CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc. is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. It supports programs that advance community vitality and education in communities served by CenterPoint Energy.
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc gave $18.4M across 483 grants in 2025 (avg $38K), top state Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $18,396,052
- -24.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 483
- -16.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $38,087
- -9.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $52,623,933
- -14.7% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Texas (47% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation’s website directs eligible organizations to submit applications through its online application system. The 2025 filing lists Amanda Schmitt as the contact and “general application” as the form and materials; it states that the Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 Education cycle ran January 12–February 13, 2026. The 2026 Community Vitality cycle runs June 15–July 17, 2026.
- Deadline
- The 2026 Education cycle ran January 12–February 13, 2026.
- Contact
Application contact: Amanda Schmitt
Mailing address: 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (812) 491-4176
Email: amanda.schmitt@centerpointenergy.com
Website: https://centerpointenergy.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc
Who CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was American Online Giving Foundation Inc ($2.9M). Together the top 10 received $6.8M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($1,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,692 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,210 grants of 2,692 (82%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation says it awards grants to eligible organizations in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas, where CenterPoint Energy has a business presence. Its 2025 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in Texas (47%), Indiana (18%), Delaware (16%), Minnesota (7%), and Arizona (4%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 483 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc gives
- 49% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+12%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 568% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $10.9M (2020) to $24.3M (2024). In 2025 it made 483 grants totaling $18.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc Newark, DE | General Donation | $2,923,797 |
| Loftin Equipment Company Phoenix, AZ | General Donation | $783,751 |
| United Way of Greater Houston Houston, TX | General Donation | $740,000 |
| Clean up Houston Inc Houston, TX | General Donation | $500,000 |
| Hope Foundation Indianapolis, IN | General Donation | $500,000 |
| University of Texas Foundation Austin, TX | General Donation | $350,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Inc Houston, TX | General Donation | $315,000 |
| Central Houston Civic Improvement Inc Houston, TX | General Donation | $250,000 |
| University of Houston Foundation Houston, TX | General Donation | $210,000 |
| The Salvation Army Southern Territory Houston, TX | General Donation | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,623,933 | $8,870,222 | $19,879,021 | $18,396,052 | 483 | $18,713,944 | $7,899,721 | $3,291,894 |
| 2024 | $61,678,971 | $13,971,511 | $26,229,576 | $24,346,810 | 576 | $24,646,679 | $5,439,006 | $4,034,426 |
| 2023 | $74,130,417 | $34,146,675 | $18,084,671 | $17,678,650 | 488 | $17,473,320 | $1,239,222 | $3,715,283 |
| 2022 | $59,485,017 | $5,340,538 | $17,115,074 | $16,352,694 | 499 | $16,578,062 | $1,783,416 | $3,202,966 |
| 2021 | $70,813,659 | $24,292,942 | $19,452,970 | $18,930,875 | 646 | $19,019,041 | $7,732,057 | $3,943,842 |
| 2020 | $76,185,906 | $9,618,874 | $11,256,388 | $10,915,298 | 1 | — | $2,765,684 | $3,443,092 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.3M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation describes its role as investing in initiatives that improve lives and build a strong foundation for the future. Its two funding pillars are Community Vitality and Education. Community Vitality includes affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and community outdoor spaces. Education includes literacy, STEM education, and workforce development.
The Foundation’s 2026 guidelines say eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing, with a primary address in CenterPoint Energy’s footprint. It looks for financial stability, alignment with its priorities, strong leadership and governance, and representation of the community served. Proposal preferences include measurable, sustainable outcomes, an evaluation plan, and financial commitments from multiple sources.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work: United Way of Greater Houston says it works to improve lives, strengthen community, and create opportunities; Clean Up Houston says it works to reduce litter and community deterioration; and Rebuilding Together Houston says it provides free home repairs to families in Houston and Harris County. The University of Houston Foundation says it supports scholarship and educational programs.
Grantmaking
The Foundation reported 483 grants totaling $18,396,052 in 2025. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $2,923,797, with a median of $15,000. It reported 576 grants totaling $24,346,810 in 2024 and 488 grants totaling $17,678,650 in 2023.
Notable 2025 grants included $2,923,797 to American Online Giving Foundation Inc.; $783,751 to Loftin Equipment Company; $740,000 to United Way of Greater Houston; $500,000 each to Clean Up Houston Inc. and Hope Foundation; and $350,000 to the University of Texas Foundation. The filing lists each of these grants’ purpose as “general donation.”
The Foundation’s website describes a competitive online application process for eligible organizations. Its 2026 cycles are limited to one pillar each: Cycle 1 is for Education proposals, and Cycle 2 is for Community Vitality proposals. The website says the Foundation evaluates proposals for impact and measurable outcomes. Its guidelines exclude, among other things, individuals, event sponsorships and fundraising events, tuition, debt retirement, political organizations, and programs administered by religious organizations for religious purposes. The 2025 filing states that the Foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Amanda Schmitt as president; Brett A. Jerasa as assistant treasurer; Casey Carter as treasurer; and Chloe Schmergel as secretary. Directors listed are Jason Ryan, Al Payton, David Mercado, Rina Harris, and Brad Steber.
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc is led by Amanda Schmitt, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 9 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Amanda Schmitt
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Ryan
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Al Payton
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Steber
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Mercado
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rina Harris
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brett A. Jerasa
Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Casey Carter
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chloe Schmergel
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Lynne Harkel-Rumford (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Mark Deboer (2020–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Monica Karuturi (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Madeleine Neet (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Jason P. Wells (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Pooja Amin (2020) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc
How much does CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc give each year?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc gave $18.4M across 483 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $24.3M across 576 grants.
What is CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $38,087, across 483 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc give grants?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's top state is Texas, with 47% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Indiana (18%) and Delaware (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (125 grants), Evansville, IN (28 grants), Dayton, OH (24 grants) and Minneapolis, MN (23 grants).
Does CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (483 of 483) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include American Online Giving Foundation Inc ($2,923,797), Loftin Equipment Company ($783,751) and United Way of Greater Houston ($740,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($1,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc reported $52.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $18.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation describes its role as investing in initiatives that improve lives and build a strong foundation for the future. Its two funding pillars are Community Vitality and Education. Community Vitality includes affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and community outdoor spaces. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc?
The Foundation’s website directs eligible organizations to submit applications through its online application system. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's EIN?
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-1950691. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/centerpoint-energy-foundation-inc-morg_2c2905bbf66447ef8018f08dcf01d192
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_351950691_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/centerpoint-energy-foundation-inc-morg_2c2905bbf66447ef8018f08dcf01d192},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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