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.

As we celebrate Greater Houston Community Foundation’s 30^th Anniversary, we remain steadfast in honoring donor intent and serving as a powerful resource and collaborative partner in amplifying giving throughout the philanthropic space. Celebrating 30 years is a testament to the philanthropic spirit that is so evident in Houston and beyond. This year is all about 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 Partnership (then the Houston Chamber of Commerce), the 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 Partnership 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 Foundation was reconstituted as a public charity independent of Greater Houston Partnership. Its new board began actively seeking operating support and introducing the new organization to Houston’s philanthropic landscape. In 1995, our official “birth year,” the 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 $2.2 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!