Provides funding to organizations that enhance the quality of life in target Texas counties through the arts, conservation, and human services. The program supports operating costs, agency programs, or specific projects.
Deadline: 2026-05-31Amount: Average $75,000 (Range: $500 - $1,495,256)Rolling
Supports efforts to strengthen public education systems and ensure children from early childhood through 12th grade are academically prepared for post-secondary success. Funding focuses on systemic changes and programs that improve outcomes for students.
Deadline: 2026-05-31Amount: Average $205,000 (Range: $500 - $1,495,256)Rolling
About This Foundation
The Powell Foundation is a private corporation based in HOUSTON, TX. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1999. The principal officer is % Katherine Osborne Valdez. It holds total assets of $451.5M. Annual income is reported at $77.8M. Gibbs-Powell House: Preserving a local historic landmark, providing opportunities for education regarding Walker County's history, and making the landmark open to the public. The Gibbs-Powell House is leased to Walker County and is managed and operated by the Walker County Historical Commission as the Gibbs-Powell House and Walker County Museum. According to available records, The Powell Foundation has made 1,109 grants totaling $71.8M, with a median grant of $30K. The foundation has distributed between $15M and $39.2M annually from 2021 to 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $39.2M distributed across 576 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1.5M, with an average award of $65K. The foundation has supported 415 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Texas, District of Columbia, California, which account for 85% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 24 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Application Information
Deadline
All requests must be submitted online in advance of the board meeting in the spring or the fall.
Restrictions
The Powell Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations with the potential to achieve high impact in education, the arts, conservation, and human service sectors within the Foundation's geographic areas of interest, Harris, Travis, and Walker Counties, Texas. The requesting organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate their ability to engage in sound financial planning and solid management practices. The Foundation does not support grants to religious organizations, fund-raising events, other private foundations, individuals, or for past operating deficits. 2021 Board Grants: Education $6.3M (45%), the Arts $2M (14%), Conservation $4M (29%), and Human Services $1.7M (12%). Refer to the website for historical giving in prior years.
Gibbs-Powell House: Preserving a local historic landmark, providing opportunities for education regarding Walker County's history, and making the landmark open to the public. The Gibbs-Powell House is leased to Walker County and is managed and operated by the Walker County Historical Commission as the Gibbs-Powell House and Walker County Museum.
Expenses: $25K
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Powell Foundation fund?
Gibbs-Powell House: Preserving a local historic landmark, providing opportunities for education regarding Walker County's history, and making the landmark open to the public. The Gibbs-Powell House is leased to Walker County and is managed and operated by the Walker County Historical Commission as the Gibbs-Powell House and Walker County Museum. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 1,109 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in TX, DC, CA.
How much does The Powell Foundation give in grants?
The Powell Foundation has distributed a total of $71.8M across 1,109 grants. The median grant size is $30K, with an average of $65K. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1.5M.
How do I apply for a grant from The Powell Foundation?
The application deadline is All requests must be submitted online in advance of the board meeting in the spring or the fall.. The Powell Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations with the potential to achieve high impact in education, the arts, conservation, and human service sectors within the Foundation's geographic areas of interest, Harris, Travis, and Walker Counties, Texas. The requesting organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate their ability to engage in sound financial planning and solid management practices. The Foundation does not support grants to religious organizations, fund-raising events, other private foundations, individuals, or for past operating deficits. 2021 Board Grants: Education $6.3M (45%), the Arts $2M (14%), Conservation $4M (29%), and Human Services $1.7M (12%). Refer to the website for historical giving in prior years. An application form is available on the foundation's website.
Where is The Powell Foundation located?
The Powell Foundation is headquartered in HOUSTON, TX. While based in TX, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 24 states.
