We Envision
A Vibrant
Region Where
All Have The
Opportunity
To Thrive
Who We Are
Since 1937, we have been rooted in the success of Greater Houston.
Houston Endowment is a nonpartisan, private foundation that exists to serve the people of Greater Houston. We are inspired by the legacy of our founders, Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones, and moved by the pressing needs of our community today.
our work
Today we invest in strengthening public education, increasing civic engagement, enhancing the arts and cultural sector, and growing Houston’s greenspaces. Our giving is guided by our commitment to learning and evaluation, which deepens our understanding of these areas and identifies what works. Additionally, we stand ready to address emerging opportunities and challenges with the potential to significantly advance our mission of improving the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston.
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Public Education
We want more children to graduate with choices for their future.
Explore Program (Public Education) -
Civic Engagement
We want to grow civic engagement in our region.
Explore Program (Civic Engagement) -
Arts & Culture
We want Greater Houston to have the most vibrant arts and culture sector in the U.S.
Explore Program (Arts & Culture) -
Greenspaces
We want to increase access to greenspaces for all who live here.
Explore Program (Greenspaces)
Grants
Learn more about our funding process
Insights & News
View all Insights and News-
Clearing the path from community college to teaching careers
In just its second year, the Houston Teacher Pathways Consortium has expanded to 15 colleges and universities and more than doubled its reach to aspiring teachers—clear signs of growing momentum to address the region’s shortage of certified teachers.
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Houston Endowment convenes regional arts data leaders to strengthen collaboration and advocacy
Houston-area arts organizations are working together to better understand—and better explain—their impact amid a rapidly changing environment that includes rising costs and uncertain public funding, which make it harder to sustain their work. To address this challenge, Houston Endowment recently convened a group of regional and statewide arts leaders to focus on one tool they say could make a difference: shared data.
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College of the Mainland, Texas Woman’s University create new teacher pathway
Aspiring teachers at College of the Mainland and Texas Woman’s University will have a new pathway in the fall of 2026 after the schools joined a regional consortium, a joint initiative of the Charles Butt Foundation and Houston Endowment.
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Riverside Hospital resurrected as Riverside Health Hub
Riverside Hospital will reopen as Riverside Health Hub—home to multiple Harris County Precinct One programs, health-related and beyond.
Learn More (Riverside Hospital resurrected as Riverside Health Hub)