The Alkek and Williams Foundation
The Alkek and Williams Foundation is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas, established in 1996 and tax-exempt since December 1997. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting nonprofit institutions across Texas.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.7M
-28.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
+15.7% YoY
Grant Count
34
-5.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$35K
+22.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Alkek and Williams Foundation reported a distributable amount of $102K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation provides support for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational organizations and programs serving the people of Texas. Primary funding interests include:
- Higher education
- Performing arts, including symphony and ballet
- Medical research
- Healthcare services
- Arts and culture
- Social services
- Community development
- Children and youth
- Animal welfare
- The environment
The foundation's giving reflects a preference for research and education-related projects that generate lasting impact and improved quality of life, as well as support for community involvement throughout Houston and the state.
Grantmaking
The foundation requests a brief letter of inquiry (one to two pages) rather than a full proposal. The letter should include:
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation limits its grantmaking to organizations and projects serving the State of Texas, with particular emphasis on the Houston metropolitan area.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total assets: $2,715,584
- Total revenues: $84,377
- Total expenses: $1,183,383
- Total giving: $1,151,525
- Net liabilities: $0
Revenue Sources: Investment income and dividends comprised the primary revenue source in 2024 ($84,377), with no grants or contributions received that year.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,715,584 | $3,814,636 | $3,782,253 |
| Revenue | $84,377 | $1,049,876 | $10,644 |
| Expenses | $1,183,383 | $1,017,493 | $1,444,886 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,151,525 | $1,014,255 | $1,434,050 |
| Net Investment Income | $74,519 | $59,435 | $3,008 |
| Distributable Amount | $102,070 | $110,867 | $1,919,810 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
201 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Houston Ballet Foundation ($500,000), Houston Grand Opera ($200,000), Museum of Fine Arts Houston ($167,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADVOCATES OF A LATINO MUSEUM AND VISUAL ARTS & ARCHIVES COMPLEX IN HOUSTON HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| ALLEY THEATRE HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $25,000 |
| ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION ATLANTA, GA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| AVENUE 360 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| BARBARA BUSH HOUSTON LITERACY FOUNDATION HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $1,500 |
| CANCARE INC HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF HOUSTON INC HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $500 |
| DISCOVERY GREEN CONSERVANCY HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| GASTON LENOTRE CULINARY ENDOWMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP INC HOUSTON, TX | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $13,500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Margaret Alkek Williams serves as chairman of the foundation. The foundation was created through the will of Albert B. Alkek, who passed away in 1995, and continues the charitable mission established by him and his family.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARGARET WILLIAMS | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| CHARLES WILLIAMS | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| RANDA WILLIAMS | TRUSTEE | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Margaret Alkek Williams made a $10 million donation to the Houston Ballet, representing the largest gift in the organization's history. The foundation also provided a $1 million gift to Texas State University to support student enrichment initiatives. Additionally, the foundation partnered with UNICEF USA to establish the Margaret Alkek Williams Humanitarian Award, commemorating her dedication to children around the world.
Houston Ballet receives $10 million donation, largest gift everFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Alkek and Williams Foundation fund?
The foundation provides support for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational organizations and programs serving the people of Texas. Primary funding interests include: • Higher education • Performing arts, including symphony and ballet • Medical research • Healthcare services • Arts and culture • Social services • Community development • Children and youth • Animal welfare • The environment The foundation's giving reflects a preference for research and education-related proj…
How do I apply for a grant from The Alkek and Williams Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $200,000–$500,000 • Types of support include program/project support, general operations, and building funds • 47 grants were made in 2024 **Recent Grants (2024):** • Houston Ballet Foundation: $500,000 • The Museum of Fine Arts Houston: $167,000 • Theatre Under the Stars: $53,825 • Total 2024 giving: $1,151,525 **Application Process:** The foundation requests a brief letter of inquiry (one to two pages) rather than a full proposal. The letter s…
Where does The Alkek and Williams Foundation make grants?
The foundation limits its grantmaking to organizations and projects serving the State of Texas, with particular emphasis on the Houston metropolitan area.
What size grants does The Alkek and Williams Foundation award?
In 2024, The Alkek and Williams Foundation awarded 34 grants totaling $1.2M — an average of about $35K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Alkek and Williams Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Alkek and Williams Foundation reported a distributable amount of $102K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Alkek and Williams Foundation's EIN?
The Alkek and Williams Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 76-6122587. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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