The Robert A Welch Foundation
The Robert A Welch Foundation is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas, established in 1954. It is one of the nation's largest private funding sources for basic chemical research, supporting educational institutions primarily in Texas. The foundation was created from the estate of Robert Alonzo Welch, a self-made businessman who made his fortune in the oil and minerals industries.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$619.0M
-1.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$39.3M
-4.5% YoY
Grant Count
64
+3.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$615K
-7.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is rooted in Robert Alonzo Welch's belief in the importance of chemistry for the betterment of humankind. As stated in his will: "I have long been impressed with the great possibilities for the betterment of Mankind that lay in the field of research in the domain of Chemistry."
The foundation supports the following program areas:
- Welch eXperimental (WelchX) Collaboration Retreats — Brings together Texas researchers for topically focused chemistry meetings to stimulate ideation on challenging contemporary issues
- Welch Postdoctoral Fellows of the Life Sciences Research Foundation — Sponsors postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates from around the world to support chemical research careers in Texas
- Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants — Accelerates progress in fundamental chemical research by supporting research teams with grants of up to one million dollars annually for up to five years
- Equipment Grants — Provides supplemental funding to departmental grants for laboratory research equipment
- University Chairs — Has participated in sponsoring 53 chairs in chemistry and related sciences
- Scholarships — Supports Texas high school graduates studying chemistry through the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation
- Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) — Sponsors summer research opportunities
- Welch Award in Chemistry — Recognizes individuals who have made important chemical research contributions with significant positive influence on humankind
- Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research — Recognizes scientists early in their careers working in Texas
- Annual Chemical Research Conference — Hosts a conference in Houston attracting leading chemists from around the world
Grantmaking
The foundation made 64 grants in the most recent reporting year. Typical grant awards range from $20,000 to $10,570,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's funding is concentrated in Texas, supporting universities, colleges, and other educational institutions throughout the state, including institutions in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and other Texas cities.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $631.1 million
- Total Revenue: $47.6 million
- Total Expenses: $68.8 million
- Total Liabilities: $28.7 million
- Number of Employees: 15
Recent Grant Activity:
- 2024: $41.2 million awarded in 62 grants
- 2023: $39.3 million in total giving
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $618,985,573 | $631,106,968 | $632,081,532 |
| Revenue | $36,837,109 | $47,618,127 | $60,351,309 |
| Expenses | $64,302,362 | $68,810,256 | $34,107,139 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $43,542,974 | $46,651,075 | $42,282,196 |
| Net Investment Income | $19,502,043 | $26,902,694 | $88,216,522 |
| Distributable Amount | $43,065,152 | $43,507,874 | $46,253,863 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Robert A Welch Foundation
Welch Foundation Endowed Chairs Grant
The Robert A Welch Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Welch Foundation Postdoctoral Fellows Grant
The Robert A Welch Foundation
Amount
US $231,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Welch Foundation Research Grant
The Robert A Welch Foundation
Amount
More than US $351,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation announced more than $27 million in Texas chemistry research funding in 2025, supporting research grants and program funding. The foundation continues to award grants through its various programs, including support for WelchX collaboration retreats and postdoctoral researchers.
Welch Foundation grants $27M to support Texas chemistry research - InnovationMapSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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