Greater Houston Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $259 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - primarily donor-directed
• Decision Time: Varies by donor/fund
• Grant Range: Varies by donor/fund
• Geographic Focus: Greater Houston region

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.ghcf.org
• Phone: 713-333-2200
• Email: donorservices@ghcf.org
• Address: 515 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77027

Overview

Established in 1995, the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) is the largest nonprofit in Houston with over $1.4 billion in assets under management. Over its 30-year history, GHCF has distributed more than $2.7 billion in grants to nonprofit organizations, generating significant community impact. The foundation serves as a philanthropic hub connecting donors with community needs, primarily through donor advised funds and other giving vehicles. GHCF's mission is to "inspire and create meaningful and positive change with our donors and for our community," focusing on addressing root causes of problems to create measurable and sustainable impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

GHCF primarily facilitates grants through:

• Donor Advised Funds: Individual donors recommend grants to qualified nonprofits
• Community Impact Fund: Strategic community investments (specifics not publicly detailed)
• Scholarship Funds: Educational support programs
• Disaster Relief Funds: Emergency response funding
• Giving Circles: Collective giving groups

Priority Areas

• Community development
• Education and economic opportunities
• Climate disaster relief
• Healthcare systems
• Support for underprivileged communities
• Emergency disaster response

What They Don't Fund

Not specified in available materials

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Stephen D. Maislin

The foundation is governed by a board of experienced philanthropic professionals including Bob Harvey, Chris Weekley, and Kate Fowler. Leadership emphasizes honoring donor intent while creating opportunities for community advancement through strategic philanthropic investments.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important Note: GHCF states they "do not have discretionary funds for grantmaking." This foundation does not have a public application process for general operating or program grants. Grants are made primarily through donor advised funds where individual donors recommend specific nonprofits to receive funding.

Nonprofits cannot apply directly for grants but may receive funding when:

• A donor with a fund at GHCF recommends them for a grant
• They are selected for strategic community initiatives
• They participate in giving circle programs

Getting on Their Radar

Since GHCF operates primarily through donor advised funds, nonprofits should focus on:

• Building relationships with GHCF fund holders and donors
• Participating in GHCF community events and initiatives
• Engaging with the foundation's strategic initiatives like "Understanding Houston"
• Connecting with giving circles hosted by GHCF

Decision Timeline

Varies by individual fund and donor preferences - no standard timeline available

Success Rates

Not applicable due to donor-directed model

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - grants are donor-initiated

Application Success Factors

Since GHCF operates through a donor-advised model rather than accepting applications, success factors focus on visibility and relationships:

• Building strong relationships with Houston-area philanthropists who hold funds at GHCF
• Demonstrating measurable community impact aligned with GHCF's focus on addressing root causes
• Maintaining strong nonprofit credentials and transparency
• Aligning programs with GHCF's priority areas of education, community development, and disaster relief
• Participating in GHCF-sponsored community initiatives and events

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• GHCF does not accept unsolicited grant applications - funding is donor-directed
• With $259M granted annually, significant funding flows through GHCF to Houston nonprofits
• Focus efforts on relationship building with GHCF donors rather than traditional grant applications
• Consider engaging with GHCF's giving circles and community initiatives
• The foundation emphasizes addressing root causes and creating sustainable impact
• Strong alignment with Houston community needs is essential
• Contact donor services at donorservices@ghcf.org for information about connecting with funders

References

• Greater Houston Community Foundation Official Website (https://www.ghcf.org) - Accessed January 2026
• GHCF About Page (https://www.ghcf.org/about) - Accessed January 2026
• GHCF Contact Information (https://www.ghcf.org/contact) - Accessed January 2026