Impact in Action: High-Impact Philanthropy Happens Here
HIGH-IMPACT PHILANTHROPY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 2 - 5
RETIREMENT REIMAGINED
A Former Executive’s Path to Becoming a Founding Board President of a Local Nonprofit
PAGE 6 - 7
PAGE 22 - 23
DONOR PROGRAMMING
Deepening Understanding & Relationships Among our Donors
PAGE 24 - 25
QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER DAYS
Pioneers of Conflict-Free Advice for Texas-Based Entrepreneurial Families
PAGE 8 - 9
MEET MOSAIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Unlocking Futures
PAGE 10 - 11
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
Investing in Bold Solutions for Houston
PAGE 12 - 13
HIGH-IMPACT GRANTMAKING
Advancing Innovative Solutions to Break the Cycle of Poverty
PAGE 14 - 15
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
How to Start a Corporate Philanthropy Program
PAGE 16 - 17
NEXT GEN DONOR INSTITUTE
Discovering Your Philanthropic Identity
PAGE 18 - 21
BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Leading Philanthropy for Disaster Recovery
Volunteer Opportunities for Families with Children Ages Five & Older
PAGE 26
SAVE THE DATES
Remaining Events in 2024
PAGE 27
YEAR-END GIVING DEADLINES
Your Opportunity to Uplift Our Community
PAGE 28 - 29
CHARITABLE GIFT TYPES
Unlock the Power of Charitable Giving
PAGE 30 - 31
GIVING STRATEGIES FOR LASTING IMPACT Our Tailored Solutions
PAGE 32 - 33
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
Delivering High-Impact Philanthropy
RETIREMENT REIMAGINED
A Former Executive’s Path to Becoming a Founding Board President of a Local Nonprofit
Dawn Hawley, a Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) fundholder since 2006, found herself in the heart of Houston’s nonprofit sector during “retirement” after climbing the corporate ladder at AIM Management Group. Hawley approached retirement with the same strategic foresight and due diligence she used throughout her career when preparing for corporate board meetings; she knew she wanted to fill this next chapter with meaningful contributions to the Houston community.
One of the initial steps Hawley took in her retirement was establishing a donor advised fund with her husband, Robert, at the Foundation. A partnership with the Foundation has been a powerful tool for their high-impact philanthropy. Hawley shared, “We started our donor
advised fund at the Foundation because our friend, colleague, and tax advisor, Carol Warley, told us this would be the best way to give back with the fewest administrative burdens. The ease of entry, use, tracking of year-to-year giving trends, understanding of tax rules, and deep knowledge of the Foundation continue to set them apart from other donor advised fund providers. We still have so much to learn, and each event is incredible for networking, learning about various causes and needs throughout the Houston area, or re-engaging with old friends.”
Another way Hawley plugged into the Houston nonprofit sector early in her retirement was by doing just the opposite of “retiring”—she went back to work part-time
at The Menil Collection (Menil) from 2007-2011. Hawley joined the Business Office to help monitor its investment portfolio and prepare the annual operating budget. Through this experience, she learned how nonprofits work, the ins and outs of partnering with nonprofit board committees, and some of the specific regulatory requirements of nonprofits vs. for-profit organizations. Her time at the Menil gave her a front-row seat to the incredible generosity of the Houston community. Engaging in the nonprofit sector during retirement was incredibly rewarding during a season of life where some struggle to find ways to remain fulfilled.
Hawley continued to find different pathways to connecting with the community, volunteering at Texas Children’s Hospital as a Dog Docent and holding babies in the NICU. However, it was during her time volunteering at Sharpstown High School that Hawley’s philanthropy took a different turn.
In 2011, Hawley’s daughter, Lauren, worked as a math fellow at Sharpstown High School during a gap year. She recruited Hawley to become a volunteer math assistant, specifically in geometry, algebra, and SAT preparation. Through this volunteer experience, she met two passionate teachers who eventually became college and career counselors, Victoria Chen and Victoria Doan, whom Hawley calls “the Victorias.” Engaging with the students helped Hawley see that students from underresourced communities could not access or didn’t know about the many networks the many networks available that could expose them to meaningful employment after high school.
So naturally, in 2016, when “the Victorias” approached Hawley to be involved in a nonprofit they were establishing called BridgeYear, which would connect underserved youth to careers and educational pathways that provide economic stability and independence, Hawley felt compelled to roll up her sleeves and dive in.
Dawn Hawley, pictured in the back row, far right, with BridgeYear’s founding board members and interns from Summer 2017.
Dawn’s passion, commitment, and generosity were paramount in getting BridgeYear to where we are today. We asked Dawn because we knew she cared deeply about the students we wanted to reach. She was one of Sharpstown High School’s most committed volunteers, consistently showing up for students and teachers. Also, we knew about her wealth of experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, which paid off tremendously. Dawn ensured we had a solid corporate governance structure and systems from the start, insisting we think thoroughly about our by-laws, obtain Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, establish accounting controls, and file our 501(c)3 paperwork.
– VICTORIA CHEN CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIDGEYEAR
Hawley’s passion for empowering young people to achieve their full potential led her to take on the role of Founding Board President at BridgeYear from 2016 to 2023. With a deep understanding that a nonprofit’s success is built on the strength of its team, Hawley made it her mission to ensure that the staff at BridgeYear felt valued and supported. Her unique blend of experience equipped her with the insights needed to lay the groundwork for BridgeYear’s early success. Hawley helped build a strong foundation for the organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to the students they served.
Hawley shared, “BridgeYear helps students who don’t know what they’ll do after high school, when a four-year college degree isn’t an option. BridgeYear helps students explore careers they never knew existed or were possibilities. Seeing the students at Sharpstown High School—how fun and smart yet how difficult many of their situations were—really resonated with me. Many of these kids work jobs late at night, and I know if they can commit to long days, sometimes working through the night, and still show up to school in the morning at such a young age, there are great career opportunities for them.”
Hawley was the very first participant in what became BridgeYear‘s signature program, the Career Test Drive® Program. Here she is trying BridgeYear’s first simulation, Pharmacy Technician, in her kitchen. In the early days of BridgeYear, Hawley hosted plenty of board meetings in her kitchen and also lent her backyard as a building ground for other simulations!
ADVICE FROM
Dawn
Things to consider before joining a nonprofit board:
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BE PASSIONATE
Make sure the issue area is something you believe in and are incredibly enthusiastic about.
UNDERSTAND MANAGEMENT
Your role will be to support the organization’s leadership, so you must ensure you are comfortable engaging in complex conversations with them.
LEVERAGE EXPERTISE
Understand your expertise and those of other Board members to see how you can capitalize on each other’s strengths and skills to offer superb guidance.
ESTABLISH FRAMEWORK
Ensure proper controls are in place, from how the Board is structured to how decisions are made. It’s a leap of faith that should have a lot of integrity.
Fast forward to today, BridgeYear has achieved remarkable success since its founding in 2016, far surpassing its initial goals. Serving over 12,000 students each year across the greater Houston area, BridgeYear’s impact has been profound. Not only have they empowered individual students to achieve their full potential, but they have strengthened our community. BridgeYear has fueled the local economy by connecting underserved youth to high-demand careers. This is a testament to the power of its programs and the dedicated team.
Hawley’s retirement is a perfect example of leveraging this stage of life as an opportunity to make a lasting impact. By applying the same meticulous planning and commitment to philanthropy that she did throughout her career, Hawley is making significant contributions to our Houston community.
Ready to partner with us to make high-impact philanthropy happen?
Kevin Pickett Chief Advancement Officer
Dawn Hawley attending a recent Career Test Drive.
MEET MOSAIC
Pioneers of Conflict-Free Advice for Texas-Based Entrepreneurial Families
In a world where buzzwords routinely outnumber tangible results, Mosaic believes its commitment to conflict-free advice is unique. Mosaic’s inspiration came from a simple observation: while there is no shortage of competent professionals vying to assist business owners, few lead the diverse team of specialists required to effect meaningful change.
With nothing more than an untested idea and a copy of the Houston Business Journal’s Book of Lists, Mosaic started by cold-calling the leaders of family-owned businesses from a “borrowed” file room about 14 years ago. With a simple pitch, they explained to each prospect that many clients have an existing team of attorneys, CPAs, investment advisors, and insurance agents. However, even with all this help, there is often an enormous gap between where clients think they are, where they actually are, and where they want to be—often resulting in millions of dollars in unnecessary taxes, professional fees, and insurance premiums.
Sophisticated, Objective Guidance
Mosaic operates like a General Contractor, but instead of electricians and plumbers, it works with attorneys, CPAs, and investment advisors. For a flat quarterly fee, Mosaic provides objective guidance to its clients, earning the
trust of over 30 Texas-based entrepreneurial families—the majority of which are first-generation founders.
Mosaic’s clients’ net worth is often tied up in illiquid, hard-to-value assets like operating companies or real estate, which requires both patience and a sophisticated infrastructure. By investing the extra effort, these families enjoy greater planning flexibility than those focused only on liquid assets.
When asked to share examples of illiquid assets that clients most commonly omit from their planning, Brandon Henry, Mosaic’s Founder & CEO stated, “Ironically, it’s the operating businesses themselves. Even if a family knows exactly where they would like to go, they can’t plot a reliable path forward if they don’t know where they are today. Though many families can articulate their goals and the major pitfalls they hope to avoid, virtually none actually know how their current plan impacts their family and business. As a result, they are left making poorly informed decisions that impact everything they own and everyone they care about.”
In 2012, a family was referred to Mosaic by their CPA to help move their roughly $5 million investment portfolio out of their taxable estate before the estate tax exemption potentially changed that year. Initially, the
family hesitated to engage Mosaic, estimating their net worth was “only” around $13 million, based on their company’s fully depreciated book value. Recognizing that the company generated more than $15 million a year of income, Mosaic urged the family to reassess their strategy, suggesting that the IRS and potential investors would likely value this company significantly higher than the family assumed. Three years after their first meeting with Mosaic, the family sold their company for over $100 million. This family still works with Mosaic and has saved over $50 million in transfer taxes compared to their original plan to focus on their investment portfolio narrowly.
A Symbiotic Partnership for Impact
Philanthropy can be a powerful tax-saving strategy generating a positive feedback loop that compounds over time. Beyond the quantifiable benefits of tax savings, philanthropy also creates opportunities for families to work together, modeling values and sharing experiences that help rising generations appreciate the responsibility associated with significant success.
Henry noted, “Writing a check to a public charity isn’t hard, but transferring significant wealth that adapts to changing tax laws, shifting business climate, and evolving family dynamics is exceptionally complicated.”
The Foundation understands the importance of trust and the long-term relationships professional advisors establish with their clients. Because of that, the Foundation allows investment advisors to continue managing their clients’ portfolios if they open a fund of $500,000 or more.
Henry closed by saying, “Collaborating with a trusted philanthropic partner like the Foundation helps Mosaic weave comprehensive charitable planning in from the start. The results have been a game changer for the families we serve. For instance, several families with significant illiquid holdings will likely owe zero estate taxes at their passing. The long-term benefits for these families, their businesses, and their community far transcend the millions in tax savings—the impact can’t be overstated.”
Ready to help your clients scale their impact?
Andrea Mayes Senior Director of Charitable Solutions
The partnership between Mosaic and Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) has been symbiotic for over a decade, enhancing each other’s effectiveness in serving families with significant illiquid holdings. The Foundation’s team has the experience and sophistication required to integrate business, tax, and philanthropic plans. The Foundation is a part of our inner circle of trusted advisors, adding the depth necessary to complete sophisticated charitable giving, accepting even the most complicated gifts with open arms.
– BRANDON HENRY
FOUNDER & CEO
MOSAIC ADVISORS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Unlocking Futures
At Greater Houston Community Foundation, in partnership with our donors, we administer a variety of unique scholarship funds that honor loved ones, help students achieve higher education, encourage studies in a certain field, or even assist a company’s employees in acquiring additional education.
Thank You!
Thank you to our scholarship fundholders for partnering with us to help make high-impact philanthropy happen for the next generation of leaders. In addition, we would like to thank our Scholarship Review Committee Volunteers. This year, 147 volunteers helped us review and score scholarship applications.
Val Senegal & Daniella Marquez.
Dr. Brandon Sterling & Karis Johnson Comer.
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
(Between January 1 - July 1, 2024)
147 Scholarship Review Committee Volunteers!
Bratcher Family Foundation Scholarship
Houston Rockets Scholarship
Thanks to our 65 scholarship funds, OVER $5.7 MILLION A 60% INCREASE in the number of applications we received since 2023.
has been awarded to over 1,000 students for the 2024-25 school year!
We received OVER 3,200 APPLICATIONS,
indiGO Auto Group Scholarship
Perry Homes Tradition of Excellence Scholarship
Ready to start a scholarship program?
Courtney Grymonprez Scholarships Manager
Scholarships Manager, Courtney Grymonprez, speaking to attendees of the Scholarship Review Committee Appreciation Breakfast.
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
Investing in Bold Solutions for Houston
Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) is a catalyst for high-impact philanthropy, empowering our partners and fundholders to make a lasting difference in the community. One way the Foundation has continued to evolve with and for Houston is through our Community Impact Fund, which is a key driver for philanthropic impact—making a meaningful difference in our community through three pillars of work that speak to data, collaboration, and lasting impact.
For almost three decades, we have nurtured high-trust relationships, allowing the Foundation to honor donor intent and drive significant positive shifts alongside our partners. Building on our legacy of philanthropic impact, our Community Impact Fund is an additional way for donors to amplify their giving and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Houstonians.
SUPPORTERS!
Thank You, FOUNDING
We are deeply grateful to these donors for their support of our Community Impact Fund. Since its inception in 2023, the Community Impact Fund has raised more than $4.1 million to date, thanks to the generosity of:
Lenni & Bill Burke
Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Ebel Family Foundation Elkins Foundation
Eugenia Elliot Enbridge
Patti, Richard & Jenny Everett
Cullen Geiselman
Vicki & Bob Harvey
Holly & Josh Hudley/ Linda & Phil Lewis
Manne McGregor Family Foundation
Lauren & Brad Morgan
Phillips 66
Shell
Charlene & Tym Tombar
Verizon
Chris & Sarah Weekley
Randa & K.C. Weiner
Wells Fargo
Wilkens Family
Connie & Tommy Wright
This is a list of Community Impact supporters as of August 28, 2024.
Every individual in Houston needs to have the opportunity to have the American dream. Our children should be able to do better than we’ve done. Each one of us should be able to live and flourish.
– PHILIP J. HAWK GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
COMMUNITY IMPACT GROWTH COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS:
Cullen Gieselman, Ph.D. Governing Board Member, Chair of the Board at Cullen Trust for Healthcare
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS:
Kate Fowler
Governing Board Member, Executive Director of Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Tym Tombar
Governing Board Member, Managing Director at Arcadius Capital
Randa Weiner Governing Board Member, Community Leader
Get involved with the Community Impact Fund.
Tyler Murphy Senior Advisor of Charitable Solutions
HIGH-IMPACT GRANTMAKING
Advancing Innovative Solutions to Break the Cycle of Poverty
In 2023, Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) announced its newest initiative of the Community Impact Fund: High-Impact Grantmaking. The High-Impact Grantmaking initiative is an inclusive and innovative effort to advance meaningful and measurable progress for our region’s most pressing challenges through the power of collaborative grantmaking and strategic partnerships.
In November of 2023, the Foundation’s Governing Board, along with consensus among key stakeholders, selected economic mobility as the first focus area for High-Impact Grantmaking. This selection was the culmination of a yearlong learning journey for the Foundation.
Selecting the issue area of economic mobility was only the beginning. By the end of 2024, we will make an investment of $500,000 in one to three organizations and/or collaboratives that implement proven, promising, and/ or innovative solutions that advance economic mobility and address intergenerational poverty for children and families in Harris County.
Utilizing a collaborative grantmaking approach, the Foundation launched a call for community leaders to
join the Community Grantmaking Committee (Committee). Through a rigorous selection process, we selected 14 community leaders to serve on this Committee. This accomplished group has dug deep into the community needs impacting economic mobility and shaped this initiative’s investment strategy. The Committee fielded almost 300 Letters of Interest from nonprofit organizations for this funding opportunity.
Over the summer, this Committee invited 17 nonprofit organizations that submitted Letters of Interest to apply. In December, this group will make final recommendations to the Foundation’s Governing Board which will make the ultimate investment decisions.
Together, we look forward to igniting positive change. We see this new initiative as building upon what we do best—helping people maximize their philanthropic impact through supporting the highest-potential solutions for Houston. We aim to serve as a catalyst and collaborative partner, deepening our impact through data, convening, and strategic partnership. In this way, we can be where high-impact philanthropy happens.
COMMUNITY GRANTMAKING COMMITTEE
Linda Civarello
University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
Steven Dow
Retired Nonprofit Executive
Oriana Durbin
Organized Decisions, LLC
Kate Dearing Fowler
The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation, Board Member, Greater Houston Community Foundation
Adrienne Holloway
AMNY Consulting
Brittany Hyman Office of Jason T. Hyman
Mark Martin
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Lone Star-Greater Houston
Paul Nguyen bp
Randi Sonenshein
Retired Business Executive
Robert Thomas
Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Board Chair, Olevia CDC
Don Titcombe
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity
Daniel Villanueva
University of Houston–Downtown
Patty Williams-Downs BreakingBounds
Diana Zarzuelo
Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Community Grantmaking Committee (Committee) is a diverse group that brings unique perspectives, including lived experiences, on intergenerational poverty as one aspect of economic mobility. The Committee sets our High-Impact Grantmaking’s strategic vision, goals, and priorities.
Learn more about our Community Impact work.
Diana Zarzuelo Vice President of Community Impact
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
How to Start a Corporate Philanthropy Program
Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) partners with large and small corporations to develop corporate giving programs or strategically allocate a company’s resources for charitable causes to support business goals. While the types of resources and the structures of these programs will be unique to the company, the concept of corporate philanthropy and its benefits remain the same.
Benefits of a Corporate Giving Program
Corporate giving programs can significantly impact both the businesses running them and the communities they serve. Some benefits of starting a corporate philanthropy program with the Foundation include reducing the administrative burden on your staff and providing assistance with tax and fiduciary compliance through outsourced professionals. A partner like the Foundation also simplifies corporate giving, allowing companies to donate complete assets like stocks, bonds, real estate, business interests, and other illiquid assets. While your company focuses on its vision, the Foundation handles the logistics, streamlining the grantmaking process.
In general, corporate giving programs can strengthen brand reputation, potentially opening new opportunities while offering valuable insights into the communities you wish to reach. Furthermore, such programs can help attract and retain top talent in the workforce.
Beyond these benefits, the increased resources and administrative power your company will gain by partnering
with the Foundation can amplify the positive impact that community members can make on their own.
Getting Started
Before your company can effectively begin charitable giving, developing a strong foundation for your company’s giving that aligns with your organization’s values and optimizes resources is essential. To enhance the effectiveness and streamline the development of your charitable giving plan, we recommend arranging a meeting with us. During this meeting, we can collaboratively address key components essential for establishing a strong foundation for your philanthropic efforts. These components include assessing your current corporate giving initiatives, identifying available resources, evaluating potential challenges that may affect your business and employees, and aligning your desired community impact with your target audience for charitable engagement.
Once your company sets the tone for its corporate giving, then it must define the roles of executives and employees in charitable giving. Additionally, your company should explore causes that support its values and mission and weigh the impact of your charitable investments. After the approach is set with your company’s philanthropic initiatives, your company should examine the design, development, implementation, and oversight. A comprehensive understanding of your organization’s goals will result in a more efficient and authentic philanthropic experience. A trusted partner like the Foundation can provide guidance, resources, and support every step of the way.
Organizing Corporate Philanthropy
Once your charitable goals are developed, the focus shifts to exploring the most suitable giving vehicles. What is included in a corporate philanthropy program should be tailored to your company’s unique needs. Some common types of corporate giving programs include:
CORPORATE DONOR ADVISED FUNDS:
A corporate donor advised fund is a great and simple way for a business to streamline its philanthropy. These funds offer a tax-advantaged and flexible way to establish a culture of giving at both the individual and organizational levels.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS:
Creating a scholarship fund supports hardworking students in your community and potentially benefits corporate employees and their dependents. Through scholarships, your company empowers students with the resources they need to succeed, making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community, including your employees’ loved ones.
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EMPLOYEE DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS:
Disaster relief funds for your employees can offer critical assistance to those in need while supporting your internal team during times of crisis.
MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS:
Implementing matching gift programs can demonstrate support for employees’ charitable endeavors and amplify their impact.
EXECUTIVE FUNDS:
Establishing executive funds or personal charitable accounts that accept cash or a variety of appreciated assets can be a meaningful way to acknowledge and recognize key leaders within your organization.
Regardless of how you choose to give, partnering with the right organization can help align your corporate giving program with your company’s mission and alleviate the administrative burden that often comes with such efforts. Greater Houston Community Foundation is your trusted partner in corporate giving. Whether you seek implementation and administration services or require consulting to clarify your giving vision, we are here to assist. By collaborating with your organization’s internal financial planners and advisors, we can help alleviate the administrative burden of establishing a program and transform your philanthropic aspirations into reality.
Ready to ignite impact with your company?
Stephanie Blair Director of Corporate Relations
NEXT GEN DONOR INSTITUTE
Discovering Your Philanthropic Identity
The next generation of donors and philanthropists will impact the philanthropic landscape significantly. With the pending transfer of wealth from previous generations, many individuals will inherit substantial resources, while others have built their wealth on their own. This convergence of inherited and self-made wealth means that the rising generation will have a historic amount of resources to give and, with it, the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy.
Next Gen donors looking to develop skills and knowledge around intentional philanthropy and community leadership are encouraged to learn more about Greater Houston Community Foundation’s Next Gen Donor Institute (Institute). Established in 2011, this transformative program has seen over 160 participants gain valuable insights and tools for effective philanthropy.
The Institute is a year-long program through which participants develop a deeper understanding of their philanthropic identity and how to make a more significant impact within their communities. The program features hands-on workshops that focus on:
• Establishing a philanthropic identity.
• Reviewing the roles of nonprofit organizations and theories of change.
• Developing an understanding of both local and national philanthropic landscapes.
• Learning from an active alumni network and other philanthropic leaders.
• Evaluating nonprofit financials and beyond.
• Creating strategic philanthropy roadmaps.
Jennifer Touchet, Vice President of Personal & Family Philanthropy, leading the Roles of Nonprofits exercise for the 2024 Next Gen class.
At the Institute, participants discover that their philanthropic identity is not just about giving habits but also about the connections and relationships formed with like-minded peers. Through our peer network, participants gain access to a supportive community of donors who share their passion for creating positive change and find a place where their ideas and contributions are valued.
Participating in the program means engaging in discussions, learning about others’ experiences, and receiving guidance from experienced philanthropic advisors. Participants gain a deeper understanding of who they are as donors and how to make a meaningful impact in their community.
NEXT GEN CLASS OF 2024
Daniel
Melissa
Paige
Ben
Rachel
Will
Ed
Erica Littlejohn Burnette
Goodman
Goodman
Hawley
Marek
Newman
Porter
Schneider
Anthanette “Toni” Wilson
Annie Hurwitz Director of Donor Engagement & Learning
Rachel Newman, Ben Marek, Anthanette “Toni” Wilson, Will Porter, Erica Littlejohn Burnette & Ed Schneider.
Ben Marek & Will Porter.
BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Leading Philanthropy for Disaster Recovery
In early 2024, climate researchers at Colorado State University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Hurricane Center predicted a well-above-average chance of major hurricanes making landfall along the U.S. coast and the Caribbean this year. Upper limit predictions said in 2024 we could see 33 named storms, including 12 hurricanes, six of which are major this hurricane season, which lasts through November.
In addition, according to data from Understanding Houston, the threecounty region of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery have experienced 28 federally declared disasters since 1980, including two this year alone. In the same region, 3.4 million (58%) people live in a census tract with at least medium to high social vulnerability, meaning they face socio-economic circumstances that make them more likely to experience harm from disasters and less likely to have access to the resources they need to recover.
These statistics and context highlight the critical importance of disaster preparedness in our region, which is why the Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) and United Way of Greater Houston (United Way) have formed the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance (Disaster Alliance). This philanthropic partnership aims to catalyze public and private partnerships and strengthen year-round preparedness, ensuring our region has the systems and networks in place to respond rapidly, equitably, and effectively during times of disaster.
Building Partnerships that Work
The Foundation has a long history of serving as a resource and collaborative partner during times of great hardship, helping donors provide immediate and long-term disaster relief to Houstonians in need. The Foundation also collaborates with businesses looking to provide financial assistance to their employees who have experienced losses from federally qualified disasters. Despite the challenges these crises have caused for the greater
Houston region, they also have showcased our region’s resilience and ability to work collaboratively.
Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has administered nine independent disaster or crisis relief funds, granting more than $214 million to local, trusted nonprofits to provide relief and assistance to disaster survivors.
Thanks to the generosity and leadership of Enbridge and Phillips 66, the first three years of this important work are funded, which allows us to accelerate disaster recovery and reduce repeated harm caused by disaster.
Time and time again, public and private leaders have come together to help Houston recover, and the Foundation has been honored to support this critical work for our community.
A History of Disaster Response
While both the Foundation and United Way have built reputations as local leaders with an unmatched capacity to activate critical resources during times of crisis, the duplication often led to confusion in the community. Donors perceived our efforts as overlapping, and nonprofits were uncertain from which fund to seek support.
While collaboration began during the recovery from Hurricane Harvey, the Foundation and United Way have worked intentionally to build its partnership over time. This was solidified during the COVID-19 pandemic through our first joint fund in Houston, transitioning from individual efforts to collective action and standing together to help our community during unprecedented times.
With the appropriate governance and structures in place, the two organizations partnered again to activate a joint Winter Storm Relief Fund in 2021 in partnership with former Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and a dedicated team of volunteer leaders supporting fundraising.
The impact of these two collaborative joint funds was incredible—nearly $40 million raised across both disasters was distributed to almost 150 nonprofits, benefiting 240,000 adults, children, and seniors during these crises.
Disaster Alliance
Hired two full-time lead staff members.
Engaged local government leadership to align on roles and partnership framework.
Established the Disaster Recovery Council, a year-round governing body.
Built tools and processes needed to become operational and stand ready.
Re-engaged with nonprofit partners to improve the grant application process.
Launched two joint funds, the Severe Weather & Derecho Recovery Fund in May of 2024 and the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund in July of 2024.
Two independent funds: fundraising & grantmaking
Started coordination & information sharing
Began exploring deeper collaborations via Harris County Long-Term Recovery Committee
Steering Committee
Rapid data partnership to assess needs & capacity via nonprofit survey
Stood up first joint fund to leverage capacity, resources, etc
Round one within 24 days of Fund launch
Established MOU for future disaster funds
Fundraising involvement by the City & County Independent grantmaking process
Adapted MOU partnership to integrate City & County leadership
Round one within four days & Round two within 16 days of Fund launch
Formally launched in May of 2023, partnering together & leveraging each organization’s strengths to provide:
Shared oversight & strategy development
Joint oversight & joint governance management
Grantmaking process
Gift & grant payment processing
Publicity, webpage, & communications
Data, evaluation, & reporting
DISASTER RECOVERY COUNCIL
The Disaster Recovery Council approves grantmaking strategies and recommendations, ensures the operational readiness of the Disaster Alliance, and provides accountability and transparency to stakeholders and the community.
Bob Harvey Retired, Greater Houston Partnership Co-Chair
Donna Sims Wilson Kah Capital Management Co-Chair
Patra Brannon-Isaac Kinder Foundation
STAFF LEADERSHIP
Todd Denton Phillips 66
Winell Herron H-E-B
Mike Koby Enbridge
Steve Maislin
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Sara Martinez & Diana Zarzuelo Greater Houston Community Foundation
As we concluded active work on the COVID-19 and Winter Storm Uri Funds and reviewed recommendations from third-party evaluations, both organizations recognized the opportunity—and need—to focus year-round attention on disaster preparedness in Greater Houston, forming the Disaster Alliance.
The Disaster Alliance has identified an approach for every disaster: man-made or natural, widespread to hyper-local. The Disaster Alliance, in consultation with local elected officials and community leaders, will establish a joint fund for future disasters when the scale reaches a significant threshold. In the instances of the severe weather and derecho wind in April and May and Hurricane Beryl in July, the Disaster Alliance activated two separate joint funds, allowing donors to contribute to and support recovery. Then, the Disaster Alliance conducted rapid grantmaking to get resources to nonprofits as quickly as possible (see more information about both recovery funds on the next page).
Amanda McMillian United Way of Greater Houston
Y. Ping Sun Yetter Coleman LLP
Tony Torres Deloitte & Touche
Cynthia Wilson City of Houston
Campbell & Mary Vazquez United Way of Greater Houston
Strategy & Scope of Work
While immediate response and relief are always critical, the Disaster Alliance’s focus on strengthening preparedness and long-term recovery will allow it to create a more resilient region and reduce the repeated harms caused by disaster—particularly in our most vulnerable communities. Its three strategic goals are:
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Raise and deploy funds quickly to support timely recovery for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Increase equitable access to resources during and after a disaster.
Catalyze public and private collaboration to strengthen our region’s resiliency.
Brooke
Severe Weather & Derecho Recovery Fund
Established: May 22, 2024 | Raised: $3 million
Grant Recipients: Nonprofits helping area neighbors struggling to recover from the severe weather and derecho winds that impacted our region. The support focused on zip codes and areas with significant needs reported and where at least 50% of households have low-to-moderate income.
Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund
Established: July 15, 2024 | Raised: $5.4 million
As of August 27, 2024
Grant Recipients: Nonprofits supporting individuals and families affected by Hurricane Beryl’s severe weather, winds, and aftermath. The Fund will serve uninsured or underinsured low-to-moderate income families (ALICE population), focusing on disproportionately impacted zip codes and vulnerable populations.
Thank you, Donors!
During both disasters, an anonymous donor offered to match contributions with $50,000 for the Severe Weather & Derecho Fund and a $75,000 to the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund. Thanks to our generous donors, we exceeded these matching amounts, raising $175,000 for the Severe Weather & Derecho Recovery Fund and $182,000 for the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors for their support!
It’s not a matter of if, but when. Ready to help?
Diana Zarzuelo Vice President of Community Impact
Lilyanne McClean, Bob Harvey, Donna Sims Wilson, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor John Whitmire, Amanda McMillian, Winell Herron & Arcy Muñoz at a press conference for the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund.
DONOR PROGRAMMING
Deepening Understanding & Relationships Among our Donors
Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) is passionate about providing our donors with best-in-class advising, resources, education, and peer connections. Our programs help our donors discover and explore various issue areas impacting our region, highlighting ways they can provide support. In addition, we offer quarterly volunteer days designed for families with children aged five and older to promote generosity, teamwork, and a sense of giving back.
The programs we host at the Foundation are for fundholders and clients only. If you are interested in attending a program this fall, please contact events@ghcf.org
Anthanette “Toni” Wilson, Jennifer Touchet & Kate Fowler.
Ethan Kao, Jeffrey Sun & Diana Sun.
Discussion at Black Impact Houston Donor Breakfast.
Thank You!
2024 Advancing Impact Donor Breakfast Speakers
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
Tiffany Echevarria, Collective Action for Youth
Felicia Pichon, Sisters Thrive
Assata Richards, Sankofa Research Institute
BUILDING THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS
Attendees learned key insights for 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
QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER DAYS
Volunteer Opportunities for Families with Children Ages Five & Older
Our January Quarterly Volunteer Day was hosted 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.
Members of the Laporte Family.
Members of the Tombar Family.
Members of the Sweetland Family.
Our April Quarterly Volunteer Day was hosted at Plant it Forward, a nonprofit organization that empowers refugees to develop sustainable urban farming businesses that produce fresh, healthy food for the community. Plant it Forward secures land, trains and mentors farmers, and facilitates sales to local markets. Located throughout Houston, the farms are cultivated with sustainable practices that enrich the land and support the surrounding community.
Maricel Marquez-Cabarcas preparing a cardboard egg carton for a seed planting activity.
One of our youngest volunteers enjoys exploring the property and a snack during a break.
One of our final activities, where our volunteers pulled weeds from an established garden bed.
Our younger volunteers trying on gardening gloves in preparation for seed planting.
Remaining Events in 2024
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 14
QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER DAY The Periwinkle Foundation
Tuesday 24
GLOBAL GIVING BREAKFAST
Greater Houston Community Foundation
OCTOBER
ADVISOR BREAKFAST The Briar Club Thursday 24
NOVEMBER
Saturday 02
FAMILY PHILANTHROPY DAY
Location details coming soon!
Interested in attending one of our events?
Elizabeth Gonzales Events & Engagement Coordinator
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND CELEBRATION Greater Houston Community Foundation Thursday 14
YEAR-END GIVING DEADLINES
Your Opportunity to Uplift Our Community
CHECK OR STOCK CERTIFICATE
Postmark on or before 12/31/24
Please contact the Donor Services Department before submitting your stock transfer to ensure that your charitable deduction is appropriately credited.
SPECIAL SECURITIES*
Deadline: 12/1/24
Call the Donor Services Department if you need assistance with the following items: Private Stock, Tendered Stock, or Restricted Stock.
MUTUAL FUNDS*
Deadline: 12/1/24
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding the fund shares and send a copy to donorservices@ghcf.org.
GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Deadline: 12/9/24
Due to high volume, grants requested after this date might not reach their destination by the close of the year.
SECURITIES*
Deadline: 12/13/24
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding your stock and send a copy to donorservices@ghcf.org.
WIRE TRANSFER*
Deadline: 12/13/24
Instruct your financial institution to wire funds to Greater Houston Community Foundation. Also, please contact the Donor Services Department before submitting your wire transfer to ensure that your charitable deduction is appropriately credited. For security reasons, the wire instructions are not emailed but may be found here.
CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM IRA ACCOUNTS
IRAs may NOT make charitable distributions to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Please contact the Foundation if you’re interested in utilizing these assets for philanthropic purposes.
*If these items are not received into the Foundation account by 12/31/24, the IRS will not allow a 2024 deduction. Please contact donorservices@ghcf.org to ensure your intended gift is properly credited.
Greater Houston Community Foundation does not provide tax advice or services. Please consult your personal advisor with questions regarding your tax planning.
You have the power to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in our community. We accept a wide range of assets, including noncash contributions, that can significantly enhance your philanthropic impact. Whether you aim to make an immediate difference or establish a lasting legacy, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
BUSINESS INTERESTS
Donating business interests may qualify you for substantial tax deductions, including income, capital gains, and estate tax benefits.
CLOSELY TRADED STOCK
A strategic and impactful way to support charitable causes while optimizing your financial portfolio.
RETIREMENT ASSETS
Leverage your retirement assets, such as your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension, or other tax-deferred plan, to make a significant impact while experiencing potential tax benefits.
PUBLICLY TRADED STOCKS, BONDS & SECURITIES
Leverage appreciated securities, including shares of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or exchangetraded funds (ETFs), for a tax-smart donation.
CASH
A donation by check, wire, or ACH to your Donor Advised Fund is a hassle-free way to contribute to your philanthropic endeavors.
LIFE INSURANCE
If you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift to the Foundation.
PRIVATELY HELD ASSETS
Donating privately held assets offers tax benefits, legacy preservation, and flexibility to align with your philanthropic goals and financial needs.
COINS, JEWELRY, & ART
A unique gift that supports charitable causes while offering valuable tax benefits and flexibility in your philanthropy.
REAL ESTATE
Donating appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, ranch, or commercial property can make a great gift to your Donor Advised Fund.
Ready to get started? We can help.
Andrea Mayes Senior Director of Charitable Solutions
Corporate Giving Program Support & Management Services
Customized Consulting
Giving Plans
Grants Management
Landscape & Issue Analysis
Nonprofit Research
Private Foundation Services
Topical Convenings
PARTNERING WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
Acceptance of Noncash Assets
Charitable Advice & Customized Giving Solutions
Third-Party Investment Management (starting at $500,000)
ARTICLES & PERSPECTIVES
Discover insights, inspiration, and impact stories with our Articles & Perspectives, dedicated to providing valuable resources and narratives on Houston-area philanthropy. Dive into impactful stories that showcase the transformative power of giving back and learn how you can get involved in shaping a brighter future for our community.
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
Delivering High-Impact Philanthropy
2024 Governing Board
CHAIR
Chris Weekley
President David Weekley Homes
Gregory L. Ebel
President & CEO
Enbridge Inc.
Kate Fowler
Executive Director
Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
Cullen Geiselman
Ph.D. Chair of the Board
Cullen Trust for Health Care
Philip J. Hawk
Retired Executive
Douglas C. Kelly President Hilcorp Ventures, Inc.
Nancy D. McGregor Community Leader Retired Attorney
Executive Leadership Team
Stephen D. Maislin
President & CEO
Pooja Amin
General Counsel
Rebecca Hove
IMMEDIATE PAST, CHAIR
Ron Hulme CEO
Bluescape Energy Partners
Brad Morgan
NEXT GEN REPRESENTATIVE Co-Founder & President Platform Partners LLC
Avani Narang*
NEXT GEN REPRESENTATIVE Managing Director of Marketing & Digital Communications Indus Communities
Brandon Simmons* Chairman of the Board of Regents Texas Southern University
Y. Ping Sun* Of Counsel Yetter Coleman, LLP
Caren Sweetland Attorney, Community Leader
Managing Director of Strategic Philanthropy
Mike Pawson Chief Financial Officer
Impact in Action Magazine Team
Camille Manaker
Graphic Designer, Marketing Creative Associate
Kaitlin Necas
Copywriter, Communications Specialist
Rachel Young
CHAIR ELECT
Robert Harvey Retired, President & CEO Greater Houston Partnership
Tym Tombar Managing Director Arcadius Capital Partners
