Zorich Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,283,117 (2022)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: At trustee discretion
• Grant Range: Data not publicly available
• Geographic Focus: Texas (primarily), some national

Contact Details

• Phone: 713-659-6100
• Address: 9651 Katy Fwy Ste 525, Houston, TX 77024-1598
• Website: None
• Email: Not publicly available
• Application Process: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Robert L. and Barbara Zorich Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2000 and based in Houston, Texas. With assets exceeding $64 million as of 2022, the foundation distributes approximately $3.3 million annually to charitable causes. The foundation focuses primarily on Christian and Protestant organisations, educational institutions, healthcare organisations, and social services, with a geographic emphasis on Texas. The foundation operates without a public application process, making grants exclusively through trustee discretion and existing relationships.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

• Christian agencies and churches
• Protestant organisations
• Educational institutions (particularly higher education)
• Healthcare organisations
• Social services
• Fundraising support for established nonprofits

Geographic Focus

• Primary focus: Texas
• Secondary: National organisations with Texas presence

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Unsolicited requests
• Organisations outside their established network

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

• Robert L. Zorich - President, Treasurer, Director
• Barbara L. Zorich - Vice President, Secretary, Director
• Robert M. Zorich - Trustee
• Bret A. Zorich - Trustee/Director
• Brynley Zorich Todd - Trustee

Robert L. Zorich is the Managing Partner of EnCap Investments and an alumnus of ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management. The Zorich family are active philanthropists.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are made exclusively through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships. The foundation explicitly states it does not accept unsolicited applications or requests for funding.

Getting on Their Radar

The Zorich family are active members of Houston Methodist's Society for Leading Medicine, which requires a minimum $250,000 contribution. Robert L. Zorich serves on the Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders Council. Organisations connected to Houston Methodist, the energy sector through EnCap Investments, or ASU's Thunderbird School may have pathways to building relationships with the foundation's trustees.

Decision Timeline

Grants are made at trustee discretion throughout the year with no formal decision timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only foundation

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no formal application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates by invitation only and trustee discretion, organisations cannot apply directly. However, based on their giving patterns:

• Strong alignment with Christian/Protestant mission and values appears essential
• Established presence and reputation in Texas, particularly Houston area
• Connection to healthcare, education, or social services sectors
• Existing relationships with Zorich family members or their business/philanthropic networks
• Demonstrated effectiveness and financial stewardship

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Zorich Family Foundation is not accessible through traditional grant applications
• Focus on building relationships through Houston Methodist, EnCap Investments connections, or shared board members
• The foundation has substantial assets, suggesting capacity for significant grants
• Family members are individually philanthropic beyond the foundation, indicating genuine commitment to charitable causes
• Texas-based Christian organisations in education, healthcare, and social services align best with funding priorities
• Consider connecting through the Houston philanthropic community where the Zorichs are active

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Zorich Family Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/760664404
• Candid Foundation Directory - Zorich Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=ZORI001
• Cause IQ - Zorich Family Foundation Overview. Accessed January 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/zorich-family-foundation,760664404/
• Houston Methodist Society for Leading Medicine Members. Accessed January 2026. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/giving/ways-to-give/giving-societies/the-society-for-leading-medicine/members/
• GuideStar Profile - Zorich Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/76-0664404