Rockwell Fund Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.11 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Houston, Texas region

Contact Details

• Website: www.rockfund.org (limited functionality)
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Location: Houston, TX

Overview

Established in 1951, the Rockwell Fund Inc is a private grantmaking foundation based in Houston, Texas, with total assets of approximately $90.7 million. The foundation distributes over $5 million annually in charitable disbursements, representing 84% of its total expenses. Operating for over seven decades, the foundation focuses on supporting low-income individuals and communities through strategic investments in education, health, housing, and workforce development. The foundation also engages in Program-Related Investments (PRIs), providing loans to community organizations including health clinics and cultural institutions.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation concentrates on four core issue areas:

• Education: Dropout prevention programs
• Health: Community-based health services and health centers
• Housing: Supportive housing initiatives
• Workforce Development: Job training and business opportunity programs

The foundation makes both traditional grants and Program-Related Investments (loans) to qualified organizations.

What They Fund

• Community health clinics and health centers
• Educational programs focused on dropout prevention
• Supportive housing initiatives
• Job training and workforce development programs
• Cultural organizations (including symphony orchestras through PRIs)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

• Ronald C. Lewis - President/CEO ($315,000 compensation)
• Tantri Erlinawati Emo - Vice President ($252,100 compensation)
• Patrick Moreno Covington - Program Officer ($94,000 compensation)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Based on available information, the Rockwell Fund Inc does not appear to have a public application process. The foundation likely operates through invitation-only grants or trustee-directed giving. Organizations seeking support should consider relationship-building approaches rather than unsolicited applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the lack of public application process, potential grantees should focus on:

• Building relationships with foundation leadership and program officers
• Demonstrating alignment with the foundation's four core issue areas
• Establishing credibility in serving low-income communities in the Houston area

Financial Information

Recent Financial Data (2024):

• Total Revenue: $7.48 million
• Total Expenses: $6.07 million
• Total Assets: $90.7 million
• Charitable Disbursements: $5.11 million (84.3% of expenses)

The foundation maintains a consistent pattern of allocating approximately 84-86% of its expenses to charitable purposes, demonstrating a strong commitment to its philanthropic mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates without a public application process, suggesting relationship-building is essential
• Focus areas are clearly defined around education, health, housing, and workforce development for low-income communities
• The foundation's use of Program-Related Investments indicates openness to innovative financing structures beyond traditional grants
• With $90.7 million in assets and $5.11 million in annual giving, the foundation has substantial resources for qualified projects
• Houston-area organizations serving low-income populations appear to be the primary beneficiaries
• The foundation has maintained its tax-exempt status since 1951, indicating stable, long-term operations

References

• GuideStar Profile for Rockwell Fund Inc (EIN: 74-6040258), accessed December 2025
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Rockwell Fund Inc Profile, 2024 financial data, accessed December 2025
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, April 1951