Rockwell Fund Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.42 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly board review
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Greater Houston area, Texas

Contact Details

• Website: rockfund.org
• Phone: 713.629.9022
• Email: info@rockfund.org; grantsinfo@rockfund.org (technical assistance during application process)
• Address: 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77027

Overview

Established in 1931 as a charitable trust by James M. Rockwell, a Houston lumberman, investor, and civic leader, the Rockwell Fund Inc was incorporated in 1949 and granted tax-exempt status in 1951. Based in Houston, Texas, with total assets of approximately $89.4 million, the foundation distributes over $4.4 million annually in charitable disbursements, representing approximately 72% of its total expenses. Operating for over nine decades, the foundation focuses on supporting low-income individuals and communities in the Greater Houston area through strategic investments in education, health, housing, and workforce development. The foundation also engages in Programme-Related Investments (PRIs), providing loans to community organisations including health clinics and cultural institutions.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation concentrates on four core issue areas:

• Education: Dropout prevention strategies targeting the intermediate and middle school years
• Health: Community-based health services, including physical, mental, and behavioural health
• Housing: Supportive housing, defined as affordable housing coupled with on-site support services needed to achieve self-sufficiency
• Workforce Development: Job training/placement and jobs creation/small business development opportunities

Additionally, Rockwell Fund grants support capacity building strategies benefiting the Greater Houston area nonprofit sector as a whole.

What They Fund

• Community health clinics and health centres
• Educational programmes focused on dropout prevention
• Supportive housing initiatives
• Job training and workforce development programmes
• Capacity building for Greater Houston area nonprofits
• Cultural organisations (including through PRIs)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

• Ronald C. Lewis - President/CEO
• Tantri Erlinawati Emo - Vice President
• Patrick Moreno Covington - Programme Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Rockwell Fund accepts applications through an online grants management system (Temelio). Applications are accepted during specific submission periods that vary by issue area. The foundation does not accept letters of inquiry; organisations must submit full grant applications during the appropriate submission period.

Application Requirements:

• All grant applicants must create an online profile before completing the application request form
• Only one grant application may be submitted per organisation per grant submission period
• Applications are only accepted through the online system - the foundation does not accept documents by email, fax, mail, or hand delivery

Review Process: After each quarterly board meeting, each applicant is notified regarding the disposition of its request.

Important Notes:

• The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for invited grant applications (some opportunities are by invitation only)
• Application submission periods vary by issue area and are identified on the foundation's website
• For detailed instructions, visit rockfund.org/how-to

Eligibility

Only organisations located in the Greater Houston area and eligible for charitable funding aligned with Rockwell Fund's strategies and desired outcomes may obtain and submit a grant application.

Financial Information

Recent Financial Data (2023):

• Total Assets: $89.4 million
• Total Expenses: $6.16 million
• Charitable Disbursements: $4.42 million (71.8% of expenses)

Historical Grants Paid:

• 2023: $4,415,285
• 2022: $4,760,148
• 2021: $3,681,090

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates with an online application system with fixed deadlines by issue area
• Focus areas are clearly defined around education, health, housing, workforce development, and capacity building for low-income communities
• The foundation's use of Programme-Related Investments indicates openness to innovative financing structures beyond traditional grants
• With $89.4 million in assets and $4.42 million in annual giving, the foundation has substantial resources for qualified projects
• Only Greater Houston area organisations are eligible
• Applications are reviewed quarterly by the board
• No letters of inquiry are required - organisations submit full applications during designated submission periods

References

• Rockwell Fund official website (rockfund.org), accessed May 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Rockwell Fund Inc Profile, 2023 990 filing data (EIN: 74-6040258), accessed May 2026
• Texas State Historical Association, "The Rockwell Fund: A Legacy of Charitable Giving", accessed May 2026
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination, April 1951