Gordon A. Cain Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,498,500 (2023)
• Total Assets: $68.8 million (2024)
• Decision Time: 1-2 months (decisions in May and December)
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Awards Made: 46 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Houston, Texas

Contact Details

Website: https://www.gordonacainfoundation.org/

Mailing Address: Houston, TX 77046

Contact: James D. Weaver, Chairman

Applications and letters of inquiry should be addressed to James D. Weaver, Chairman, The Gordon A. Cain Foundation.

Overview

The Gordon A. Cain Foundation is a private family foundation incorporated in Texas in 2007 to continue the philanthropic legacy of Gordon Arbuthnot Cain (1912-2002), a pioneering chemical industry entrepreneur and venture capitalist. With total assets of $68.8 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $2.5 million through 46 grants in 2023. The foundation was established using remaining assets from The Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation (founded 1988), which made a historic $100 million gift to the Morehead Scholars Program at the University of North Carolina in 2007. The foundation provides bi-yearly grants primarily to Houston-area charitable organizations, focusing on higher and secondary education, social services, health associations, arts, and denominational causes. The foundation reflects Gordon Cain's belief in free enterprise and employee ownership, also supporting public policy groups with limited-government, free-market orientation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a bi-annual grant cycle with decisions made in May and December. Grant amounts vary based on project needs, with the average grant in 2023 being approximately $54,000 (based on 46 awards totaling $2.5 million). Applications are accepted on a fixed deadline basis.

Priority Areas

• Higher and Secondary Education: Support for educational institutions and programs
• Social Services: Organizations providing community services and support
• Health Associations: Health-related charitable organizations and research
• Arts and Culture: Cultural institutions and programs
• Denominational Giving: Faith-based organizations and initiatives
• Public Policy: Organizations promoting limited-government, free-market principles

Geographic Focus

Grants are made primarily to charitable organizations in the city of Houston, Texas, though exceptions may be made for causes aligned with the founder's legacy (such as Louisiana State University and the Morehead-Cain program).

What They Don't Fund

According to historical 990 filings from the predecessor foundation, there were no formal restrictions by geographical areas, charitable fields, kinds of institutions, or other factors beyond the stated preference for Houston-based organizations.

Governance and Leadership

James D. Weaver, Chairman: Stepson of Gordon Cain, James D. Weaver serves as Chairman of the foundation's Board of Trustees. He also serves on the board of trustees of the Morehead-Cain Foundation. Final disposition of all proposals is made at meetings of the foundation's Board of Trustees in May and December of each year.

The foundation received $3.5 million in contributions in 2024, suggesting ongoing support from family members or related entities to continue the foundation's work.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Submit a formal written proposal by mail addressed to:

James D. Weaver, Chairman
The Gordon A. Cain Foundation
Houston, TX 77046

Required Materials:

1. Project Narrative: A detailed explanation of the purpose and objectives of the proposed project, a brief history of the organization and those it serves, and the community need for the project

2. Financial Documents:

   • Most recent audited financial statement
   • Current and itemized annual budget for your organization
   • Project budget if applicable, including the amount needed for the entire project and the amount of the grant requested

3. Supporting Information:

   • List of major sources of support
   • Staff description
   • List of the Board of Trustees/Directors

4. Tax Documentation: The most recent copy of your organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt letter from the Internal Revenue Service

Format Requirements: Do not use presentation binders, report covers, display binders, or folders. Submit proposals as simple, unbound documents.

Submission: All inquiries and grant proposals from non-profit organizations are welcomed and reviewed equally.

Decision Timeline

Spring Cycle:

• Deadline: April 1st
• Board Meeting: May
• Decision notifications: Shortly after May meeting

Fall Cycle:

• Deadline: November 1st
• Board Meeting: December
• Decision notifications: Shortly after December meeting

Important Note: Any proposals received after the deadline will be held for review at the next meeting (approximately 6 months later).

Success Rates

The foundation made 46 awards in 2023, representing active grantmaking activity. However, the foundation does not publish data on the number of applications received or overall success rates.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit proposals for either cycle. The foundation's statement that "all inquiries and grant proposals from non-profit organizations are welcomed and reviewed equally" suggests no formal restrictions on reapplication, though applicants should allow time between submissions if unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Based on Foundation History and Values

Alignment with Gordon Cain's Legacy: The foundation honors Gordon Cain, who believed strongly in free enterprise, employee ownership, and the principle that "everybody wins" when businesses share success with employees. Organizations that demonstrate these values—such as innovation, shared success, and community benefit—may resonate with the foundation's mission.

Clear Community Need: Given the requirement to explain "the community need for the project," successful applications likely demonstrate a clear gap or need in the Houston community that the proposed project will address.

Financial Responsibility: The foundation requires detailed financial documentation including audited statements and budgets, suggesting they value fiscal responsibility and transparency in grantees.

Houston Connection: With a stated focus on "charitable organizations primarily in the city of Houston, Texas," applicants with strong Houston ties and local impact are prioritized.

Quality Over Presentation: The explicit instruction not to use presentation binders or elaborate folders suggests the foundation values substance over style. Focus on clear, concise writing and solid project planning rather than expensive presentation materials.

Relationship Building: One reviewer on GrantAdvisor suggested requesting an introduction via email first rather than cold calling, indicating that relationship-building may be important despite the foundation's statement that all proposals are "reviewed equally."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Plan for the Cycle: Submit well before the April 1st or November 1st deadlines to ensure consideration at the next board meeting; late applications wait 6 months for review
• Keep It Simple: Follow the no-binders instruction literally—this foundation values straightforward, unadorned proposals that focus on content
• Houston First: Emphasize your Houston presence and local impact, as the foundation's primary mission is supporting Houston-area organizations
• Show the Numbers: Provide comprehensive financial documentation as requested; the foundation appears to value fiscal transparency and detailed budgeting
• Know the Legacy: Understanding Gordon Cain's background in chemical industry entrepreneurship and his philosophy of shared success may help frame your proposal in terms the foundation values
• Be Patient: With only two decision points per year (May and December), allow 1-2 months after the deadline for decisions, and plan your organizational funding timeline accordingly
• Email First: Consider introducing your organization via email before submitting a full proposal, as this approach may help establish initial contact with the foundation

References

• Gordon A. Cain Foundation official website: https://www.gordonacainfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Gordon A. Cain Foundation guidelines page: https://www.gordonacainfoundation.org/services (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Gordon A. Cain Foundation (EIN 20-8483773): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/208483773 (Accessed January 2026)
• Science History Institute - Gordon A. Cain Biography: https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/gordon-cain/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Morehead-Cain Foundation - Mary Cain obituary: https://www.moreheadcain.org/blog/mary-cain-philanthropist-and-benefactor-of-morehead-cain-dies-at-96/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ - Gordon A. Cain Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/gordon-a-cain-foundation,208483773/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl - Gordon A. Cain Foundation 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/gordon-a-cain-foundation (Accessed January 2026)