More Than The Move Foundation (Hope Legacy Collective)

Quick Stats

• EIN: 81-4171814
• Annual Giving: $1,417,130 (2023)
• Total Assets: $59 million (2024)
• Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $50,000+ (average ~$23,000)
• Number of Awards: 62 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Local (Houston area) and global
• Application Method: No public application process; invitation/relationship-based
• Operating Name: Hope Legacy Collective (formerly More Than The Move Foundation)

Contact Details

Official Name: More Than The Move Foundation DBA Hope Legacy Collective

Addresses:

• Business Office: 1801 Main St, Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77002
• Headquarters: 411 Brisbane St, Houston, TX 77061

Phone: 713-747-4909

Website: www.hopelegacycollective.org

Email: Contact through website (j******@morethanthemove.org for general inquiries)

Executive Director: Jamie Hampton

Overview

The More Than The Move Foundation, now operating as Hope Legacy Collective, was established in 2017 (tax-exempt since January 2017, officially launched January 2018) by Todd Stewart in honor of his father, Steve Stewart, founder of Gulf Winds International. The foundation takes its name from Gulf Winds' company slogan: "It's about more than moving freight; it's about more than the move."

With total assets of $59 million and annual giving of approximately $1.4 million, Hope Legacy Collective is a private grantmaking foundation focused on supporting Kingdom-centered ministries and nonprofits both locally in the Houston area and globally. The foundation makes approximately 60+ grants annually, averaging around $23,000 per grant, though grant sizes vary based on project needs.

The organization was founded on the conviction that when God's people unite their resources, lives are changed, communities are restored, and the Kingdom advances. Originally established by Gulf Winds International, the foundation evolved to allow other companies and individuals to join in community service efforts, partnering with organizations including Core Group Resources (joined 2019), Owens Transport (joined 2020), and Field Industries.

Hope Legacy Collective has impacted 22,000 lives, built 132 churches, orphanages, or hope centers in 27 countries, and was instrumental in organizing resources and manpower to help local families with relief during Hurricane Harvey.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Hope Legacy Collective provides three types of financial support to partner organizations:

• Monthly Support: Ongoing partnership grants for sustained ministry work
• Matching Funds: Dollar-for-dollar matching to amplify fundraising efforts
• One-Time Grants: Project-specific funding for discrete initiatives
• Scholarship Programs: Multiple scholarship committees including:
  • Core Group Scholarship Committee
  • Owens Scholarship Committee
  • Field Industries Scholarship Committee

Priority Areas

Hope Legacy Collective's granting process is intentional—they seek out ministries and nonprofits with:

• Kingdom-Centered Mission: Strong commitment to Gospel advancement and Christian ministry
• Strong Leadership: Proven, healthy leadership structures vital for lasting impact
• Measurable Results: Clear outcomes and accountability in their work
• Local Impact: Houston-area community organizations addressing basic needs
• Global Reach: International ministries building churches and hope centers
• Disaster Relief: Emergency response (as demonstrated during Hurricane Harvey)
• Educational Support: Scholarships and educational initiatives
• Humanitarian Services: Organizations addressing poverty, hunger, and basic needs

Known Partners Include:

• International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) - church building and discipleship in 100+ countries
• myLIFEspeaks - Christ-centered culture development in Haiti through family empowerment, education, and public health
• Toolbox Ministries - creative evangelism to young people
• Steiger International - global ministry
• Ground Wire - ministry support
• Houston Food Bank - local food distribution efforts

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a Kingdom-focused foundation, they likely do not fund:

• Secular organizations without a Christian mission
• Organizations not aligned with their faith-based values
• General operating expenses without clear Kingdom impact
• Projects lacking measurable outcomes
• Organizations with weak or unstable leadership

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership

Todd Stewart, President

• Son of Gulf Winds International founder Steve Stewart
• Founded the foundation in his father's honor in 2017
• President of Gulf Winds International (acquired by The Sterling Group in December 2022)
• Graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University
• Joined Gulf Winds in 1996, starting as a forklift operator and serving in every department
• Recipient of C12 Hero Award (2019)
• His father Steve Stewart was honored with "Steve Stewart Day" by Houston City Council on August 20, 2011

Nikki Stewart, Treasurer

• Works alongside Todd Stewart in foundation leadership

Jamie Hampton, Executive Director

• Compensation: $275,125 (2024)
• Primary operational leader
• Contact: j******@morethanthemove.org

Foundation Philosophy

According to testimonials from partners: "Todd, Nikki, Jamie, and the entire team are more than partners; they are true friends and co-laborers for the Kingdom." Partners describe the foundation's approach as providing "Prayer - Encouragement - Consulting" to kingdom-minded organizations.

The foundation views every sponsorship as "a partnership in growth," emphasizing:

• Prayer as Foundation: Covering partners in consistent, intentional prayer
• Investment in Leadership: Providing support, encouragement, guidance, strategic planning, and organizational development
• Partnership Mindset: "myLIFEspeaks is better, brighter, and stronger alongside Hope Legacy Collective than we could ever be alone"

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important: Hope Legacy Collective does not have a public application process. As a private foundation, they do not accept unsolicited grant proposals or applications.

According to their stated approach: "Their granting process is intentional—they seek out ministries with strong leadership, measurable results, and a clear Kingdom focus."

Grants are awarded through:

• Trustee discretion and identification of worthy organizations
• Invitation-based partnerships with pre-selected organizations
• Relationship development with foundation leadership
• Referrals from existing partners or trusted networks

Getting on Their Radar

While there is no formal application process, organizations seeking partnership with Hope Legacy Collective should focus on:

Build a Strong Track Record: The foundation emphasizes "measurable results," so organizations should:

• Document clear outcomes and impact metrics
• Demonstrate strong, healthy leadership structures
• Show consistent Kingdom-focused mission alignment
• Maintain financial accountability and transparency

Network Within Their Existing Ecosystem:

• Attend Christian business and ministry networking events in the Houston area, particularly C12 Group gatherings (Todd Stewart received C12 Hero Award in 2019)
• Connect with their known partner organizations (ICM, myLIFEspeaks, Toolbox Ministries) who may provide referrals
• Engage with Gulf Winds International corporate network and related companies (Core Group Resources, Owens Transport, Field Industries)

Demonstrate Kingdom Impact:

• Focus on Gospel advancement and Christian discipleship
• Show how your work aligns with their priorities: church building, humanitarian relief, educational support
• Provide evidence of both local and/or global impact

Houston Community Engagement:

• Participate in Houston-area disaster relief and community service (they were active during Hurricane Harvey)
• Partner with organizations like Houston Food Bank that align with their local priorities

Note: Given the foundation's evolution from Gulf Winds International's corporate giving program, organizations with connections to the business community, particularly in logistics, warehousing, or related industries, may have better access to decision-makers.

Decision Timeline

Not Applicable - The foundation operates on a trustee-discretion model without set application deadlines or decision cycles. Partnerships are established as the foundation identifies organizations that meet their criteria.

Grant Distribution Timeline

Based on 990 data:

• 2023: 62 awards totaling $1,417,130
• 2022: 41 awards
• 2021: 34 awards
• 2020: 25 awards
• 2019: 37 awards
• 2018: 72 awards

This shows consistent year-round grantmaking with grants awarded throughout the fiscal year.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the invitation-only structure. However, the foundation emphasizes long-term partnerships with options for:

• Monthly ongoing support (suggesting multi-year commitments)
• Matching funds for fundraising campaigns
• Additional one-time grants for specific projects

Established partners appear to receive continued support based on performance and alignment with foundation priorities.

Application Success Factors

Since Hope Legacy Collective operates through relationship-based grantmaking rather than competitive applications, success in becoming a partner depends on:

1. Kingdom-Centered Mission Alignment

The foundation is explicitly focused on Christian ministry and Gospel advancement. From their materials: "They seek out ministries with strong leadership, measurable results, and a clear Kingdom focus." Organizations must demonstrate:

• Clear Christian mission and values
• Commitment to evangelism, discipleship, or church development
• Alignment with biblical principles in operations and governance

2. Leadership Quality

Hope Legacy Collective invests in "healthy leadership vital for lasting impact." They look for:

• Proven organizational leadership with track record
• Stability and longevity in leadership positions
• Leaders who welcome "support, encouragement and guidance, including strategic planning and organizational development"
• Organizations open to partnership rather than just funding

3. Measurable Outcomes

The foundation specifically seeks "measurable results." Partner organizations should:

• Track and report clear impact metrics (e.g., ICM: "thousands of churches in over 100 countries"; foundation's own impact: "22,000 lives, 132 churches/hope centers in 27 countries")
• Demonstrate accountability and transparency
• Show cost-effectiveness and good stewardship
• Provide regular updates on program outcomes

4. Partnership Mindset

The foundation views grantmaking as partnership, not transactional funding. From partner testimonial: "Todd, Nikki, Jamie, and the entire team are more than partners; they are true friends and co-laborers for the Kingdom." Organizations should:

• Be open to prayer support and spiritual partnership
• Welcome strategic guidance and organizational development support
• View the foundation as a long-term ministry partner
• Demonstrate collaborative spirit

5. Connection to Foundation Network

Given the private nature of the foundation:

• Connections to Gulf Winds International, Core Group Resources, Owens Transport, or Field Industries are advantageous
• Referrals from existing partners carry significant weight
• Houston-area presence or activity creates natural touchpoints
• Participation in C12 Group or similar Christian business networks where Todd Stewart is active

6. Scale and Impact Orientation

With average grants around $23,000 and total annual giving of $1.4 million across 60+ recipients, the foundation appears to:

• Support numerous smaller-to-medium organizations rather than a few large institutions
• Prefer direct ministry impact over administrative overhead
• Value both local Houston impact and global reach
• Look for organizations that can effectively deploy modest grants for significant outcomes

7. Prayer as Foundation

The foundation emphasizes: "Prayer is the foundation, and they cover their partners in consistent, intentional prayer." Organizations should:

• Demonstrate a commitment to prayer as central to their ministry
• Be open to receiving prayer support from the foundation
• Share prayer requests and updates regularly
• Align with the foundation's view of prayer as essential to Kingdom work

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Focus on relationship-building and getting on their radar through networking rather than traditional grant writing.

• Faith-Based Focus Required: This is explicitly a Kingdom-centered foundation. Only Christian ministries and organizations with clear Gospel mission should pursue partnership.

• Average Grant Size: With $1.4M distributed across 62 grants in 2023, expect grants averaging $20,000-$25,000, though amounts vary by project. This is not a major donor for large institutions but a meaningful partner for smaller ministries.

• Partnership, Not Transactional: The foundation invests in long-term relationships, offering prayer, leadership development, and strategic guidance beyond financial support. Organizations seeking only funding without deeper partnership are not ideal fits.

• Houston Connections Matter: Founded by Gulf Winds International leadership, the foundation has strong ties to Houston business community. Local presence or Houston-area impact creates natural connection points.

• Measurable Impact Essential: Document your outcomes clearly and demonstrate accountability. The foundation emphasizes "measurable results" in their partner selection criteria.

• Network Through Existing Partners: Organizations like ICM, myLIFEspeaks, and Toolbox Ministries are established partners. Building relationships with these organizations may lead to referrals to Hope Legacy Collective.

• Strong Financial Position: With $59M in assets and consistent grantmaking growth (from 25 awards in 2020 to 62 in 2023), the foundation has capacity to expand partnerships with the right organizations.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - More Than The Move Foundation (EIN 81-4171814). Form 990-PF filings 2017-2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/814171814. Accessed January 22, 2025.

2. Charity Navigator Profile - More Than the Move Foundation. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/814171814. Accessed January 22, 2025.

3. GuideStar Profile - More Than the Move Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-4171814. Accessed January 22, 2025.

4. Instrumentl - More Than The Move Foundation 990 Report. Houston, TX. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/more-than-the-move-foundation. Accessed January 22, 2025.

5. Hope Legacy Collective Official Website. https://hopelegacycollective.org/. Accessed January 22, 2025.

6. Candid Foundation Directory - More Than the Move Foundation DBA Hope Legacy Collective. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=6230654. Accessed January 22, 2025.

7. Hope Legacy Collective LinkedIn Company Page. https://www.linkedin.com/company/hope-legacy-collective. Accessed January 22, 2025.

8. Todd Stewart LinkedIn Profile - Hope Legacy Collective. https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-stewart-0168a54/. Accessed January 22, 2025.

9. Chamber of Commerce Business Directory - More Than The Move Foundation, 411 Brisbane St, Houston, TX 77061. https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/business-directory/texas/houston/non-profit-organization/2016135595-more-than-the-move-foundation. Accessed January 22, 2025.

10. The Sterling Group - "The Sterling Group Completes the Acquisition of Gulf Winds International" (December 19, 2022). https://sterling-group.com/the-sterling-group-completes-the-acquisition-of-gulf-winds-international/. Accessed January 22, 2025.

11. International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) - ECFA Accredited Organization Profile. https://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=51975. Accessed January 22, 2025.

12. myLIFEspeaks LinkedIn Page. https://www.linkedin.com/company/mylifespeaks. Accessed January 22, 2025.