Brown Foundation Grant

The Brown Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations that strengthen the Houston community through selective grantmaking. With a history of distributing over $1.7 billion, the foundation focuses on supporting general operating funds, program initiatives, and capital projects. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and primarily serve the Houston area. The foundation values visionary leadership and maintains a low profile, emphasizing the impact of its grantees.

As a family-directed foundation, we selectively participate in distinctive grantmaking opportunities across Texas and beyond.
The Foundation purposefully maintains a low profile, keeping the focus on the mission of our grantees and the communities they serve.
Type of Requests
The Foundation reviews requests for general operating funds; program support; and capital campaigns/projects.
For capital requests, additional documentation is required.
Program Areas
The Foundation considers submissions from a broad range of organizations. Organizations have the ability to self-select a program area in our application system. Please select the one you feel best represents your organization’s mission and work.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant from The Brown Foundation, Inc. your organization must be a tax-exempt charitable organization, as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.The Foundation primarily makes grants in Houston and the surrounding areas. As a family-directed foundation, we selectively make grants across Texas and in other parts of the country.We rarely approve unsolicited applications from beyond the greater Houston area.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not make grants to:IndividualsIndividual scholarship fundsEndowments or endowment campaignsDebt retirement or to cover past operating deficitsAny type of fundraising and/or marketing eventAny type of activity intended to support candidates for political office or influence legislationReligious or doctrinal purposes, although faith-based organizations may apply for support for educational or social service programsOrganizations may not apply more than once per year.We do not accept requests for any type of event sponsorships, galas, or similar.