Houston Endowment is a major foundation that gives money to nonprofits in the Houston area. This FAQ page explains how their grant process works. They only give grants by invitation - you can't just apply on your own.
They focus on four main areas: public education, civic engagement, arts and culture, and green spaces. To get funding, your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and serve people in Harris County or nearby counties like Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Galveston. The foundation doesn't give money to individuals, only to organizations.
When they invite you to apply, it takes 4-9 months to hear back. They can fund both general operations and specific projects. Organizations need to provide financial statements and work with a program officer during the application process.
The application is done online through a secure system called GivingData. This guide helps nonprofits understand if they might be eligible and what to expect from the grant process.