High-Impact Philanthropy HAPPENS
Impact
HAPPENS HERE.
DEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS,
We are honored to present our 2024 Annual Report, which reflects another year of igniting positive impact with our donors and for our community. This past year has marked a period of great impact for Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation), powered by the unwavering support of our donors, fundholders, and community partners. Between January 1 and December 31 of 2024, over $259,425,732 million in grants were distributed to the causes our donors care about. This figure underscores the collective dedication of all those who share our vision for a brighter future.
In 2024, we introduced a new vision statement, encapsulating the Foundation’s evolving purpose and direction, “Where high-impact philanthropy happens.” This statement reflects our commitment to honoring donor intent and amplifying our philanthropic impact in Houston and beyond, serving as a guiding vision to shape our strategic priorities.
We also continue to connect our donors to the causes they care about through providing an array of tailored programs. In addition to our Next Gen Donor Institute and Family Giving Circle, we have hosted over 200 volunteers, ages five and up, through our Quarterly Volunteer Days and 9th Annual Family Philanthropy Day this year alone. Furthermore, we have welcomed over 20 distinguished panelists who shared insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Houston region and beyond. We will continue curating diverse, high-impact themes to ensure our programming remains relevant to the philanthropic community we serve.
We are committed to offering a range of giving options that enable our partners and fundholders to support the causes and organizations that matter most to them. In 2024, we accepted an array of hard-to-value and unique assets, including business interests and appreciated stock, helping our donors create major impact while persisting in being an all-encompassing solution for philanthropy.
Through our Community Impact work in 2024, we’ve accomplished several milestones. We celebrated Understanding Houston’s 5th anniversary, our regional indicators initiative that has briefed more than 3,800 community leaders to help inform decisions around addressing community needs. We also administered two disaster recovery funds through the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, coinciding with its first anniversary celebration. Through the newest pillar of our Community Impact work, the High-Impact Grantmaking initiative, we awarded $500,000 to three outstanding organizations in Houston that are doing impactful work to address intergenerational poverty and advance economic mobility. Our Community Impact work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing Greater Houston, and you will find additional details on these initiatives in the pages that follow.
As we embark on the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, our commitment to amplify giving in Houston and beyond remains unwavering. Guided by our vision, we look forward to the next 30 years with a dedication to fostering high-trust relationships, honoring donor intent, and supporting the causes that matter most.
On behalf of the Governing Board and the entire Greater Houston Community Foundation team, thank you for your trust, partnership, and enduring commitment to our community. Together, we will continue to grow our impact, expand our reach, and remain at the heart of high-impact philanthropy.
SINCERELY,
Chris Weekley Governing Board Chair
Steve Maislin President & CEO
CELEBRATING HOUSTON-BASED GRANT RECIPIENTS
$1,500,000+
Beatrice Mayes Institute
College of Biblical Studies – Houston
Hope Media Group
St. John’s School
The Beta Foundation
The Foundation for Jones Hall
$1,000,000 – $1,499,999
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
Memorial Assistance Ministries
Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Inc.
Methodist Hospital Foundation
$500,000 – $999,999
Baylor College of Medicine
City Church – Houston
Coastal Prairie Conservancy
Houston Area Women’s Center, Inc.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Houston Classical, Inc.
Houston Food Bank
Houston Grand Opera Association, Inc.
The Irvin M. Shlenker School of Congregation
Beth Israel
The Kinkaid School, Inc.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
United Way of Greater Houston
Parkway Fellowship
The Emery/Weiner Center for Jewish Education
University of Houston
William Marsh Rice University
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Inc.
Houston PetSet
Houston’s Amazing Place, Inc.
River Oaks Baptist School
Texas Children’s Hospital
The Church of St. John the Divine
The Salvation Army
YMCA of the Greater Houston Area
GRANTS BY PROGRAM AREA
ASSETS, GIFTS, & GRANTS
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
2024 was a year of significant achievements, driven by the steadfast commitment of our donors to ignite positive impact in Houston and beyond. Below are some highlights that reflect these collective efforts.
Over $259,425,732 million in grants were distributed to the causes our donors care about.
Over $5.9 million was awarded to 1,000+ students for the 2024-25 school year, thanks to 64 scholarship funds!
Understanding Houston turned five! Since 2019, the Foundation has briefed more than 3,800 community leaders to enhance their understanding of community needs, guiding their philanthropy and strategic actions.
The High-Impact Grantmaking initiative made its inaugural grant of $500,000 to three nonprofits with ambitious approaches to advance economic mobility. (See page 18.)
The Foundation hosted over 200 volunteers through our Quarterly Volunteer Days and Family Philanthropy Day.
The Foundation launched a new vision statement, ‘Where high-impact philanthropy happens .’
Thanks to our Corporate Partners who activated Employee Disaster Relief Funds!
• 1,300 applications processed
• $1.5 million in awards
• Five major disasters supported
• Eight States Served: TX, LA, FL, GA, TN, NC, SC, VA
Community Impact Fund raised over $6 million in commitments toward a longer-term $10 million goal by the end of 2027 to grow its work, thanks to the collective generosity and dedication of our donors.
Greater Houston Disaster Alliance celebrated its first anniversary and administered two recovery funds: Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund and Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund.
High-Impact Philanthropy
GIVING STRATEGIES FOR LASTING IMPACT
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE CHARITABLE VEHICLES
Corporate Donor Advised Funds
Designated & Agency Funds
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Working Groups
Field of Interest Funds
Legacy Funds
Scholarships
Supporting Organizations
INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Community Impact Fund
Understanding Houston
High-Impact Grantmaking
Greater Houston Disaster Alliance
Giving Circles
Giving Guide of Black-Led Organizations
FOSTERING STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY
Center for Family Philanthropy
Customized Corporate Programs
Family Meetings
Interest-Area Programming & Learning Opportunities
Next Gen Donor Institute
Youth Programming & Family Giving Circle
OFFERING CUSTOMIZED PHILANTHROPIC SERVICES
Community & Corporate Disaster Relief
Corporate Giving Program Support & Management Services
Customized Consulting
Giving Plans
Grants Management
Landscape & Issue Analysis
Nonprofit Research
Private Foundation Services
Topical Convenings
Values and Legacy Planning
PARTNERING WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
Acceptance of Noncash Assets
Charitable Vehicles & Customized Giving Solutions
Legacy Planning
Third-Party Investment Management (starting at $500,000)
Leveraged Philanthropy HAPPENS HERE.
CELEBRATING SERVICE: A CHAMPION FOR THE FOUNDATION
Chris Weekley’s term as Governing Board Chair of Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) ended in January 2025 after he had served in this position since April 1, 2022. So, what positioned Weekley to be an impactful Board Chair, and how has the Foundation evolved since 2022 under his leadership?
CULTIVATING A SPIRIT OF SERVICE
Weekley credits his parents for walking the walk, modeling what it looks like to be generous with their charitable resources in a smart and impactful way. Growing up, he consistently watched his parents give back to their community thoughtfully and meaningfully, whether by donating to their church, participating in a food drive, or supporting organizations with clear evidence of impact. It was never something they pushed or demanded of him; rather, Weekley absorbed the value of generosity through their steady example and actions. This consistent exposure taught him the importance of kindness and service, lessons he hopes to pass on to
his children. Weekley and his wife, Sarah, are involved with several organizations. They hope that long after their children leave home, they, too, will understand the joy and responsibility of helping others.
“We inform our kids of what organizations or causes Sarah and I are involved in and bring them to events like Family Philanthropy Day. Through this, we show them that our family has the capacity to give back. It’s less about directly involving them with specific organizations and more about immersing them in this culture of generosity. In turn, they seem to organically participate in community service activities through their school or the Foundation.”
Weekley’s five children have been involved with the Center for Family Philanthropy in numerous ways over the last ten years, regularly attending Family Philanthropy Day. His older children, Sawyer and Grayson, have been engaged with the Family Giving Circle, and we hope Thatcher, Tobin, and Asher will participate in the Family Giving Circle once they reach middle or high school.
Chris Weekley and his two boys, Thatcher and Tobin, at Family Philanthropy Day.
STRENGTHENING TIES WITH THE FOUNDATION
Weekley initially connected with the Foundation through his dad, David Weekley. David has been involved with the Foundation since close to its beginning, serving on the Foundation’s Governing Board in the early 2000s, with a portion of this time serving as the Governing Board Chair.
One of his first engagements with the Foundation was his participation in the inaugural class of the Next Gen Donor Institute in 2011, which he had learned about from his parents.
“I see Next Gen [Next Gen Donor Institute] as a ‘Philanthropy 101’ course. Before that, much of my philanthropy was through my social network or what tugged at my heartstrings with no real strategy. Next Gen shifted my approach to philanthropy to be more thoughtful. Also, the peer network is incredibly valuable—I probably learned as much from my peers as I did through the initial course, including being challenged by their questions and views.”
In addition to participating with the Next Gen Donor Institute, Weekley was also involved with the Next Gen Giving Circle for five years and the Gen Impact Fund, which focused on alleviating childhood poverty, for three years. Weekley took advantage of the relationships he forged to develop his approach to high-impact philanthropy.
To date, Weekley is one of the longest-serving Board Members. His term on the Foundation’s Governing Board began in 2013 when he was the first Next Gen Representative, and in 2017, he was elected as a full member of the Governing Board. He has served on the Center for Family Philanthropy Advisory Board alongside his mother, Bonnie. This Advisory Board has helped the Center for Philanthropy emerge as a national leader in advising families on the stewardship of philanthropy and community impact across generations. In addition, he has served on a few other nonprofit boards, with each experience giving him valuable insights into how different nonprofit boards work.
Volunteers at Family Philanthropy Day.
PRECISION AND PURPOSE
Weekley shared that when it comes to making philanthropic decisions, it is not always clear cut. He still struggles to balance the pull between his heart and his head, with the head being the best business decisions and the heart being what feels best. “I try to pick organizations and get involved with them on a deep level instead of just the surface. I am intentional,” shared Weekley. “I want to help drive impact instead of being a passenger, and this is where the Foundation has helped sharpen my philanthropic focus.”
Although the peer-to-peer connection is one incredibly valuable piece of partnering with the Foundation for his philanthropy, Weekley shared that the personalized services and thoughtfully curated events set the Foundation apart. “I call, and I actually get to talk to someone who will help me; it is far from being just another transaction. Also, the variety of events is great; you learn from not only the staff but also other funders and nonprofits who are helping Houston be better, and there are enough events where you can go to one that is based on what you are interested in.”
PRIDE WITH OUR PROGRESS
As the Governing Board Chair at the Foundation, Weekley has had a front-row seat to the Foundation’s progress over the last three years. He stated that the Foundation’s Community Impact work, specifically the recent establishment of the High-Impact Grantmaking and Greater Houston Disaster Alliance initiatives, “are some of the best ideas out there as they are helping to solve some of Houston’s biggest issues, with more of a strategic approach that is grounded in data, instead of a blanket approach.”
Over the past three years, Weekley has observed several notable advancements within the Foundation that he celebrates. These include its successful adaptation to the evolving challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, its resilience in the face of natural disasters in our region, and surpassing over $2 billion in money granted to the community.
“The Foundation continues to evolve, with donor advised funds remaining the largest part of the Foundation’s business. However, there are so many more parts and pieces to philanthropy. For me, the Foundation is growing into being a hard-hitting,
Chip Skowron and Chris Weekley.
thoughtful, and intentional impact-maker. The Foundation will always continue to honor donor intent first and foremost. Still, through its knowledge and understanding of Houston, it also can help educate our donors to come alongside us in strategic initiatives. The Foundation has evolved from being transactional to being philanthropic thought-partners.”
Life keeps getting busier, and people have less and less extra time. As this happens, it is easy for philanthropy to be put on the back burner. But as Weekley stated, “The Foundation has been the ‘easy button’ for me and my philanthropy. I show up, everything is curated with the best partners, and the staff is so helpful. Through working with the Foundation, I get to leverage the expertise of people who work in the philanthropic space all day, every day. The Foundation’s staff has deep philanthropic knowledge and skills that I don’t have, and I feel fortunate to pull from their expertise.”
PATH FORWARD
2025 marks Greater Houston Community Foundation’s 30th anniversary. As we look to the future over the next three decades and beyond, Weekley highlighted the impending transfer of generational wealth, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation and its impact across the greater Houston community.
“People will need intermediaries if they are trying to give a lot of money away strategically. There are a ton of complex family dynamics to navigate as this wealth transfer happens. It’s crucial to have a trusted third party to help with that transfer and educate the next generation. The Foundation will need to continue
to meet families where they are, helping to steward the assets properly while fulfilling and executing on donor intent.”
Weekley will continue to serve on the Foundation’s Governing Board for a few more years. In 2025, he will assume the role of Chair of the Governance Committee. He will also continue serving on several internal committees and remain involved with the Center for Family Philanthropy.
Weekley’s parting words were, “Just get started. Many people will wait until they hit a certain financial milestone or age to start their philanthropy because of an educational component. Philanthropy is very different from business or other things you might be involved in. You will stub your toe or make missteps, but learn and keep going. Getting started is the hardest part!”
Ready to get started?
Kevin Pickett Chief Advancement Officer
Dr. Carl Schmulen, Bonnie Weekley, Steve Maislin, David Weekley, and Chris Weekley.
LUV HAPPENS HERE.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES®: BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE AIR AND ON THE GROUND
As the airline with heart, Southwest Airlines ® is all about connecting people and championing community, with a dedication to making a meaningful impact in areas where they can uniquely and authentically show up. The airline’s philanthropic priorities are assessed through the lens of loving people, building resilience, and living responsibly. They focus on sustainability, education, and life-changing transportation.
Access to education has been a pillar of Southwest's giving for more than 50 years, with a strong belief that educated communities are empowered communities. They recently selected Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) to help administer their Southwest Airlines ® Founders Scholarship and the Southwest Airlines ® Community Scholarship.
The Southwest Airlines ® Community Scholarship benefits students pursuing higher education and career interests in the airline industry. In 2024, the Southwest Airlines ® Community Scholarship awarded $140,000 in scholarships to 28 students, with 18 of these scholarships being renewal awards. Additionally, the Southwest Airlines ® Founders Scholarship honors the founders of Southwest Airlines ®, Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, and benefits dependents of Southwest Airlines ® employees. In 2024, the Southwest Airlines ® Founders Scholarship awarded 22 scholarships totaling $80,000, with 12 of those
awards being renewal awards. Renewal scholarship awards are critical, as they allow students to have continued support on their educational journey.
In addition to managing two scholarship programs, Southwest Airlines ® chose the Foundation to be a philanthropic partner for its corporate donor advised fund, a tax-advantaged giving vehicle that allows businesses to enhance their community investment through direct charitable gifts. Southwest’s corporate donor advised fund helps many of its corporate responsibility initiatives, including community programs like Repurpose with Purpose. A global sustainability initiative, Repurpose with Purpose, is one of the airline’s signature programs that gives
back to communities, all while helping Southwest show its heart for the planet. Through Repurpose with Purpose, more than a million pounds of aircraft seat leather has been upcycled into new products. In 2024, through supporting organizations like Magpies & Peacocks, Inc., Turnip Green Creative Reuse, Unshattered, Inc., and Help Heal Veterans, Southwest has helped repurpose thousands of pounds of leather, keeping those materials out of landfills while simultaneously providing employment, skills training, and other social benefits for communities.
In 2024, the company awarded over $3.2 million to various nonprofits that align with their philanthropic priorities through their corporate donor advised fund with the Foundation. Because the Foundation manages the complex administration and best practices with the fund, Southwest Airlines ® can focus on advancing its work and maximizing its impact.
“Our partnership with Greater Houston Community Foundation encourages and inspires us. It’s important to have a [philanthropic] partner who serves as an extension of our team and whose values align so well with Southwest’s culture and guiding principles. We lean on the Foundation to guide and consult on our giving strategy that stays true to our corporate responsibility approach and generates the greatest impact across our communities,” shared Laura Nieto, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility.
It’s evident that Southwest Airlines ® believes corporate responsibility is a critical element to corporate success, impacting not only its communities but its employees, customers, brand reputation, and, ultimately, its bottom line. Nieto stated, “We know that a strong corporate responsibility philosophy promotes employee retention, instills company pride, and boosts productivity through a more engaged workforce. And at Southwest, these programs drive our culture of caring and the hospitality we are known for—directly impacting the customers we serve.”
Through strategic initiatives and philanthropic partners like Greater Houston Community Foundation, Southwest Airlines ® is a positive force for social good. Whether in the air or on the ground, Southwest Airlines ® believes that community is more than a place—it’s at the heart of what brings us together.
Ready to take your corporate giving to the next level?
Stephanie Blair Director of Corporate Relations
Lasting Legacies
HAPPEN HERE.
TRANSFORMATIVE TEAM FOR HOUSTON:
CYVIA AND MELVYN WOLFF FAMILY FOUNDATION
Through expanding access and ensuring excellence in education, arts, and health, the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation (Wolff Family Foundation) has undoubtedly improved the quality of life and increased the entrepreneurial spirit throughout the Houston community—and will continue to do so in perpetuity. The Wolff Family Foundation pursues relevant, strategic, and entrepreneurial grant opportunities that provide long-term impact and support, encourage, or create thriving communities within the City of Houston, including the Jewish community.
Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff were not just one of Houston’s most influential power couples; they were a transformative team for Houston, dedicated to giving back. Both shared the ability to be wildly creative in how they see the world and how they can affect change. After Melvyn’s passing, Cyvia embraced an elevated leadership role in their philanthropic efforts, propelling their vision forward in how they will serve and change the Houston community.
Brad Deutser, President of the Wolff Family Foundation, shared, “What makes being part of the Wolff Family Foundation exciting is Cyvia. Every day, she has a new idea. There is a spirit that anything is on the table. And, if it can be done, we should think about it and talk about it—it’s exciting.”
Deutser also shared that becoming a part of the Wolff Family Foundation and serving as President is one of his life’s greatest honors and responsibilities, centered on giving back and protecting the spirit in which Melvyn and Cyvia want to positively impact Houston.
Brett A. Williams, a Wolff Family Foundation Board member, also shared, “I first met Melvyn in business; as he always did, he included Cyvia. Getting to know both Melvyn and Cyvia as individuals and understanding their backgrounds and heart for the Houston community really shaped
Students from the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship in the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston.*
my connection with the Wolff Family Foundation. It is a huge responsibility to help further the legacy that Melvyn started. And Cyvia has taken it to the next level!”
An example of Cyvia and Melvyn’s Houston legacy is The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship (WCE) at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, which has been ranked as the number one undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the United States for the sixth consecutive year. The Center has been coined an “Entrepreneurial Dynasty” and has ranked in the top 10 yearly since 2007.
When asked how the success of the WCE makes her feel, Cyvia humbly replied, “It does not matter who’s named—it’s important to our city [Houston]— and our city should be proud! Most people who go to the University of Houston stay in Houston. This entrepreneurship program provides jobs; some of the best employees come from the University of Houston. We [Melvyn and Cyvia] have had success that those in the city of Houston helped us create, and it’s not ours to keep but to share and give away.”
Deutser added, “The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship is a jewel in our city and all of academia. The early gift and support from the Wolff Family Foundation gave the WCE wings, and then the later gift gave the WCE wings to fly in perpetuity. This is vitally important to us. People must understand that what makes the WCE number one cannot be duplicated anywhere else.” This uniqueness is in how the WCE delivers information while connecting and opening doors for its students from all backgrounds. Deutser shared, “The WCE changes lives and will continue
The people here [in Houston] are extraordinary. It’s a wonderful community that people are invested in. I grew up humble in the Third Ward—I didn’t know much about philanthropy when I was an adolescent, but I am dedicated to giving back to a city that has given me so much.
–Cyvia Wolff
Cyvia Wolff, David Cook, and Charlene Slack.*
to change how entrepreneurship is taught. Shaping the future business leaders and, in turn, how business will be conducted in the future is profound and transformational. And, for Melvyn and Cyvia to have identified this opportunity early on to support and stick with it the way they have is remarkable. The WCE is a gift to anyone who interacts with it. It captures the entrepreneurial spirit that made Melvyn who he was and makes Cyvia who she is.”
Cyvia explained how Melvyn was enchanted by the University of Houston’s entrepreneurship program, formerly named the Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, when it was founded in 1991. Their support started in small ways but peaked in 2008 when their support boosted the entrepreneurship program under the new banner of the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship.
Deutser shared, “There are a lot of people who do extraordinary things for our city. But, when you talk about the leaders in Houston, Cyvia needs to be mentioned. Cyvia’s vision, heart, and giving spirit have fundamentally changed the University of Houston, Memorial Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and several organizations and schools in Third Ward. Her energy and reach are extraordinary—she touches so many with her vision and generosity.”
Cyvia is very humble about the philanthropic impact she’s helped propel through the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation. Still, through her dedication to our city, the Wolff Family Foundation has made
a significant impact by supporting the improvement of public education, children’s health, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Memorial Park Conservancy, the Third Ward community, Congregation Beth Israel, and, of course, ongoing support of the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship.
Another centerpiece of Cyvia’s legacy will be her support of Memorial Park Conservancy, which funded the creation of 45 acres of Gulf Coast Prairie across the surface of the Memorial Park land bridge. This support funded prairie plantings and their ongoing care and seeding. Deutser shared, “Cyvia saw the positive impact this prairie land would have on Houstonians before anyone else. She was really
Marc Grossberg, Cyvia Wolff, and David Cook celebrating the 2024 number-one ranking of the WCE.*
Cyvia in Memorial Park.
cutting edge with what the impact could be. This gift to Memorial Park was thought of as the Wolff Family Foundation’s gift to Houston. This will last forever, and it directly impacts more Houstonians than anything else we’ve done as a Foundation. It brings different people together and that is at her essence, Cyvia.”
Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff were donor advised fundholders with Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) for about eight years before shifting to working as a private foundation. Since 2018, the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for professional, philanthropic advisory, and administrative services so that the Wolff Family Foundation can keep its focus on where it matters most—making a difference.
Deutser shared, “When it came time to think about professionalizing the Wolff Family Foundation, The Greater Houston Community Foundation was our first call. We rely on the Foundation for insight, research, and continuity of leadership to keep us on track. This partnership helps us be a better board and better philanthropists. It ensures we remain true to the purpose of the Wolff Family Foundation, protecting the spirit of Melvyn and Cyvia to effect positive change for Houston now and for generations ahead.”
Houston is the city where Cyvia and Melvyn both grew up. It is the city where they started their lives together. It is the city where they were supported in their business. Now, it is the city that they passionately serve, support, and change in whatever way Houston wants and needs. The spirit of the Wolff Family Foundation’s legacy is an extraordinary example of how giving back is not only the right thing to do, but it changes lives.
*Photo credit: The C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston
Ready to enhance your philanthropic efforts with a more strategic approach?
Rebecca Hove Managing Director of Strategic Philanthropy
The Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship has been the highest ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship program for six consecutive years.*
Trailblazing HAPPENS HERE.
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
In 2019, Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) partnered with Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research to launch Understanding Houston, marking its 5th anniversary in 2024. Understanding Houston is the initiative that started the Foundation’s Community Impact work. It exists to deepen understanding, elevate important issues, and catalyze collective action to create a more vibrant Houston region. At the close of 2024, the Foundation team had engaged more than 3,800 donors, funders, and leaders—informing philanthropic giving, strategic plans, case statements, and collaborations with compelling and accessible data on community needs.
With more than 200 indicators across nine key issue areas, Understanding Houston is a central resource featuring independent data on the issues that impact our region—from health to disasters and economic opportunity. Additionally, the initiative shapes the Foundation’s actions and guides others in philanthropy, nonprofit strategic planning, and donors seeking context for their giving. Understanding Houston is measuring what matters so we can do what matters—together.
This deeper understanding of Houston’s needs, a global pandemic, and a historic winter freeze prompted the Foundation to launch the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance in May 2023. This partnership with United Way of Greater Houston reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to reducing the harm caused by disaster by strengthening preparedness, accelerating recovery, and building resilience.
In 2024, the Foundation launched its newest initiative, High-Impact Grantmaking, which reflects its belief that meaningful progress on seemingly intractable issues is achievable and essential for our region’s future by working collectively. In 2023, the Foundation’s Governing Board selected economic mobility as the first focus area, and grants made through this initiative will create and sustain pathways for Houstonians to improve their economic status.
Together, we are responding to challenges and pioneering solutions that resonate deeply within our communities, creating a thriving and resilient Houston for generations to come.
Community Impact Celebration, November 2024.
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is a powerful community of donors committed to transformative change. Their support of our Community Impact efforts has driven these initiatives and expanded our collective impact, and their dedication sets an inspiring example for others. At the close of 2024, the Community Impact Fund raised more than $6 million since its inception, thanks to the generosity of:
Barrington Family Foundation
Ken Bohan
Lenni & Bill Burke
Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Dovetail Impact Foundation
Ebel Family Foundation
Elkins Foundation
Eugenia Elliot
Enbridge
Patti, Richard, & Jenny Everett
Ann & Peter Fluor
Lacey & Matthew Goossen
Annie & Bob Graham
Vicki & Bob Harvey
Sara & Phil Hawk
Holly & Josh Hudley/
Linda & Phil Lewis
Jill & Dunham Jewett
Carla Knobloch
Manne McGregor Family Foundation
Lauren & Brad Morgan
Cullen Geiselman Muse
Phillips 66
Beth Robertson
COMMUNITY IMPACT GROWTH COMMITTEE
Lyn & Carl Schmulen Fund
Shell
Caren & Rob Sweetland Fund
Charlene & Tym Tombar
Verizon
Chris & Sarah Weekley
Randa & K.C. Weiner
Wells Fargo
Wilkens Family
Connie & Tommy Wright
A special thank you to our Community Impact Growth Committee, which has dedicated its time, talents, and treasures to growing support for the Foundation’s Community Impact efforts.
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS:
Cullen Geiselman Muse, Ph.D.
Foundation Governing Board Member Chair of the Board at Cullen Trust for Health Care
Tym Tombar
Foundation Governing Board Member Managing Director of Arcadius Capital
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS:
Kate Fowler
Foundation Governing Board Member Executive Director of Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Randa Weiner
Foundation Governing Board Member Community Leader
Ready to join us in our Community Impact work?
Tyler Murphy Senior Advisor for Charitable Solutions
Solutions HAPPEN HERE.
HIGH-IMPACT GRANTMAKING: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
The High-Impact Grantmaking initiative, part of Greater Houston Community Foundation’s (Foundation) Community Impact initiative, is an inclusive effort to provide our donors and partners the ability to invest in innovative solutions that advance meaningful and measurable progress for our region’s most pressing challenges. The High-Impact Grantmaking initiative underscores the power of collective giving among dedicated donors to make a transformative investment in efforts that will have an outsized impact for years to come.
In 2023, the Foundation’s Governing Board, with consensus among key stakeholders, selected economic mobility as the first focus area for HighImpact Grantmaking. By the end of 2024, the Foundation invested $500,000 in three organizations that implement proven, promising, and/or innovative solutions that advance economic mobility and address intergenerational poverty for children and families in Harris County.
The selection process for the grantees was guided by a Community Grants Advisory Committee, comprised of 14 community leaders, with 12 members being external to the Foundation. The Committee members bring a diverse range of personal and professional experiences pertaining to economic opportunity and intergenerational poverty, as well as knowledge of various neighborhoods, communities, and relevant efforts in Greater Houston. By utilizing data-driven insights, the Committee analyzed community needs and nearly 300 applications from local organizations proposing innovative economic mobility solutions. Following in-depth reviews, site visits, and finalist presentations at the Foundation’s Community Impact Celebration, the Committee recommended three organizations to the Governing Board for their ambitious approaches to advancing economic mobility.
Community Impact Celebration, November 2024.
MEET THE 2024 HIGH-IMPACT GRANTMAKING RECIPIENTS
PUBLIC BENEFITS HUB
Connective transforms social services into a more connected, empathetic, and accessible system. With this $200,000 investment, Connective will continue its Public Benefits Hub pilot through 2025, providing a one-stop shop for low-income families in Harris County to access essential public benefits like food assistance, health coverage, and utility bill aid. Connective will partner with community-based organizations and leverage technology to screen more than 2,250 households. Their goal is to support at least 450 of these households apply for benefits, monitor their progress, and stay connected to the social service ecosystem. This initiative empowers families to increase their income, reduce poverty, and achieve economic mobility, breaking down silos and creating a sustainable, equitable support system.
EXPANSION IN HOUSTON
Grameen America helps entrepreneurial women build businesses to enable financial mobility. With this $100,000 investment, Grameen America aims to continue expanding its footprint and impact in Houston as a priority city, providing microloans to women, along with financial literacy, education, and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs build skills and resource connections that support achieving long-term financial goals. In 2025, Grameen America’s second Houston Branch will distribute $30 million, serve 5,200 members, and provide 18,000+ hours of loan counseling, financial literacy, and small business education to help underserved women build their financial identities through their businesses.
COLLIDER PROGRAM
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) unites business executives and incarcerated individuals through entrepreneurial passion and servant leadership to transform lives, restore families, and rebuild communities. With this $200,000 investment, PEP will expand its Collider Program, a dynamic social and economic community center serving Houston’s returning citizens. This expansion will provide comprehensive reentry support, education, employment pathways, mentorship, business incubation, and access to capital—empowering 500 formerly incarcerated individuals and their families (impacting over 1,900 lives) to achieve lasting economic independence and break the cycle of poverty.
The selection process for the High-Impact Grantmaking initiative incorporated a robust multi-level review process designed to ensure maximum fairness, transparency, and comprehensiveness in evaluating all submissions. The outcome of this process reflects the recommendations made by an independent Community Grants Advisory Committee. The recommendations put forth by the Committee were closely reviewed and approved by the Foundation’s Community Impact Committee and its Governing Board.
Ready to learn more about our High-Impact Grantmaking initiative?
Diana Zarzuelo Vice President of Community Impact
Partnership HAPPENS HERE.
COLLABORATING WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
ANNUAL FALL ADVISOR BREAKFAST
In October, we hosted our Annual Fall Advisor Breakfast, and this year’s topic was ’Women, Wealth, and Wisdom,’ centered around the growing influence of women in philanthropy, featuring Steph L. Wagner, National Director of Women and Wealth of Northern Trust. Wagner led a panel of experienced professionals on topics ranging from empowering entrepreneurs to build and sustain long-term wealth, navigating the financial impacts of divorce, crafting effective inheritance and wealth transfer strategies, and supporting clients through losing a spouse.
A special thank you to our panelists, Yolanda Chavez Knull, Partner of Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP, Brandon Henry, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Advisors, and Lacey Fluor Goossen, Chief Operating Officer of Texas Crude Energy, LLC (TCE). All experts in their
fields, the speakers helped attendees explore unique strategies to empower women clients (and their families) to manage, preserve, and grow their wealth.
TRENDS INFLUENCING FEMALES AND THEIR CHARITABLE GIVING
Across various disciplines, professional advisors offer a range of tailored financial strategies designed to help female clients—and their families—effectively manage, protect, and increase their wealth. But, what are the underlying reasons that make the empowerment of women crucial for professional advisors and philanthropic initiatives? According to McKinsey, U.S. women control approximately $11 trillion in assets, which is expected to soar to $30 trillion by 2030 because of their increased earning power and wealth transfer.
Brandon Henry, Yolanda Chavez Knull, Steph Wagner, Lacey Fluor Goossen, and Andrea Mayes.
TRENDS INFLUENCING FEMALE CLIENTS
MULTI-FACETED CAREGIVING ROLES:
Women often assume essential caregiving roles within their families, providing support for both their aging parents and their own children. This commitment is frequently undertaken while they manage full-time careers or operate their own business.
LEADERSHIP IN PHILANTHROPY:
Women typically play a significant role in making philanthropic decisions within their households. Their engagement in charitable initiatives demonstrates their empathy and illustrates their impact in fostering social progress and contributing to community well-being.
INDEPENDENT LIVING:
Many women experience periods of living alone, whether due to divorce or the death of a spouse, further influencing their perspectives on wealth and legacy.
CHALLENGES IN SELF-PRIORITIZATION:
Despite their resilience, women often face challenges in prioritizing their own needs and aspirations. Societal pressures and traditional expectations can hinder their ability to focus on self-care and personal growth, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture that values women’s well-being and encourages them to embrace their own priorities.
Understanding these nuances is vital to creating effective charitable strategies that resonate with female donors or clients. At Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation), we remain vigilant about emerging philanthropic trends and their implications for women. The Foundation is here to equip you with valuable resources and insights if you’re interested in harnessing the power of philanthropy within your female clientele’s estate and financial planning.
Ready
Andrea Mayes Senior Director of Charitable Solutions
CONNECTING CLIENTS TO CUSTOMIZED PHILANTHROPIC SOLUTIONS
The Foundation understands the importance of trust and expertise in the advisor-client relationship. That’s why we view our partnerships with professional advisors as more than just transactions—they are integral to our mission of driving positive change in our community. By joining forces with finance, tax, family office, and estate advisors, the Foundation becomes a trusted network for our shared clients, offering a comprehensive approach that seamlessly integrates financial success and legacy planning with philanthropic impact.
INTRODUCING THE PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR COUNCIL
In 2024, we announced a new opportunity for professional advisors to engage with the Foundation through the Professional Advisor Council (PAC). The PAC will integrate philanthropy into the professional advisor community by empowering advisors to help clients achieve their financial and philanthropic goals.
The PAC will connect professional advisors to Greater Houston Community Foundation, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and fostering a community of like-minded advisors committed to incorporating charitable planning into their work. This group will assist the Foundation in developing educational programs and events focused on philanthropic advising for emerging professionals. They will also organize networking events and peer-learning opportunities to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the group will serve as ambassadors for the Foundation, promoting its mission and initiatives to individuals, families, corporations, organizations, and the wider advisor community.
Charlie Swartzel, Advisor Outreach Committee member.
Gary Wulf and Lona McManus.
Holly Gage and Josh Hall.
Morgann Zimmer and Patrick Dendy.
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVISOR OUTREACH COMMITTEE AND EMERGING LEADERS GROUP
ADVISOR OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
CHAIR: Karen Costa, RSM US LLP
Lauren Doughty, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Nick Erwin, U.S. Capital Advisors
Brandon Holcomb, Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC
Douglas C. Kelly, Hilcorp Ventures, Inc.
Tama Klosek, Klosek & Associates PLLC
Charlie Schwartzel, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jennifer Klein Strauss, Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP
EMERGING LEADERS GROUP:
Bobby Boswell, Avidian Wealth Solutions
Rachel Brown, U.S. Capital Advisors
Julie Cotuno, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
John Elkins, Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP
Brian Friday, Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC
David Galic, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Courtney Garson, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Warren Knull, Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP
Olivia Rousseau, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Ryan Staff, RSM US LLP
Chayden Tibbitts, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Andrew Wagnon, RSM US LLP
Chris Wallace, Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC
The Foundation organically becomes part of my client’s trusted circle, especially when I bring them in as a front-end thought partner. I have called them when I am thinking about a potential scenario for a client, and they function as the strong philanthropic leg of the stool I use to support my clients from an advisor’s perspective. When I do not have an answer, they are my go-to philanthropic confidants.
–Karen Costa, RSM US LLP
Ready to help your clients scale their impact?
Andrea
Mayes
Senior Director of Charitable Solutions
Resiliency Building HAPPENS HERE.
LEADING PHILANTHROPY FOR DISASTER RECOVERY
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw Gulf Coast communities impacted by some of the most powerful storms recorded at an alarming frequency. In addition, data from Understanding Houston tells us that 3.4 million (58%) people in Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery counties live in a census tract with at least medium-high social vulnerability, meaning they face socio-economic circumstances making them more likely to experience significant harm from disasters and less likely to have access to the resources they need to recover.
This highlights the importance of disaster preparedness in our region, prompting the formation of the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance in 2023. This philanthropic partnership with United Way of Greater Houston aims to catalyze public and private partnerships, and strengthen yearround preparedness, ensuring our region has the systems and networks to accelerate recovery during disaster and reduce the harms caused by disaster on vulnerable households.
In 2024, the Disaster Alliance established two recovery funds, the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund (Derecho Fund) and the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund (Beryl Fund), within six weeks of each other. Both funds were supported by City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
The Disaster Alliance established these joint recovery funds to support local nonprofit organizations that deliver essential disaster recovery services, including emergency financial assistance, home repairs, and resource navigation, to vulnerable populations. Specifically, the Disaster Alliance focuses on uninsured and underinsured low-to-moderate income families affected throughout our region, with particular attention to disproportionately impacted zip codes.
Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, corporations, and foundations, nearly $3.1 million was raised through the Derecho Fund and $6.1 million through the Beryl Fund, each complementing available public resources. At the close of 2024, the Derecho Fund granted to 20 unique nonprofit organizations,
serving over 9,300 low-income individuals living in over 3,100 households. Additionally, the Beryl Fund granted to 30 unique nonprofit organizations, which, at the close of 2024, served over 10,000 people in 3,300 households through emergency financial assistance and resource navigation. Together, both funds enabled over 240 homes to be repaired for some of the most vulnerable families negatively impacted by the 2024 disasters.
The Disaster Alliance also aims to accelerate regional recovery from future disasters. It partnered with nonprofits to design a pilot home repair acceleration program to provide rapid roof tarping and minor stabilization services, reducing compounding impacts and streamlining the path from disaster to repair in the future.
Additionally, the Disaster Alliance piloted a resiliency initiative to coordinate intake for emergency financial assistance. This pilot reduced duplication of services, providing help to more vulnerable families. With system coordination from Connective, centralized reporting eased nonprofits’ administrative burdens, enabling nonprofits to focus on serving households in need.
Steve Maislin, President and CEO of the Foundation, shared, “When it comes to disasters, we know it’s only a matter of time before the greater Houston area will be impacted again. The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance allows us to take a more proactive and effective approach to disaster resiliency and recovery.“
In addition to four joint funds providing more than $45 million to support recovery, the Foundation has administered nine independent disaster relief funds over the past 20 years in close partnership with City and County leaders, granting more than $215 million to local, trusted nonprofits. While Greater Houston will continue to face the risk of extreme weather events, the Disaster Alliance intends to enhance the region’s ability to cope with disasters amid these extreme weather risks.
DISASTER RECOVERY COUNCIL
CO-CHAIRS:
Bob Harvey Foundation Governing Board Member
Donna Sims Wilson Kah Capital Management
STAFF LEADERSHIP:
Steve Maislin
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Amanda McMillian
United Way of Greater Houston
LEAD SPONSORS
Thanks to the leadership of Enbridge and Phillips 66, the first three years of the Disaster Alliance’s important work are funded, allowing it to accelerate recovery and reduce repeated harm caused by disasters.
MEMBERS:
Patra Brannon-Isaac
Kinder Foundation
Todd Denton
Phillips 66
Winell Herron
HEB
Mike Koby
Enbridge
Y. Ping Sun
Yetter Coleman LLP
Tony Torres
Deloitte & Touche
Cynthia Wilson City of Houston
Ready to help enhance our region’s ability to cope with disasters?
Sara Martinez Senior Director of Community Impact
Connection HAPPENS HERE.
DONOR PROGRAMS DRIVING IMPACTFUL ENGAGEMENT
Deepening your impact also means embracing continuous learning. Greater Houston Community Foundation supports our fundholders’ ongoing philanthropic journeys by offering tailored programming to meet donors and partners wherever they are in their philanthropic journey. These programs introduce participants to causes or community challenges that may resonate with them, fostering meaningful conversations and connections. Throughout 2024, we invited over 20 distinguished panelists to share insights on a broad range of critical issues, curating topics that resonate with our diverse philanthropic community and helping our donors gain the confidence and knowledge they need to support the challenges and opportunities in the Houston region and beyond.
Building Futures: Harris County’s Historic Investment in Early Childhood, August 2024.
Building Thriving Neighborhoods, March 2024.
Black Impact Houston, June 2024.
Cradle-to-Career Systems, May 2024.
Global Giving: Empowering Change Beyond Borders, September 2024.
2024 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
BLACK IMPACT HOUSTON
Attendees gained insights about Black Impact Houston, an alliance of nonprofit organizations that supports organizations led by Black people and/or with a mission that primarily benefits Black communities.
Brandi Brown HYPE Freedom School, Inc.
Cheronda Bryan Live Intertwined
BUILDING FUTURES: HARRIS COUNTY’S HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
We hosted a program in partnership with The Brown Foundation and The Powell Foundation to deepen learning and understanding of Harris County’s Early Childhood Initiatives (ECI).
Santrice Jones
Early Childhood Initiatives for Harris County
Makia Akinola Thomas
The Powell Foundation
Don Titcombe
Early Childhood Initiatives for Harris County
BUILDING THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS
Key insights were shared on place-based strategies that support positive change for people in historically marginalized neighborhoods.
Kathy Flanagan-Payton
Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation
Huey German-Wilson
Northeast Houston Redevelopment Center
Mary Lawler
Avenue
Carol R. Naughton
Purpose Built Communities
Anne Whitlock
Connect Community
CRADLE-TO-CAREER SYSTEMS
Attendees discovered strategies to implement and support cradle-to-career systems designed to address all areas and states of a child’s development from infancy to young adulthood.
Josh Davis StriveTogether
Justin Fuentes
The Tejano Center
Abby Mayer The Commit Partnership
Cary Wright Good Reason Houston
GLOBAL GIVING: EMPOWERING CHANGE BEYOND BORDERS
Our panelists shared insights on elevating charitable efforts across borders, which inspired meaningful and inspirational discussions among attendees.
Robin Bruce Dovetail Impact Foundation
Rahul Mehta Mehta Family Foundation
Frost Murphy Elite MMA and Next Gen Donor Institute Alum
Ready to attend one of our events?
Annie Hurwitz Director of Donor Engagement and Learning
Learning HAPPENS HERE.
THE NEXT GENERATION: SHAPING GIVING AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
NEXT GEN DONOR INSTITUTE
Our Next Gen Donor Institute’s mission is to connect, cultivate, inspire, and engage the next generation of philanthropic leaders in Houston. Participants develop a deeper understanding of their philanthropic journey and identity as well as learn from peers and community leaders about philanthropic trends and possibilities. Our alumni, a network consisting of over 160 Next Gen, leave our program with tools, resources, and a network to help shape their giving and community leadership.
NEXT GEN ALUMNI
Maconda Abinader
Sacha Abinader
Holly Smith Alvis
Nora Annunziato
Brett Annunziato
Kevin Baker
Bruce Bilger, Jr.
Wirt Blaffer
Elizabeth Blanton
Jack Blanton, III
Bradley Bracewell
Adam Brackman
Lauren Brackman
Anna Brewster
Ben Brown
Caroline Brown
William Russell Brown, III
Erica Littlejohn Burnette*
Kate Butler
Steve Butler
Richard Campo
Leslie Carrigan
Julie Chen
David Chao
Skye Chao
Julie Cotuno
Emily Burguières Dalicandro
Martha Daniel
Morgan Davies
Taylor Davies
Margaret Elkins Davis
Catherine Delano
Brad Dinerstein
Brittany LaPorte Douglas
Steven Douglas
Andrew Dyrhood
Brynne Walker Dyrhood
Buck Elkins
Harry Elkins
James Elkins
John Elkins
Margaret Elkins
Mary Elkins
Nick Erwin
Jenny Everett
Kerbey Feinsilver
John Fitzpatrick
Peter Fluor
Kate Fowler
Kristina Frankel
Sofia Frommer
Rob Galtney
Melissa Goodman*
Daniel Goodman*
Lacey Fluor Goossen
Matt Goossen
Bray Gremillion
John Guill
Manu Gupta
Chandler Guttersen
Kelly Hackett
Ashley Hanna
Michael Hanna
Michael Hanson
Kimberly Campo Hartz
Ted Hartz
Paige Hawley*
Brett Hogan
Holly Lewis Hudley
Mary Itz
Anika Jackson
Christopher Joseph
Nicole Katz
Madeline Kelly
Sara Kelly
Jack Kempner
Sheldon Kramer
Claudia Kreisle
Kelly Krohn
Molly LaFauci
Brennan Lang
Farrah Najmuddin Lang
Jennifer Laporte
Chaz Lewis
Kayla Lewis
Mandy Lewis
Rich Lewis
Darren Lindamood
Jenna Lindley
Matthew Lindley
Kirby Liu
Steven Looke
Katherine Lorenz
Allen Lyons
Kaylen Burke MacDonald
Ben Marek*
Michael Marek
Leslie Margolis
Kahler Marlow
Ryan McGrath
Cody McGregor
Brian Merrill
Michael Mitzner
Whitney Graham Mixon
Sarah Mohle
Logan Moncrief
Brad Morgan
Katie Morgan
Lauren Morgan
Philip Morgan
Frost Murphy
Cullen Geiselman Muse
Avani Narang
Caroline Negley
Emily Nelson
Rachel Newman*
Kevin Knox Nunnally
Nancy O’Connor
Megan Oden
Travis Oden
Barbie Rawson Parker
Andrea Penedo
Winnie Simmons Phillips
Will Porter*
Ashley Ranton
Brooks Ranton
Kimberly Rawson
Daniel Savitz
Brian Schmulen
Mark Schmulen
Ed Schneider*
Francis Sharpe
Wynne Sharpe
Lindsey Fondren Smith
Nancy Smith
Allen Reid Springmeyer
Ryan Springmeyer
Brittany Steitz
Rebecca Stewart
Matt Summers
Caren Sweetland
Alexandra Tennant
Andrew Thorington
Charlene Sadberry Tombar
Ben Tucker
Sam Tucker
Jaclyn Vivrett
Jud Walker
John Webber
Sarah Chase Webber
Chris Weekley
Michael Weekley
Rachel Wegenhoft
William White
Mary Lee Wilkens
Richard Wilkens, IV
Alexandra Will
Aron Will
Drew Willey
Jessica Willey
Anthanette (Toni) Wilson*
Jarrod Wise
Lindsey Wise
Angel Woolsey
Catherine Wright
Raelyn Wright
Chris Yetter
*Indicates Class of 2024
Congratulations to
2023-2024
FAMILY GIVING CIRCLE
Nolan Alvarado
Carlos Cabarcas
Bella Chramosta*
Billy Dinerstein
Molly Dinerstein*
Jack Hartman*
Janie Hartman
Juliette Hess*
Lily Johnson*
Caroline LaFauci
Ellie Lohse
Christopher Laporte
Emily Pesikoff
Jonathan Sweetland*
Ellie Tellepsen*
Dylan Vettical*
Anna Wizel
Cooper Ying*
*Indicates Youth Leadership Team member
NEXT GEN GIVING CIRCLE
The Next Gen Giving Circle is comprised of our Next Gen Donor Institute alumni who work together to explore, develop, and implement tools of strategic giving through the Next Gen Giving Circle. The 2024 Giving Circle learned about organizations providing respite care and programming for caregivers of and/or adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
In 2024, the HUB was selected to receive an $18,000 grant from the Next Gen Giving Circle. The HUB serves individuals with neurological and other developmental disabilities by offering a variety of programs designed to help members thrive socially, academically, and vocationally. A $1,000 grant from the 2024 Next Gen Giving Circle was provided to two additional finalists, Darus-Sakina and the H.E.A.R.T program.
FAMILY GIVING CIRCLE
The Family Giving Circle is an exciting youth-led grantmaking program for 7th through 12th grade students to learn, volunteer, and grant together. The Family Giving Circle is led by the Youth Leadership Team (11th-12th graders), which steers this peer network of students interested in learning about the nonprofit landscape and how to be engaged and thoughtful citizens and grantmakers. This leadership opportunity is a great way for youth to develop their values, independent thinking, decision-making skills, and community knowledge. The mission of the 2023-2024 Family Giving Circle was to support organizations serving youth (0-17) in foster care across Greater Houston. Together, these students pooled $34,000, the Family Giving Circle’s biggest grant pool yet, to the following organizations:
HOUSTON REVISION – $15,300
Mission: Break the cycle of juvenile justice involvement among youth in Harris County by leveraging the power of the community to connect them with mentors, positive peers, and life-changing resources.
ANGEL REACH – $10,200
Mission: Break the generational cycle of abuse, neglect, and homelessness by equipping homeless and aged-out foster youth to live independently, as well as providing critical services and support to relatives serving as caregivers.
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS – $8,500
Mission: Act as a catalyst, uniting partners and maximizing resources to move people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing with supportive services.
Janie and Jack Hartman, Family Giving Circle participants.
Volunteering
HAPPENS HERE.
START YOUNG, GIVE BACK FOR LIFE
2024 FAMILY PHILANTHROPY DAY
Family Philanthropy Day is a half-day, multigenerational event for families with children ages five and up to volunteer, learn, and give together. To date, we’ve hosted this impactful event for nine years straight, each time highlighting a different need impacting Houston. This year, at Family Philanthropy Day, we gathered nearly 100 adult and child volunteers to learn from our Youth Leadership Team and Greater Houston Disaster Alliance. Together, volunteers assembled 600 disaster preparedness kits for Connect YMCA , My Connect Community, and West Street Recovery. These kits were comprehensive, including items like rechargeable fans, power banks, rain ponchos, and whistles, inspiring our volunteers to gather similar preparedness kits at home!
FAMILY PHILANTHROPY DAY CHAMPIONS
We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to our event sponsors:
Kingspoint Insurance Agency Inc.
The McLaren Family Sage Sure
The Tombar Family at Family Philanthropy Day.
Volunteers coloring “Trinka and Sam, The Rainy Windy Day,“ a free, story/ coloring book provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
A young volunteer helping to assemble a disaster preparedness kit.
QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER DAYS
Our Quarterly Volunteer Days are more intimate volunteer days designed for families with children five and older to promote generosity, teamwork, and a sense of giving back. It’s a great opportunity for members of our to connect with one another. In 2024, we hosted volunteer days at:
NORA’S HOME:
Nora’s Home offers transplant patients and their families an affordable place to stay where they can find support and share experiences with others in the comfort of a home-like environment.
PLANT IT FORWARD:
Plant it Forward empowers refugees to develop sustainable urban farming businesses that produce fresh, healthy food for the community. It secures land, trains and mentors farmers, and facilitates sales to local markets.
THE PERIWINKLE FOUNDATION:
The Periwinkle Foundation develops and provides programs that positively change the lives of children, young adults, and families who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and are cared for at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Ready to volunteer?
Elizabeth Gonzales Events & Engagement Coordinator
HAPPENS HERE. Growth
ADVOCATES FOR IMPACT
Our Community Foundation Council enhances the reputation of and advocates on behalf of the Foundation, advises the Foundation in individual areas of expertise to help grow our organization, and serves as a door opener and referral source whenever possible.
Dorothy Ables Spectra Energy Corp.
John Scott Arnoldy Triten Corporation
James Baird Quantum Energy Partners
Bruce Bilger, Jr.
Longmont Capital
Bruce Bilger
Retired, Lazard Freres & Co. L.L.C.
Jack Blanton, Jr.
The Scurlock Foundation
Leslie Blanton
Community Leader
J. Murry Bowden The Hanover Co.
J. Downey Bridgwater Comerica Bank
Sandy Bryan
Just Her Sports
Richard Campo
Camden
Chip Carlisle
Wells Fargo
Martha Carnes
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ann Cazalot Community Leader
Anthony Chase ChaseSource, LP
Don Childress, II Childress Capital Advisors
Joseph A. Cleary, Jr. Harvey Cleary Builders
Ernie Cockrell, Pinto Realty Partners
Gus Comiskey, Jr. Comiskey Kaufman Consulting
Michael Cordúa Cordúa Restaurants
Emily Crosswell Community Leader
Emily Burguières Dalicandro Community Leader
E. Ted Davis Davis/Chambers & Company, Ltd.
Peter DeLongchamps Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Stephanie Donaho Locke Lord LLP
Krista Dumas Community Leader
Michael Dumas
Maritime Holdings, LLC
Robert Duncan Transwestern
John Eads
Sierra Resources, LLC
Mary Eads Community Leader
Gary Edwards Conoco, Inc.
Peggy Edwards Community Leader
Kristi Elsom
Fizer Beck Webster Bentley & Scroggins
C. Richard Everett
Everett Interests
Rob Galtney
Galtney Capital, LLC
Dan Gilbane Gilbane Building Company
Marty Goossen
JP Morgan Private Bank
Jill Gracely Baylor College of Medicine
Maureen Graf Community Leader
Bob Graham Community Leader
Saundria Chase Gray
Shell Oil Company
Melanie Gray Winston & Strawn LLP
Kelly Hackett
Attorney, Tectonic Advisors, LLC
Maureen Hackett
Community Leader
Joseph Hafner, Jr. Riviana Foods Inc.
Bernard Harris, Jr. Vesalius Ventures
Bob Harvey Community Leader
Philip Hawk Evergreen North America
Jeffery Hildebrand Hilcorp Energy Company
Lee Hogan
Anglican Health Network
Rick Jaramillo Bank of America
Stephen Kaufman Comiskey Kaufman Consulting
Carla Knobloch
Owners Advisory LLC
Yolanda Knull
Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP
Terri Lacy Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Leo Linbeck, III
Aquinas Companies, LLC
Janiece Longoria
The University of Texas System Board of Regents
Allen Lyons Cadence Bank
Stan Marek, Jr.
The Marek Family of Companies
Leslie Margolis
Community Volunteer
Rodney Margolis
Margolis Interests
Barry Margolis
Retired, Margolis, Phipps & Wright PC
George Martinez
Allegiance Bank Texas
Steven Miller
ALM Discovery Ventures, Inc.
William Montgomery
Quantum Energy Partners
Paul Murphy, Jr. Cadence Bancorp LLC
D. Keith Oden
Camden
Sandra Oden
Community Leader
W. Jeffrey Paine, Jr. Goldman Sachs & Co.
Carrin Patman
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
Sue Payne
Retired, ExxonMobil Corporation
Ricardo Perusquia
Global Financial Services, LLC
Mary Tere Perusquia
Community Leader
Hector Pineda Shell Oil Company
Gloria Portela Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
David Pruner
Heidrick & Struggles
Alexandra Pruner
Perella Weinberg Partners
Beth Robertson Cockspur, Inc.
Ali Saberioon
Sabco Oil & Gas Company
Park Shaper SEIS Holdings
Peter Shaper
Genesis Park
Gavin Smith GHS Investments
Joel Staff
Scipio Interests LLC
Mary Martha Staff Community Leader
Deborah Stavis Stavis & Cohen Financial
Leticia Trauber
Community Leader
Lane Ward Amegy Bank of Texas
Carol Warley
RSM US LLP
Mark Wawro
Susman Godfrey L.L.P.
Donald Woo
Mission Constructors, Inc.
Questions about the Community Foundation Council?
Morgan Steen Director of Governance and Administration
Philanthropy
HAPPENS HERE.
TOP SUPPORTED GRANTEES
These lists are based on the number of unique donors supporting these organizations.
ARTS
Houston Ballet Foundation
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Public Media Foundation
Houston Symphony Society
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
EDUCATIONAL
Small Steps Nurturing Center
St. John’s School
Texas A&M Foundation
The Kinkaid School, Inc.
The University of Texas at Austin
ENVIRONMENTAL
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Hermann Park Conservancy
Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Houston Zoo, Inc.
Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc.
HEALTH
Methodist Hospital Foundation
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Texas Children’s Hospital
The Brookwood Community
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
HUMAN SERVICES
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Houston Food Bank
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston
Kids Meals, Inc.
Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
The Salvation Army
PUBLIC BENEFIT
Holocaust Museum Houston
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
Junior League of Houston, Inc.
My Connect Community
United Way of Greater Houston
RELIGION
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Congregation Beth Israel
Samaritan’s Purse
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
OTHER
CARE, Inc.
Compassion International, Inc.
Faith in Practice
Namikango Mission
NEW FUNDS IN 2024
The Foundation is thrilled to welcome new partners to our growning philanthropic community to amplify your giving through donor advised funds, private foundation services, legacy planning, scholarship funds, and other giving vehicles. Below is a list of all the new funds established at Greater Houston Community Foundation in 2024.
Access2STEM Fund
Alexandra Gift Grant
Annunziato Family Fund
Anonymous Funds (17)
Barbara Francis Memorial Foundation
Benjamin Manne Family Fund
Bratcher Family Foundation Scholarship
Brian J. Thomas Family Fund
Chan Grymonprez Fund
David & Eula Wintermann Foundation
Donald Wyche Fund
Dorothy M. and Ronald P. Cuenod, Jr.
Charitable Fund
Elisabeth Manne Family Fund
Emily and Don Bolin Family Foundation
Houston Forward Fund
Houston Rockets Scholarship Fund
Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund*
In the Rough Fund
indiGO Auto Group Scholarship
James C. Arcidiacono Family Fund
Johnny Arcidiacono Family Fund
Jonathan and Erica Baron Family Fund
Lesley and Kevin Lilly Donor Advised Fund
Leticia and Steve Trauber Family Foundation
M & Y Bilger Family Fund
Maroon Research Institute
Mary Ann and F Carrington Weems Foundation Fund
Mary Ann and F Carrington Weems Foundation Giving Fund
Mary Jo Robbins Charitable Fund
Mathilde Weems, M.D. Charitable Fund
Michael and Stella Fitzgibbons Charity Foundation
Minerva Fund
Nina K. Andrews Charitable Fund
Olivia Manne Family Fund
RCG Gifting Fund
Rita and Blair Justice Fund
Robert “Bo” Hancock Memorial Foundation
Sawyer #85 Updike Memorial Scholarship
Schumann Family Foundation
Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund*
SpringSpirit Sustainability Fund
Steve & Ellen Robinson Giving Fund
The Bratcher Family Foundation
The Glen and Kathy Gondo Family Foundation
The LAWAW Fund
The Melissa & Nick Erwin Family Fund
Tony Chase and Dina Alsowayel Family Foundation
Tradition of Excellence Scholarship Fund
Vanderbilt University Fund
Webber Family Fund
Weekley Homes Team Member Disaster Relief Fund
*Fund established by Greater Houston Disaster Alliance.
Questions about opening a fund?
Tyler Murphy Senior Advisor,
Charitable Solutions
2024 GOVERNING BOARD
CHAIR
Chris Weekley President David Weekley Homes
CHAIR-ELECT
Bob Harvey Retired, President & CEO Greater Houston Partnership
Gregory L. Ebel President & CEO Enbridge Inc.
Kate Fowler Executive Director
The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Philip J. Hawk Retired Executive
Douglas C. Kelly President Hilcorp Ventures, Inc.
Nancy D. McGregor Community Leader Retired Attorney
Brad Morgan* Co-Founder & President Platform Partners LLC
Cullen Geiselman Muse, Ph.D. Chair of the Board Cullen Trust for Health Care
Avani Narang * Managing Director of Marketing & Digital Communications Indus Communities
Brandon Simmons Chairman of the Board of Regents Texas Southern University
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Ron Hulme Chief Executive Officer Bluescape Energy Partners
Y. Ping Sun Of Counsel Yetter Coleman LLP
Caren Sweetland Attorney Community Leader
Tym Tombar Managing Director Arcadius Capital Partners
Celestine Vettical Managing Partner & Co-Founder Celestial Holdings LP
Randa Weiner Community Leader
Anthanette (Toni) Wilson Attorney Community Leader
Enoch Woodhouse Chief Executive Officer Smith Family Circle
Thomas M. Wright Retired Partner RSM US, LLP
*Next Gen Representative
OUR TEAM
For nearly 30 years, the Foundation has fostered strong relationships by honoring donor intent and driving meaningful change alongside our clients. We support high-impact philanthropy by aligning donors with the causes they value and expertly managing the assets entrusted to us.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Stephen Maislin, President & CEO
Pooja Amin General Counsel
Rebecca Hove
Managing Director of Strategic Philanthropy
Mike Pawson Chief Financial Officer
STAFF
Lulu Alvarez Accountant
Keith Argueta Tax Manager
Azad Barazi Foundation Services Associate
Prashant Bashyal Systems Architect
Stephanie Blair Director of Corporate Relations
Chelsea Cheung Senior Manager of Data Analytics
Tina Clayton Scholarships Associate
Marie Cushman Scholarships Associate
Kassidy Daussin Marketing Creative Associate
Natasha DeCell Executive Assistant
Nanka Doddipalli Information Systems Analyst
Hunter Edmondson Controller
Ashley Estes
Client Advisor, Strategic Philanthropy
Kellie Ewasko Administrative Assistant
Krystle Folse Director of Donor Services
Deresha Gibson Program Lead Community Impact
Kolby Gilbert Individual & Corporate Relations Manager
Andrei Gololobov Accountant
Elizabeth Gonzales Events & Engagement Coordinator
Courtney Grymonprez Scholarships Manager
Nelson Hernandez Controller
Lydia Hickey Senior Foundation Services Manager
Kimberly Hipo Senior Donor Services Associate
Kevin Pickett
Chief Advancement Officer
Jennifer Touchet
Vice President of Personal & Family Philanthropy
Diana Zarzuelo
Vice President of Community Impact
Jennifer Hogle Accounting Manager
Annie Hurwitz Director of Donor Engagement & Learning
Lauren Jones Foundation Services Associate
Shannon Davidson LaCour
Senior Donor Services Associate
Stephanie Lebron Senior Donor Services Associate
Stephanie Lopez Accountant
Sara Martinez
Senior Director of Community Impact
Andrea Mayes
Senior Director of Charitable Solutions
Michelle Morrison Donor Services Manager
Tyler Murphy
Senior Advisor, Charitable Solutions
Chelsea Murray Foundation Services Associate
Kaitlin Necas Communications Specialist
Cindy Newman Accountant
Sherrill Smith Receptionist/Office Assistant
Lauren Spackman Client Manager, Strategic Philanthropy
Morgan Steen Director of Governance & Administration
Joseph Stewart Development Coordinator
Nadia Valliani Director of Community Impact
Gaby Aguirre Villacorta Foundation Services
Associate
Crystal Williams Donor Services Assistant
Rachel Young Director of Marketing & Communications
