The generosity of Houston's citizens provides an ongoing foundation for the performing arts.
Houston has a serious commitment to the performing arts. There are 45 venues for the performing arts in the greater Houston area, with performances ranging from the Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theater to the Houston Ballet, the fourth largest ballet company in the country. The generosity of Houston's citizens provides an ongoing foundation for the performing arts.
The Cullen Foundation
Houston's Cullen Foundation has given more than $407 million in grants since 1947. This foundation gives grants for health care, higher education and the performing arts. In 2009, the Cullen foundation gave 46 percent of its grants to the performing arts.
The Cullen Foundation was originally created when Hugh and Lillie Cullen established a charitable organization funded from the proceeds of oil and gas properties. In 2000, the foundation diversified its holdings into marketable securities. Today, the foundation has an approximate market value of $220 million.
The foundation only gives grants to nonprofit organizations and bases its decisions on a plan with projected costs and goals that is submitted by the applicant. The foundation doesn't fund testimonials, organizations that make grants to others, any group created to promote a specific religion or denomination, or the purchase of team uniforms. An organization can only submit one grant proposal each year and may not submit a proposal if it has already received a multi-year grant that has not yet run out.
The Cullen Foundation
601 Jefferson, 40th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
713-651-8835
cullenfdn.org/frame.htm
Houston Endowment Inc.
Houston Endowment Inc.'s 2010 grants for the arts is greater than $12 million, with more than 70 grants awarded to different organizations. The 2010 grants range from $15,000 to the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America to $5 million dollars to the Houston Symphony Society.
Houston Endowment supports nonprofit and educational organizations in the Houston area. Besides supporting the arts, Houston Endowment gives grants to neighborhood development, the environment, health and human services, education and community enhancement.
Houston Endowment began when Jesse Jones and Mary Gibbs got married in 1920. From their marriage until 1937, when they formed the endowment, Jesse and Mary Jones donated more than a million dollars. They invested in building and businesses until 1969, when they moved to securities and stocks. Today, the endowment has grown to approximately $1.4 billion. Houston Endowment Inc. awards grants of more than $70 million annually.
Houston Endowment Inc.
600 Travis, Suite 6400
Houston, TX 77002-3000
713-238-8100
houstonendowment.org
The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
In 2008, The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation awarded more than $3 million in grants. Thirty-six percent of the money went to grants in support of the arts.
Only nonprofit organizations are considered for grants through this foundation; these grants are generally given to organizations that receive no money from the government.
The Herzstein Charitable Foundation reflects the beliefs of its founder, Albert Herzstein, who worked hard to rise from a simple store owner to a multimillionaire. His foundation supports the values of self-reliance and the free enterprise system. The Herzstein Charitable Foundation accepts written applications that show a clear business plan and quantifiable goals. A detailed budget should accompany the proposal.
Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
6131 Westview Drive
Houston, Texas 77055
Phone: 713-681-7868
Fax: 713-681-3652
herzsteinfoundation.org
