The Mary H. Cain Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,500,000 (2024); $1,425,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 8 weeks (board meets May and December)
• Grant Range: $6,000 - $850,000 (recent typical: $6,000 - $150,000)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Houston, TX area

Contact Details

• Address: 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 606, Houston, TX 77046-0801
• Phone: 713-840-7896
• EIN: 20-8483925
• Website: No public website
• Pre-application contact: Phone inquiries welcome at 713-840-7896

Overview

The Mary H. Cain Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2007 in honor of Mary Hancock Cain (1925-2021), a prominent Houston philanthropist. With total assets of approximately $87.4 million, the foundation distributed $3.5 million in charitable disbursements in 2024, marking significant growth from $1.4 million in 2023. The foundation continues Mary Cain's legacy of supporting education and the arts, along with community development and healthcare initiatives primarily in the Houston area. The foundation makes 17-19 grants annually and accepts unsolicited proposals from any qualifying nonprofit organization, reviewing all applications equally through its board meetings held typically in May and December.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides both general operating and project support through a single grant program:

• Small grants: $6,000 - $25,000 (community and operating support)
• Mid-range grants: $25,000 - $150,000 (project and operating support)
• Large grants: Up to $850,000 (significant multi-year or capital commitments, less frequent)
• Application method: Fixed deadlines (April 1 and November 1)

Priority Areas

• Education (including higher education)
• Arts and culture
• Parks and recreation
• Community development (civic organizations, fire departments)
• Healthcare

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a private foundation they likely do not fund:

• Individuals
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

• Margaret Weaver - Chairman and President (daughter of Mary H. Cain)
• Pamela Lynn Woods - Secretary and Treasurer
• Lucy Hanes Chatham - Director

The foundation maintains a small board structure focused on continuing Mary Cain's philanthropic vision, particularly her passion for education and the arts.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Submit written proposals including:

1. Concise, clearly written proposal explaining purpose and objectives
2. Brief organizational history and description of those served
3. Most recent audited financial statement
4. Current itemized annual budget
5. Project budget (if applicable)
6. Specific grant amount requested

Important: Do not use presentation binders, report covers, or folders.

Submit by mail to: 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 606, Houston, TX 77046

Decision Timeline

• Board meetings: Typically May and December
• Proposal deadlines: April 1 (May meeting) and November 1 (December meeting)
• Notification: Following each board meeting (approximately 8 weeks from submission)

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made:

• 2023: 19 grants totaling $1,425,000
• 2022: 18 grants
• 2021: 17 grants

Reapplication Policy

No formal policy documented. The foundation welcomes all proposals and reviews them equally, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may reapply.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and focus:

• Houston-area focus: Priority given to Houston-based organizations or those serving Houston communities
• Alignment with Mary Cain's legacy: Strong fit for arts, education, and cultural organizations
• Clear community need: Articulate specific community needs and how your organization addresses them
• Financial transparency: Provide complete audited financials and detailed budgets
• Appropriate ask amount: Average grants approximately $75,000; calibrate requests accordingly
• Substance over style: Focus on clear, concise writing rather than elaborate presentations
• Consider general operating support: Unlike many foundations, they fund unrestricted support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Accessible funder: Accepts unsolicited proposals from any qualifying nonprofit - no invitation required
• Two annual cycles: Plan submissions for April 1 or November 1 deadlines
• No website: Direct phone contact (713-840-7896) recommended before submitting
• Growing grantmaking: Significant increase from $1.4M (2023) to $3.5M (2024) in annual giving
• Flexible funding: Both general operating and project support available
• Houston priority: Strong preference for local Houston organizations
• Simple presentation: Explicitly prefers straightforward proposals without fancy packaging

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Mary H Cain Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/208483925 (accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Mary H Cain Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/mary-h-cain-foundation (accessed February 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/208483925-mary-h-cain-foundation/ (accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ - The Mary H Cain Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-mary-h-cain-foundation,208483925/ (accessed February 2026)
• GrantStation - The Mary H. Cain Foundation: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/mary-h-cain-foundation (accessed February 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=CAIN022 (accessed February 2026)
• Morehead-Cain Foundation obituary: https://www.moreheadcain.org/blog/mary-cain-philanthropist-and-benefactor-of-morehead-cain-dies-at-96/ (accessed February 2026)