The Wortham Foundation Inc
The Wortham Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. Its 2024 filing says awards are granted primarily for cultural arts and civic beautification projects, and for projects benefiting the citizens of Houston and Harris County, Texas.
The Wortham Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Wortham Foundation Inc gave $3.0M across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $157K), mostly in Texas. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,977,000
- -72.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- +1800.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $156,684
- -98.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $40,000
- Total assets
- $252,581,069
- +4.2% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Wortham Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
Contact Angela Hinnant. The filing lists no required form or materials.
- Review Cycle
- The filing lists deadlines by the second week of January, April, July, and October for consideration at quarterly trustee meetings.
- Deadline
- The filing lists deadlines by the second week of January, April, July, and October for consideration at quarterly…
- Contact
Application contact: Angela Hinnant
Mailing address: 2727 Allen Parkway 1570, Houston, TX 77019-2125
Phone: (713) 526-8849
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Wortham Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Houston Symphony Society ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $2.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
23 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 23 (43%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All reported grant dollars in filing year 2024 went to Texas recipients. The filing says awards are primarily for projects benefiting the citizens of Houston and Harris County, Texas; listed 2024 grantees were in Houston and Galveston.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Wortham Foundation Inc gives
- Giving fell 76% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 97% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.0M (2024) to $12.6M (2021). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $3.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Symphony Society Houston, TX | General Operations | $1,000,000 |
| Houston Grand Opera Houston, TX | General Operations | $850,000 |
| San Jacinto Girl Scouts Houston, TX | General Operations | $250,000 |
| Children's Museum Houston, TX | General Operations | $175,000 |
| Da Camera Society Houston, TX | General Operations | $150,000 |
| Hobby Center Houston, TX | General Operations | $100,000 |
| Houston Public Media Foundation Houston, TX | General Operations | $100,000 |
| Stages Repertory Theatre Houston, TX | General Operations | $100,000 |
| Memorial Park Conservancy Houston, TX | General Operations | $50,000 |
| Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston, TX | Annual Preservation | $40,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Wortham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $252,581,069 | $13,678,799 | $3,675,921 | $2,977,000 | 19 | $3,195,591 | $13,198,468 | $3,309,485 |
| 2023 | $242,390,216 | $10,138,659 | $13,135,006 | $10,960,000 | 1 | $11,569,367 | $8,573,020 | $12,024,525 |
| 2022 | $245,124,483 | $30,146,606 | $14,383,290 | $12,120,000 | 1 | $12,814,649 | $28,577,965 | $12,639,371 |
| 2021 | $229,365,666 | $18,625,476 | $14,694,406 | $12,635,000 | 1 | — | $17,118,819 | $13,167,112 |
| 2020 | $225,438,184 | $12,013,766 | $12,760,816 | $11,052,316 | 1 | — | $10,690,212 | $11,580,713 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Wortham Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The filing does not state a separate mission. Its stated award priorities are cultural arts and civic beautification projects, particularly those benefiting people in Houston and Harris County. Its 2024 grants included performing arts organizations, museums, public media, parks, historic preservation, and neighborhood park construction.
Grantee descriptions illustrate the range of supported work. The Houston Symphony says it seeks to inspire and engage audiences through orchestral performances, education, and community activities. The Children’s Museum says it provides child-centered learning through parenting, literacy, and STEM programs and exhibits. Houston Public Media Foundation describes its work as bringing arts and culture, education, and trusted news to its broadcast area. Memorial Park Conservancy says it preserves, restores, and enhances Memorial Park for public enjoyment, recreation, and education. SPARK says it constructs neighborhood parks on public school grounds. Galveston Historical Foundation describes its work as preserving and revitalizing Galveston Island’s architectural and maritime heritage.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $2,977,000. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $1,000,000, with a median of $40,000. The largest awards included $1,000,000 to Houston Symphony Society, $850,000 to Houston Grand Opera, $250,000 to San Jacinto Girl Scouts, and $175,000 to Children’s Museum. Other grants included $150,000 to Da Camera Society and $100,000 each to Hobby Center, Houston Public Media Foundation, and Stages Repertory Theatre. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Texas.
The filing states that the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It lists Angela Hinnant as the contact for applying, with no application form or materials specified. Awards are described as primarily for cultural arts and civic beautification projects and for projects benefiting the citizens of Houston and Harris County, Texas.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation’s 2024 filing lists R W Wortham III as chairman and assistant treasurer; Brady F Carruth as president and assistant treasurer; Thomas E Smith, Brady Carruth Jr, and Thomas R Ryan as trustees and assistant treasurers; and Fred C Burns as secretary treasurer.
The Wortham Foundation Inc is led by Brady F. Carruth, President & Assistant Treasurer since 2022 (on filings since 2020); all 6 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brady F. Carruth
President & Assistant Treasurer
President Assistant Treasurer → Chairman Assistant Treasurer, 2021
Chairman Assistant Treasurer → President & Assistant Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $13K (2024)
R. W. Wortham III
Chairman & Assistant Treasurer
Chairman Assistant Treasurer → President Assistant Treasurer, 2021
President Assistant Treasurer → Chairman & Assistant Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $13K (2024)
Brady Carruth Jr.
Trustee & Assistant Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee Assistant Treasurer, 2022
Trustee Assistant Treasurer → Trustee & Assistant Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Thomas E. Smith
Trustee & Assistant Treasurer
Trustee Assistant Treasurer → Trustee & Assistant Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $13K (2024)
Thomas R. Ryan
Trustee & Assistant Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
$6K (2024)
Fred C. Burns
Secretary Treasurer
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$38K (2020) → $7K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $13K, to R W Wortham III (Chairman, Asst Treasurer). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Wortham Foundation Inc
How much does The Wortham Foundation Inc give each year?
The Wortham Foundation Inc gave $3.0M across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $11.0M across 1 grant.
What is The Wortham Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Wortham Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $40,000, and its average grant was $156,684, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Wortham Foundation Inc give grants?
The Wortham Foundation Inc gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (18 grants).
Does The Wortham Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 95% of The Wortham Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (18 of 19) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Wortham Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Wortham Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Houston Symphony Society ($1,000,000), Houston Grand Opera ($850,000) and San Jacinto Girl Scouts ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 71% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Wortham Foundation Inc?
The Wortham Foundation Inc reported $252.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Wortham Foundation Inc fund?
The filing does not state a separate mission. Its stated award priorities are cultural arts and civic beautification projects, particularly those benefiting people in Houston and Harris County. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Wortham Foundation Inc?
Contact Angela Hinnant. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Wortham Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Wortham Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-1334356. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Texas
Texas Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Wortham Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Cullen Foundation
Houston, TX
The Cullen Foundation funds high-performing education, health care, public service, and arts organizations, primarily for initiatives serving Greater Houston, with grants restricted to Texas-based charities and programs. In 2024, grants ranged from $40,000 to $3 million, with a median of $250,000. It prefers invited applications but accepts unsolicited Letters of Intent online.
Assets
$271.5M
Grants
33
Total Given
$17.9M
Houston Arts Alliance
Houston, TX
Houston Arts Alliance funds artists, arts nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored projects for arts and cultural programs, civic art, and related community initiatives, primarily in Houston. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,027 to $755,710, with a median of $41,352; it offers competitive application programs, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$39.7M
Grants
128
Total Given
$12.4M
The Brown Foundation Inc
Houston, TX
The Brown Foundation funds education, arts and culture, healthcare, human services, and civic assets, with education and the arts as top priorities and public education giving focused almost exclusively on greater Houston. Its 2025 grants ranged from $20,000 to $11 million, with a median of $50,000; it primarily supports Houston organizations and selectively funds distinctive opportunities elsewhere in Texas and beyond.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
222
Total Given
$84.3M
The Weingarten Schnitzer Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$3.5M
Grants
26
Total Given
$98K
Emc Arts Inc
Winston-Salem, NC
To observe, analyze and suggest improvements to the methods by which charitable organizations relate to, and interact with, all of their stakeholders, including their employees, their directors, their communities, and the larger community of charitable organizations within which they operate and to strengthen the professional capacity
Assets
—
Grants
4
Total Given
$140K
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts
Houston, TX
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts supports 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations in Texas, primarily in Greater Houston. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $1,715,000, with a median of $25,000. The information provided does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$132.4M
Grants
43
Total Given
$3.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Wortham Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-wortham-foundation-inc-morg_a9556f2d175440f3a81fb14737b8d5e3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_741334356_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Wortham Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-wortham-foundation-inc-morg_a9556f2d175440f3a81fb14737b8d5e3},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 The Wortham 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.
The Wortham Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?