The Howell Fund
The Howell Fund is a private foundation, based in Houston, TX. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $363K in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 6 grants totaling $79K. Net investment income was $18K.
The Howell Fund at a glance
In short: The Howell Fund gave $79K across 6 grants in 2025 (avg $13K), mostly in Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $79,000
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 6
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $13,167
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $363,028
- -14.3% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.
Who The Howell Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Episcopal High School ($70K). Together the top 6 received $79K.
Grant Size Distribution
32 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 30 grants of 32 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 6 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Howell Fund gives
- Giving grew 111% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 301% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2020) to $79K (2025). In 2025 it made 6 grants totaling $79K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Episcopal High School Bellaire, TX | Public Support Capital Campaign | $70,000 |
| Tirr Foundation Houston, TX | Public Support | $5,000 |
| Ad Players at the Georgia Theater Houston, TX | Public Support | $1,000 |
| Kids Meals Inc Houston, TX | Public Support | $1,000 |
| Star of Hope Houston, TX | Public Support | $1,000 |
| Undies for Everyone Houston, TX | Public Support | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Howell Fund?
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 | $363,028 | $21,912 | $82,654 | $79,000 | 6 | $79,000 | $18,258 | $26,269 |
| 2024 | $423,776 | $16,370 | $82,588 | $79,000 | 6 | $79,000 | $20,552 | $30,262 |
| 2023 | $490,021 | $23,285 | $33,643 | $30,000 | 7 | $30,000 | $19,642 | $32,668 |
| 2022 | $500,361 | $18,161 | $40,753 | $37,500 | 7 | $37,500 | $14,975 | $31,391 |
| 2021 | $522,938 | $15,603 | $33,286 | $30,000 | 6 | $30,000 | $12,317 | $26,005 |
| 2020 | $540,621 | $7,386 | $26,805 | $20,000 | 3 | — | $581 | $27,087 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Howell Fund reported a distributable amount of $26K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Howell Fund is led by Matthew K. Howell, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 7 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Matthew K. Howell
President
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steven K. Howell
Chairman
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Judy M. Howell
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard A. Howell
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie J. Howell
Co-Chair Grant Committee
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathryn V. Howell
Co-Chair Grant Committee
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark C. Howell
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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 The Howell Fund
How much does The Howell Fund give each year?
The Howell Fund gave $79K across 6 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $79K across 6 grants.
What is The Howell Fund's typical grant size?
The Howell Fund's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $13,167, across 6 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Howell Fund give grants?
The Howell Fund gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (5 grants).
Does The Howell Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 6 grants with a stated purpose on The Howell Fund's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Public Support" (5 grants).
Who are The Howell Fund's largest grantees?
The Howell Fund's largest 2025 grantees include Episcopal High School ($70,000), Tirr Foundation ($5,000) and Ad Players at the Georgia Theater ($1,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 96% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Howell Fund?
The Howell Fund reported $363K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $79K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $26K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What is The Howell Fund's EIN?
The Howell Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-2192196. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 3, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Howell Fund funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Howell Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas
Vivian L Smith Foundation
Houston, TX
The Vivian L Smith Foundation supports qualifying nonprofit organizations across charitable fields, including education, health care, youth services, and family support; it does not fund individuals. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000, and nearly all grant dollars went to Texas, though it reports no geographic restrictions. It accepts requests without a required form; applicants must state the purpose and provide proof of qualifying status.
Assets
$69.1M
Grants
189
Total Given
$4.5M
The Elkins Foundation
Houston, TX
The Elkins Foundation funds education, healthcare, cultural, community, and religious organizations and projects, especially those serving Houston and the Greater Gulf Coast. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $11,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $100,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application, due by June 30.
Assets
$206.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$17.3M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
Dan L Duncan Foundation
Houston, TX
The Dan L Duncan Foundation supports Texas organizations in areas including education, natural science, wildlife conservation, and medical programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though awards ranged widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected organizations.
Assets
$700.5M
Grants
79
Total Given
$39.5M
Texas Children's Hospital
Bellaire, TX
Texas Children’s Hospital supports pediatric and women’s healthcare, medical education and research, as well as related community organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $9.5 million, with a median of $12,500; reported grant dollars went to Texas recipients, though some programs operate globally. It describes specific application processes for select programs, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$9.2B
Grants
50
Total Given
$17.8M
Huffington Foundation
Houston, TX
The Huffington Foundation funds medical research and education, children’s programs, environmental preservation, housing, and other community services, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Texas and the rest to Colorado. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,500 to $2.35 million, with a median of $25,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$142.8M
Grants
34
Total Given
$9.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from The Howell Fund'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.
The Howell Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?