Sure Foundation Inc.

Sure Foundation Inc. is a small private foundation established in 1987 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas (EIN 76-0219600). With approximately $1.54 million in assets and annual income averaging around $50,000–55,000, it operates as a modest but consistent grantmaker. The foundation does not operate programs directly; it funds external charitable organizations.

The foundation's giving philosophy centers on faith-based and Christian-aligned organizations. Its grantmaking supports three overlapping categories: (1) Christian ministries and missionary programs at home and abroad, (2) direct human services such as youth development, community feeding programs, and scholarship funds, and (3) a secondary interest in conservative educational institutions.

Successful applicants tend to be faith-aligned nonprofits with an established track record. The foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund both local Houston-area organizations and national or international bodies when the mission aligns. Repeat grants to the same organizations across multiple years (e.g., Heart of Texas Foundation, Youth-Reach Houston, Jentezen Franklin Ministries) indicate a preference for building ongoing relationships rather than funding new entrants every cycle. Organizations seeking a first grant should be prepared to demonstrate alignment with Christian values and operational accountability.

The foundation's application process is not publicly advertised. No online portal or published RFP exists. Outreach is best made through direct correspondence with the foundation's leadership.

Sure Foundation's documented grantmaking from IRS 990-PF filings spans at least 2020–2023, with a peak giving year in 2022.

Annual Grantmaking Summary: - 2020: 4 grants totaling $24,100 (avg $6,025) - 2021: 10 grants totaling $60,700 (avg $6,070) - 2022: 16 grants totaling $94,600 (avg $5,913) - 2023: 2 grants totaling $11,500 (avg $5,750)

The 2022 spike was driven by a large international grant to Mulenga Hope Foundation International ($25,600 x2 in the 990 data, likely one $25,600 grant) and a $12,000 grant to Heart of Texas Foundation. The 2023 data may be incomplete, as ProPublica reported only 2 grants with total functional expenses of just $16,160.

Grant size range: $500 (Hillsdale College scholarship support, 2022) to $25,600 (Mulenga Hope Foundation International, 2022). The median grant is approximately $3,000 and the average approximately $6,025.

Sectoral breakdown by total dollars committed (2020–2023): - International humanitarian/missionary programs: ~$91,200 (48%) - Domestic faith-based ministries and church programs: ~$40,000 (21%) - Youth development and human services: ~$21,200 (11%) - Education/scholarships: ~$11,500 (6%) - Community food security (Salvation Army feeding program): ~$3,000 (2%) - Other charitable programs: ~$23,000 (12%)

The foundation's asset base has been relatively stable ($1.4M–$1.9M range over a decade), suggesting a conservative investment strategy. Annual revenue ($50K–$100K) likely comes from investment returns on the endowment rather than new donations.

The table below compares Sure Foundation Inc. to similar small-to-mid Texas private foundations (foundation code 04, assets $800K–$2.5M) that are active grantmakers:

Key observations: - Sure Foundation's average grant ($6,025) is at the higher end for foundations of this asset tier in Texas, suggesting it concentrates grants in fewer, more substantial awards rather than spreading small amounts widely. - Most Texas private foundations of this size maintain strictly Texas geographic focus. Sure Foundation stands out for its documented international grantmaking (Mulenga Hope Foundation International, Assemblies of God Bernard Johnson Ministries in California), indicating greater geographic flexibility than peers. - Sure Foundation gave to only 4–16 organizations per year (2020–2023), a lower grant count than foundations like Luck Family Foundation (34 grants in a recent year) or Apache Foundation (73 grants). This concentrated approach means competition for each grant is lower but selectivity is higher per relationship. - The faith-based identity is a distinctive differentiator. Most comparable Texas foundations fund broader civic, arts, education, or health sectors. Sure Foundation's narrow religious-charitable focus creates a clear profile for prospective applicants.

Based on the most recent 990-PF filings available through ProPublica (through tax year 2023):

2023 (most recent): Only two grants documented — $7,500 to Youth Reach Houston and $4,000 to The Heart of Texas Foundation. Total functional expenses of $16,160 suggest a lighter grantmaking year. Assets grew slightly to $1,523,442, and annual revenue was $52,098.

2022: Most active documented year with 16 grant transactions totaling $94,600. Major recipients included Mulenga Hope Foundation International (international humanitarian work) and Heart of Texas Foundation (Texas community services). This was also the year the foundation supported Hillsdale College scholarships and The Old Paths (Georgia-based Christian educational ministry).

2021: 10 grants totaling $60,700. International giving was strong — $20,000 to Mulenga Hope Foundation International for a "special project." Harvest Ministries to the World (Lewisville, TX missionary organization) received $9,000.

2020: 4 grants totaling $24,100. Harvest Ministries to the World ($12,000) and Inspire Church Houston ($5,000) were the primary recipients.

Trend: The foundation showed a clear upward trajectory in grantmaking volume from 2020 through 2022, then appears to have pulled back in 2023. Whether this represents a temporary reduction or a structural shift in strategy is unclear from available data. The consistent support for youth-oriented (Youth Reach Houston) and community service (Heart of Texas Foundation, Salvation Army) organizations across multiple years points to anchor relationships that persist regardless of annual budget variation.

The foundation has maintained assets in the $1.4M–$1.5M range for several years, indicating stable but ungrowing endowment capacity.

1. Establish faith alignment prominently. Sure Foundation's entire grantmaking portfolio is oriented around Christian-aligned organizations. Applications from secular nonprofits are unlikely to succeed. Ensure your organization's mission statement, program descriptions, and leadership bios reflect values compatible with Christian philanthropy.

2. Focus on operational support narratives. Nearly all grants are described as "Fund Operations" or "Fund Special Programs." The foundation is not a project-specific funder seeking novel initiatives — it supports the ongoing work of trusted organizations. Frame your request around sustaining core operations or a specific programmatic area, not launching something new.

3. Lead with track record and relationships. The foundation's repeat funding pattern (Youth Reach Houston funded every year 2020–2023; Heart of Texas Foundation funded every year 2020–2023) indicates strong preference for familiar organizations. First-time applicants should establish personal contact before submitting any formal request. Warm introductions from current grantees carry significant weight.

4. Target $2,000–$12,000 ask range. The sweet spot for new applicants is likely $2,500–$7,500 given documented median ($3,000) and average ($6,025) grant sizes. The $25,600 grants to Mulenga Hope Foundation reflect a long-term international partner relationship, not the typical entry point. Do not anchor your first request above $10,000.

5. Geographic flexibility is real but faith-driven. While the foundation funds organizations in Washington, Georgia, California, and internationally, those grants follow the faith mission, not geography. Organizations outside Texas can apply but must demonstrate especially strong alignment with Christian ministry or humanitarian aid objectives.

6. No published application process — direct outreach is required. There is no online grants portal, published RFP, or listed application deadline. Contact the foundation at its Pasadena, TX address. A brief (1–2 page) letter of inquiry outlining your mission, budget, and specific funding request is the appropriate first step.

7. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility. With a modest endowment, the foundation is likely to scrutinize how organizations manage funds. Include a current operating budget, most recent 990, and audited financials if available. Show that grant dollars will have tangible, measurable impact on your organization's mission delivery.