George Foundation Grant

The George Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Fort Bend County residents by funding initiatives that address critical community needs. Focused on education, health, human needs, and community enhancement, the foundation supports nonprofits through various grant types, including general operating grants and small grants for emerging organizations. With an annual budget of approximately $15 million, the foundation fosters collaborative partnerships to effectively respond to the evolving needs of the community.

The George Foundation Trustees and Staff serve the residents of Fort Bend County by aligning the Foundation’s vision with that of our founders, Albert and Mamie George. The Foundation’s grant making furthers our mission to partner with the community to leverage the Foundation’s resources to positively impact Fort Bend County and its residents. Grants are made in pursuit of our vision of a thriving nonprofit sector that addresses critical community needs, enhances the quality of life and provides opportunities for Fort Bend County residents.
As a place-based grantmaker, our funding is focused on efforts specifically benefiting Fort Bend County and its residents.
Our Funding Issue Areas Encompass:

• Education
• including Career Readiness, Dropout Prevention, Early Childhood, High Performing Public Education Models, K-12 Public Education, Literacy and Parenting Education. Our priority areas of funding for Education include Career Readiness, Early Childhood and High Performing Public Education Models.

Health

• including Addiction Prevention & Intervention, Access to Care for Uninsured, Behavioral Health, Services to Special Populations. Our priority areas of funding for Health include Access to Care for Uninsured and Behavioral Health.

Human Needs

• including Abuse/Neglect Prevention & Intervention, Affordable Housing, Basic Needs, Homeless/Housing Assistance, Law/Legal, Senior Services, Services to Special Populations and Youth Development. Our priority areas of funding for Human Needs include Affordable Housing and Youth Development.

Community Enhancement

• including efforts that enrich the tapestry of Fort Bend County, such as Civic Engagement and Volunteerism, Libraries and Museums, Parks and Recreation, Performing, Visual & Cultural Arts. Please note that the majority of the Foundation’s grants support Education, Health and Human Needs efforts, with a smaller portion awarded to Community Enhancement.

In addition to funding these issue areas, the Foundation also supports certain Special Programs and Initiatives in response to compelling community needs. The Foundation provides an average of $15 million annually in grants as well as community programming in support of the Fort Bend County region.
Grant Strategy
The George Foundation’s goal is to be responsive to the needs of the residents and communities within a rapidly growing and changing county. The grantmaking strategy of the Foundation is to support the nonprofit sector in providing critical services and opportunities so that all residents can experience a positive quality of life.
The Foundation also strives to invest in organizations and programs that have a demonstrable impact on the community.
General Operating Grants
The Operating or Program/Project Grant Application is available to organizations applying for a grant larger than $25,000.
$25,000 & under “Small Grant”
This is a grant opportunity for new or smaller nonprofits with a streamlined application process for general operating, program, or project grants. The Small Grant is not only an option for small organizations but may also be used by larger organizations that may only need to request a small grant to carry out critical programs or increase capacity. We believe that these grants provide important support for much-needed services to diverse communities throughout Fort Bend County.”
Capital Projects
Our Capital Grants typically require the following:
The organization requesting support clearly serves an under-resourced population,In instances where the Foundation’s support is likely to leverage much greater giving from other community sources such as government, corporations, individuals and other foundations and,Where it is clear that an effective local campaign, involving extensive citizen participation and grassroots leadership has been or will be mounted. Note: Program grants, which include requests for capital items such as furniture, computers, video recorders, etc., are not included within this general policy.

Eligibility

What We FundBasic EligibilityProvide an IRS Letter of Determination that confirms the organization is a 501(c)3 public charity. Demonstrate the delivery of services or programs to benefit Fort Bend County residents.Align with The George Foundation’s funding priorities.Demonstrate the proposed activities are in response to a documented community need.Maintain compliance with the Foundation on all previous grants.

Ineligibility

What We Don't FundExamples of areas the Foundation does not fundPass-through or regranting organizations (i.e., organizations that primarily raise funds/generate revenue to then distribute money to recipients of its selection)Youth or adult sports teams/recreational leaguesReligious or private schoolsIndividual K-12 public schools (we review requests from school districts or charter networks as a whole)Churches or other organized religious bodiesFraternal organizationsIndividualsInstitutions that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation in policy or practiceEndowmentsPolitical interests of any kindLoans or debt reductionResearch or studiesRegional, national, or international programmingPurchase of special event tickets, tables, or advertisementsSponsorships for events, workshops, fairs, or festivalsTravel or fees for conferences, seminars, conventions, performances, or competitionsGrants that impose expenditure responsibility on the Foundation