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-
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.
Learn More (College of the Mainland, Texas Woman’s University create new teacher pathway) -
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) -
Riverside returns: Historic Houston Negro Hospital restored for a new generation
Nearly a century after it first opened to serve Black patients barred from other hospitals, community leaders gathered in Third Ward to cut the ribbon on the renewed Riverside Hospital campus.
Learn More (Riverside returns: Historic Houston Negro Hospital restored for a new generation) -
The Channel | February 2026
What does it take for Houston arts sector to thrive? And what happens when nonprofit support expands to Galveston? We’re exploring these topics in this month’s issue of The Channel.
Learn More (The Channel | February 2026)