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Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

Annual Giving
$13.5M
Grant Range
$10K - $6.0M
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
10%

Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13.5 million (2023)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $6,000,000
  • Total Assets: ~$188 million
  • Number of Grants: 52 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: State of Texas (primarily Houston)
  • Application Method: Letter of inquiry (mail only, rolling basis)

Contact Details

Address: 1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 5250, Houston, TX 77002

Website: https://www.alkek.org

Note: Letters of inquiry accepted by mail only (no email or fax)

Overview

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation was established through the will of Albert B. Alkek and began its charitable work upon his death in 1995. Albert Alkek (1909-1995) was a Texas oil magnate whose company was once the largest independent gasoline supplier in the state. He famously said, "You can't wear but one suit, and you can't eat but three meals a day. What are you going to do with your money except help others?" The foundation continues his philanthropic legacy, providing support for charitable, religious, scientific (primarily medical), cultural, and educational organizations serving the people of Texas. The majority of grants reflect Mr. Alkek's preferences for research and education-related projects that will pay lasting dividends in terms of new discoveries and improved quality of life. The foundation has contributed over $100 million to Baylor College of Medicine alone, reflecting its deep commitment to long-term institutional partnerships. With assets of approximately $188 million, the foundation distributed $13.5 million in grants in 2023.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation funds across four main categories:

  • Medical ($7-9 million annually): Largest allocation, supporting medical schools, clinics, medical centers, hospital construction, and research programs. Recent major grants include $6 million to Baylor College of Medicine for program support.

  • Educational ($800,000-$1.2 million annually): Scholarship support for Episcopal and private schools, university construction projects, and experiential learning programs. Recent example: $1 million to Texas State University for student enrichment initiatives in the Albert B. Alkek Library.

  • Cultural ($600,000-$1.7 million annually): Support for performing arts, museums, and cultural institutions. Recent grants include $1.3 million to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston endowment and $400,000 to Houston Symphony Society.

  • Community ($360,000-$1.5 million annually): Supporting local community programs and initiatives.

Priority Areas

  • Medical Research: Particularly cardiovascular sciences, diabetes, cancer, pharmacogenomics, imaging, informatics, and proteomics
  • Higher Education Infrastructure: Building and renovation projects for educational and medical facilities
  • Cultural Institutions: Performing arts organizations, museums, and endowment building
  • K-12 Education: Scholarship programs, particularly for Episcopal and private schools in Texas
  • Long-term Institutional Partnerships: Organizations where the foundation can influence additional fundraising, attract top talent, initiate new programs, or build facilities supporting expanded missions

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Direct student scholarships
  • Political candidates or legislative influence
  • Fund-raising events
  • Advertising in programs
  • Individual memorials
  • Student organizations
  • Service club charities
  • School uniforms, equipment, or team trips

Governance and Leadership

Current Board Members

  • Margaret Alkek Williams - Chairman (2005-present, Board member since 1996). Daughter of Albert and Margaret Alkek, she continues the family's philanthropic legacy.
  • Charles A. Williams - President (1996-present)
  • Randa Duncan Williams - Vice President (1996-present)
  • Scott B. Seaman - Treasurer (1996-present)
  • Dr. Paul Klotman, M.D. (2010-present)

Foundation Staff

  • Scott B. Seaman - Executive Director (1996-present)
  • Sandra K. Bacak - Controller, Assistant Secretary (1997-present)

Leadership Philosophy

According to Executive Director Scott B. Seaman, the foundation practices "strategic philanthropy" by "selecting organizations carefully" and "targeting your gift" to maximize impact. He notes that grants are "developed through personal relationships or through proactive initiatives" and "rarely do we make grants from inquiries that were received on an unsolicited basis."

President Charles Williams emphasizes the foundation's focus on "medicine and education" and "investing in people and institutions [they] believed would excel over the long haul," reflecting Albert Alkek's original vision.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis throughout the year. The application process is intentionally streamlined:

Letter of Inquiry Requirements (1-2 pages):

  • Brief description of your organization
  • Details of the project or program
  • Total funding needed
  • Specific amount requested from the foundation
  • Optional: Supporting brochures may be included
  • Do NOT include: Tax returns or detailed financial statements

Submission Requirements:

  • Mail only (no email or fax accepted)
  • Send to: 1100 Louisiana, Suite 5250, Houston, Texas 77002
  • Only one application per organization per 12-month period
  • All submitted materials become foundation property

Important Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications in the traditional sense. They primarily make grants based on personal relationships and proactive initiatives. Letters of inquiry are reviewed, but success rates are significantly higher for organizations with existing connections to the foundation or its board members.

Decision Timeline

The foundation reviews letters of inquiry on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, but organizations should expect the process to take several months given the relationship-driven nature of the foundation's grant making.

Success Rates

In 2023, the foundation made 52 awards from what is likely a much larger pool of inquiries. As stated on their website, they "rarely" make grants from unsolicited inquiries, suggesting a very low success rate for organizations without prior connections. The foundation is described as "a tightly knit family funder" that "usually sticks to grantees it has a personal affiliation with."

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit only one application per 12-month period. No specific information is provided about unsuccessful applicants reapplying, though the annual limit suggests organizations can try again after a year.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented approach, success factors include:

  1. Personal Relationships Are Key: The foundation explicitly states that grants are "developed through personal relationships or through proactive initiatives." Organizations with existing connections to board members or trustees have significantly higher success rates.

  2. Long-term Partnership Potential: The foundation invests in "people and institutions [they] believed would excel over the long haul." Their 100+ million dollar relationship with Baylor College of Medicine demonstrates commitment to sustained partnerships.

  3. Strategic Impact Opportunities: The executive director emphasizes looking for opportunities that can "influence additional fundraising, attract top talent, initiate new programs, or build facilities supporting expanded missions." Show how your project creates leverage for broader impact.

  4. Texas Focus, Houston Priority: The foundation serves "the people of the state of Texas" with a clear preference for Houston-based organizations. Geographic alignment is essential.

  5. Medical Research and Education Excellence: Following Albert Alkek's legacy, projects in medical research (especially cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes) and educational infrastructure have the strongest track record.

  6. Construction and Capital Projects: The foundation has a documented history of supporting building and renovation projects for educational and medical facilities. Capital campaigns may be particularly attractive.

  7. Clear, Concise Communication: The foundation requests only 1-2 page letters of inquiry without detailed financial statements, suggesting they value brevity and clarity.

  8. Historical Connection to Founders: Albert Alkek served on Baylor College of Medicine's Board of Trustees for 17 years and had a personal friendship with Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. Organizations with historical connections to the Alkek family have clear advantages.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Relationship-first approach: This is not a foundation for cold applications. Success requires personal connections to board members or a proactive approach to building relationships before applying.
  • Houston and Texas focus: Geographic location matters significantly. Houston-based organizations have the best opportunities.
  • Medical and education sweet spot: Projects in medical research, medical education, or educational infrastructure align best with the foundation's 30-year track record.
  • Think capital, think scale: The foundation favors construction projects, major research initiatives, and programs that can attract additional funding or talent.
  • Long-term partnership potential: Position your organization as a candidate for sustained support over many years, not one-time funding.
  • Keep it simple: A concise 1-2 page letter is all they want initially. Focus on clarity and impact, not comprehensive detail.
  • Family-driven philanthropy: Understanding the Alkek family values and Albert Alkek's legacy of strategic, impactful giving will help frame your approach.

References

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