Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $215,000 (approximately, based on 3 grants averaging $71,667)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Average grant $71,667
- Geographic Focus: Houston, Texas area
Contact Details
No public website, email, or phone number available. Foundation operates privately through board connections.
Overview
The Good News Outreach Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2020 and based in Missouri City/Stafford, Texas. With assets of approximately $12.4 million, this relatively new foundation operates as a private non-operating foundation, making grants to other charitable organizations primarily in the Houston metropolitan area. The foundation was established with connections to the late Leonard Frederick Benckenstein II (1944-2022), a Houston architect and philanthropist known for his involvement in various Houston nonprofits. As of the most recent available data, the foundation has awarded 3 grants with an average size of $71,667.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Based on available tax filings, the foundation makes discretionary grants averaging $71,667. No specific named programs or funding cycles have been identified.
Priority Areas
The foundation does not publicly specify particular subject areas or causes, operating as a general grantmaking foundation supporting various charitable purposes in the Houston area.
What They Don't Fund
No explicit exclusions are publicly documented.
Governance and Leadership
The foundation is governed by a board of directors including:
- John Benckenstein - Chairman
- C. Len Benckenstein - Chairman Emeritus
- Pamela Daniel - Secretary & Treasurer/Director
- Neal Johnson Ellis - Director
- Jacob Johnson - Director
- Jay Chadha - Director
The foundation appears to be connected to the Benckenstein family legacy in Houston philanthropy.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded at the discretion of the board of directors through their existing networks and relationships. Organizations seeking funding would need to establish contact with board members directly.
Decision Timeline
No public information available regarding decision timelines.
Success Rates
With only 3 grants documented and no public application process, success rate data is not applicable.
Reapplication Policy
No public information available.
Application Success Factors
As a private foundation without a public application process, success factors likely include:
- Existing relationships with board members or their networks
- Organizations operating in the Houston, Texas area
- Alignment with the philanthropic interests of the Benckenstein family and other board members
- Strong track record and reputation in the Houston nonprofit community
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is a private family foundation without a public grant application process
- Funding appears to be relationship-based through board member connections
- Focus on Houston-area organizations and causes
- Average grant size of approximately $71,667 suggests capacity for significant support
- New foundation (established 2020) may still be developing its giving strategy
- No website or public contact information means networking and introductions are essential
- Research board members' other philanthropic activities for insight into potential interests
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings for Good News Outreach Foundation (EIN: 842034803), accessed March 2026
- Cause IQ - Good News Outreach Foundation organizational profile, accessed March 2026
- Grantable - Good News Foundation of Texas funder profile, accessed March 2026
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search - EIN 842034803 verification, accessed March 2026
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