Community Impact Fund

The Community Impact Fund represents a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening efforts to enhance the lives of Houstonians through strategic philanthropy. Our goal is to channel resources towards addressing pressing community needs, ultimately forging a brighter future for all residents of Houston. We seek to amplify our collective impact, driving focused investments for a more dynamic, thriving Houston.

This initiative represents a dynamic, strategic effort to tackle Houston’s most pressing social and economic challenges through the power of collaborative grantmaking and strategic partnerships. Led by the Community Grants Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts and community leaders, this initiative serves as a catalytic force for philanthropic impact in our community.

Emphasis on measuring impact, learning, and adapting for progress.

Heightened transparency and accountability in philanthropic efforts.

More resource allocation for greater access and reduced barriers.

Diverse perspectives and expertise guiding investments, including lived experiences.

Enhanced community engagement for broader impact across sectors.

Embracing innovative strategies for positive change.

The Foundation embarked on a one-year learning journey to identify the area of focus for the new initiative. Data and insights from Understanding Houston were used to identify areas where Houston has experienced worsening outcomes in the last decade and/or compared to Texas and the U.S. In addition, the Foundation engaged over 175 stakeholders, including community voices, via interviews and focus groups to hear directly how these issues impact Houstonians and where the Foundation could add the most value.

Issue Area Criteria:

• Compelling Community Need
• Measurable Impact at Scale
• Ability to Attract Resources
• Good Fit
• Builds on Assets and Partnerships

Economic mobility is about our ability to achieve the American Dream within our lifetime and across generations. It is the idea that if you work hard, you can gain access to the resources and opportunities to climb the economic ladder, no matter your circumstances. We want this to be true in Houston and yet we know it isn’t for specific populations that have been left out or left behind.

Addressing economic mobility allows the Foundation to pursue holistic strategies and initiatives that both research and promising practice suggest are required to overcome persistent disparities and systemic challenges.

Recognizing the issue’s complex landscape, we are committed to fostering collaboration with other community partners. To be additive and avoid duplicative initiatives, we strive to work seamlessly with organizations that share common objectives, bringing resources together in pursuit of shared goals.

The Community Impact Fund creates more opportunities for donors to support causes they care about in partnership with the Foundation and other donors to meet community needs. By joining forces with one another, donors can amplify the impact of their contributions. Together, we strive to maximize the effectiveness of our collective actions, ensuring that our combined efforts bring about meaningful, positive change for our community.

Support, Learn, and Engage

Contact Tyler Murphy, Senior Advisor of Charitable Solutions, to learn more about how you can give to the Community Impact Fund or attend a donor program.

Share Your Voice

How do you feel about our direction? We want to hear from you. Please click here and submit this form to give us your feedback on our Community Impact Fund.