Harvey Arts Recovery
Community Partners and Supporters,
“Unexpected.” You might say that was the word of 2017.
No one could have expected how much Hurricane Harvey would damage the place we call home.
Nor could we have predicted how our partners’ efforts up until the storm would prove so vital in disaster response and recovery.
Who could have known
- that a group of arts services organizations would band together to form a first-of-its-kind arts recovery effort?
- how badly our students would need the wide range of supports that HISD and ProUnitas would make more accessible to them?
- what a vital role the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative would play in supporting undocumented residents in the aftermath of the costliest hurricane in Houston’s history?
- that a natural disaster would cause the release of nearly 4,000 tons of air pollution in our region – and that local environmental organizations would ensure that that story made the news?
At Houston Endowment, our funding is an investment in our community. We try to place all of our resources where they will have the greatest impact. But sometimes our partners’ impact exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Harvey shed new light on existing vulnerabilities. We have redoubled our efforts to address these issues. We aim to increase the resiliency of the region by investing in long-term solutions that treat problems at their roots and by bringing to light accurate, actionable information that can engage the public and guide decision-makers.
Yes, Harvey left behind heartbreak. It also highlighted our incredible community and the importance of partnership in everything we do — which was as essential as ever in our 80th anniversary year.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the impressive work of our partners that every day brings us closer to a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive.
Ann B. Stern
P.S. Based on your feedback, we look forward to communicating with you much more often via more frequent updates to this website and new communication channels.
Achieving Impact
In order to have the greatest impact possible, we leverage the endowment's resources in a variety of ways.
Achieving Impact
In order to have the greatest impact possible, we leverage the Foundation’s resources in a variety of ways.
We aim to use all of the Foundation’s assets as a force for positive change in our region.
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
Wraparound services
One Breath Partnership
Providing Actionable Information
We believe it’s important to further our understanding of the facts surrounding critical issues. We also value sharing what we learn.
Providing Actionable Information
We believe it’s important to further our understanding of the facts surrounding critical issues. We also value sharing what we learn.
Not only does this guide our work for greater impact; it also provides accurate, actionable information to stakeholders — from elected officials to our region’s residents — to help them understand and advocate for what’s best for their communities.
The reports below, all published in 2017, were all commissioned in part by Houston Endowment and conducted by our partners.
This report on the out-of-school time (OST) landscape in Harris County includes an analysis of the supply and demand for high-quality after-school and summer enrichment programs in the county as well as in select neighborhoods, an exploration of the various funding streams for OST programming, and insights and recommendations.
“Out-of-school time” refers to regular learning opportunities outside the school day – including those that occur before school, after school, on weekends and during the summer – that have attendance and enrollment expectations and a defined focus or curriculum.
This report examines best practices and policies in teacher preparation and makes practical policy recommendations to help ensure that teachers are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide Texas students with a 21st century education.
This report explores the potential fiscal ramifications to Texas of transforming certain publicly-funded health insurance through per capita caps or block grants.
This report identifies gaps in the system of mental health services available for Harris County children and offers strategic recommendations to increase availability of the right types of services when and where they are most needed.
Investing in Our Community
In 2017, we awarded more than $79 million in funding to more than 130 organizations.
Investing in Our Community
We envision greater Houston as a vibrant community where all people have the opportunity to thrive.
To that end, in 2017, Houston Endowment approved more than $79 million in funding in four overlapping focus areas to more than 130 organizations.
Strong Civic Assets
We believe that world-class arts, cultural experiences and public greenspaces are an essential part of a vibrant, dynamic community and should be accessible to everyone. We work to enhance the vibrancy of greater Houston through investments in civic assets.
Click here for a list of funding approved in 2017 that supports Strong Civic Assets.
Thriving Residents
We believe that all residents of greater Houston should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of what neighborhood they live in or where they were born. We work to ensure effective support systems for vulnerable populations.
Click here for a list of funding approved in 2017 that supports Thriving Residents.
Post-Secondary Success
We believe that a strong education is the foundation for a fulfilling life. We work to ensure that all students in greater Houston have access to a high-quality education that prepares them to become productive, engaged adults.
Click here for a list of funding approved in 2017 that supports Post-Secondary Success.
Stronger Region
We believe that community leaders and residents alike must be forward-thinking so that everyone can thrive as our region grows. We work to strengthen greater Houston by protecting the natural environment and increasing the region’s ability to plan for future needs.
Click here for a list of funding approved in 2017 that supports a Stronger Region.