individuals working within the nonprofit sector. The program’s content helps shape a person’s philanthropic strategy and how they will give and support throughout Greater Houston.
I don’t live in Houston. Can I participate?
Yes! Nearly every year, we welcome a rising philanthropist from outside of Houston. From Chicago to New York City, or even our neighboring Austin, this program is aimed at igniting impact in Houston and beyond. Contact us to learn more about how we accommodate long-distance participants.
More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation
- Amplified Giving Through Service: Ten Years of Family Philanthropy Day
- Integrating Philanthropy into High-Income Tax Planning
- The Easiest Way to Give Back: A Donor Advised Fund with the Community Foundation
- Values & Valuables: A Three-Part Series on Empowering Generations Through Philanthropy
- What is the Great Wealth Transfer?
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