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