We Envision
A Vibrant
Region Where
All Have The
Opportunity
To Thrive
Who We Are
Since 1937, we have been rooted in the success of Greater Houston.
Houston Endowment is a nonpartisan, private foundation that exists to serve the people of Greater Houston. We are inspired by the legacy of our founders, Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones, and moved by the pressing needs of our community today.
our work
Today we invest in strengthening public education, increasing civic engagement, enhancing the arts and cultural sector, and growing Houston’s greenspaces. Our giving is guided by our commitment to learning and evaluation, which deepens our understanding of these areas and identifies what works. Additionally, we stand ready to address emerging opportunities and challenges with the potential to significantly advance our mission of improving the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston.
-
Public Education
We want more children to graduate with choices for their future.
Explore Program (Public Education) -
Civic Engagement
We want to grow civic engagement in our region.
Explore Program (Civic Engagement) -
Arts & Culture
We want Greater Houston to have the most vibrant arts and culture sector in the U.S.
Explore Program (Arts & Culture) -
Greenspaces
We want to increase access to greenspaces for all who live here.
Explore Program (Greenspaces)
Grants
Learn more about our funding process
Insights & News
View all Insights and News-
The Channel | February 2026
What does it take for Houston arts sector to thrive? And what happens when nonprofit support expands to Galveston? We’re exploring these topics in this month’s issue of The Channel.
Learn More (The Channel | February 2026) -
Ten Artists Selected for 2026 Houston Endowment Jones Artist Awards
The Houston Endowment has announced the recipients of its Jones Artist Awards for 2026. The program annually chooses Greater Houston area artists through an open call process to participate in group exhibitions at its headquarters.
Learn More (Ten Artists Selected for 2026 Houston Endowment Jones Artist Awards) -
Up next on Upstream: How data and arts go hand-in-hand
Upstream returns to explore how through the use of shared data, the arts sector can strengthen its overall impact across Greater Houston.
Learn More (Up next on Upstream: How data and arts go hand-in-hand) -
The Hardest Love We Carry
The first installation of the 2026 Jones Artist Awards Program, The Hardest Love We Carry looks at the ways people find strength to keep moving forward: through humor, effort, and creativity.
Learn More (The Hardest Love We Carry)