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Zorich Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.2M

Zorich Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,210,482 (2024)
  • 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 $109 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes approximately $4.2 million annually to charitable causes. The foundation has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, increasing its assets from $13.9 million in 2011 to over $109 million today, largely due to continued contributions from the Zorich family. The foundation focuses primarily on Christian and Protestant organizations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, 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 organizations
  • Educational institutions (particularly higher education)
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Social services
  • Fundraising support for established nonprofits

Geographic Focus

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

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Unsolicited requests
  • Organizations 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 major philanthropists beyond their foundation, including Robert's recent $50 million personal gift to Arizona State University in October 2024 to establish the Global Institute for the Future of Energy.

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. Organizations 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, organizations 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 and growing assets, suggesting potential for increased giving
  • Family members are individually philanthropic beyond the foundation, indicating genuine commitment to charitable causes
  • Texas-based Christian organizations in education, healthcare, and social services align best with funding priorities
  • Consider connecting through the Houston philanthropic community where the Zorichs are active

References

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