Valero Energy Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,976,336 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
• Grant Range: Varies widely ($12,500 - $1,500,000 based on examples)
• Geographic Focus: Communities where Valero has major operations

Contact Details

• Website: valero.com/responsibility/philanthropy
• Application Portal: valero.versaic.com (invitation-only)
• Address: P.O. Box 696000, San Antonio, TX

Overview

Founded in 1999, the Valero Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Valero Energy Corporation, one of the world's largest independent petroleum refiners. The foundation provided $10,976,336 in grants to 358 charitable organizations in 2023, though historically has contributed up to $40 million annually. Together with Valero corporate giving and employee contributions, the total charitable impact exceeded $77 million in 2024. The foundation focuses exclusively on communities where Valero has major operations, emphasizing support for disadvantaged children and families through four strategic pillars: Basic Needs, Health, Education, and Civic Support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Basic Needs Grants: $12,500 - $1,500,000+ (shelter, food, clothing support)
• Health Initiative Grants: Variable amounts (community health resources, mental health services)
• Education Support Grants: Variable amounts (virtual education, Title I schools, mentoring)
• Civic Enhancement Grants: Variable amounts (first responders, quality of life projects)
• Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children: Distributes $25 million annually to hundreds of charities nationwide

Priority Areas

• Emergency shelters and food banks
• Children's homes and family support services
• Health care services in underserved neighborhoods
• Mental health and child abuse prevention
• Educational programs for disadvantaged youth
• First responder support
• Environmental initiatives benefiting communities

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside Valero operational areas
• Unsolicited proposals (invitation-only process)
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Programs not aligned with four strategic pillars

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership:

• R. Lane Riggs - President, CEO, and Chairman (as of December 31, 2024)
• Jason W. Fraser - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Gary K. Simmons - Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
• Seymour Battle - Senior Vice President

The foundation operates closely with Valero Energy Corporation's executive team and maintains a philosophy of being "a good neighbor" in operational communities. Leadership emphasizes "collaborating with nonprofit partners to foster improved quality of life and create measurable impact where unmet needs exist."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL: This funder does not have a public application process. Valero Energy Foundation has moved to an invitation-only grant process. Unsolicited grant proposals or requests for funding submitted outside of the invitation-only process will not be accepted.

For organizations that receive an invitation:

• Applications submitted through Valero Proposal Management System (valero.versaic.com)
• Must request funding at least 2 months prior to deadline
• All calendar year funding requests must be submitted simultaneously in one application
• Written decision provided within 6-8 weeks of submission

Getting on Their Radar

Based on research, organizations can position themselves for potential invitation by:

• Operating in communities where Valero has major facilities (San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, Port Arthur, Louisiana refineries, California operations)
• Engaging with Valero employees who volunteer 133,000+ hours annually and serve on 300+ nonprofit boards
• Participating in United Way campaigns in Valero communities (40-year partnership)
• Demonstrating proven track record serving disadvantaged children and families
• Building relationships through local Valero community engagement initiatives

Decision Timeline

• Submit requests minimum 2 months before funding deadline
• Written response within 6-8 weeks following submission
• All annual needs must be consolidated into single request

Success Rates

Success rate data not publicly disclosed due to invitation-only model

Reapplication Policy

No formal reapplication policy published. Since all annual needs must be submitted in one application, organizations should plan comprehensively for the full calendar year.

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects and foundation priorities:

• Geographic imperative: Must serve communities where Valero operates major facilities
• Clear pillar alignment: Explicitly demonstrate how program fits Basic Needs, Health, Education, or Civic Support priorities
• Focus on disadvantaged populations: Foundation specifically targets "disadvantaged children and families"
• Measurable impact: Foundation emphasizes "creating measurable impact where unmet needs exist"
• Collaborative approach: Valero values being recognized as "a good neighbor" and seeks collaborative partnerships
• Employee connection: Organizations with existing relationships to Valero employees or volunteer programs may have advantages
• Consolidated planning: Submit all annual funding needs in one comprehensive request rather than multiple applications

Recent funded examples include: Coastal Bend Food Bank ($1.5M), Ronald McDonald House Charities ($175,000), Sleep in Heavenly Peace providing beds ($30,000), Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau mentoring ($12,500).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only process is absolute - no unsolicited proposals will be considered
• Geographic alignment is non-negotiable - must serve Valero operational communities
• Relationship building is essential - engage with local Valero employees and community initiatives before expecting invitation
• Submit consolidated annual requests - one application per year with all needs combined
• Allow significant lead time - minimum 2 months before deadline plus 6-8 weeks for decision
• Employee engagement matters - Valero employees volunteer extensively and serve on 300+ boards
• Focus on disadvantaged children and families - core target population across all pillars

References

• Valero Energy Foundation official website (valero.com/responsibility/philanthropy) - Accessed March 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Valero Energy Foundation Form 990 data - Accessed March 2026
• Instrumentl Foundation Profile - Grant statistics and amounts - Accessed March 2026
• GuideStar Profile - Foundation leadership and governance - Accessed March 2026
• Valero Corporate Responsibility pages - Community investment data - Accessed March 2026
• Charity Navigator rating (74-2904514) - Three-Star rating information - Accessed March 2026