Our grantmaking focuses on four priority giving areas that enhance the quality of life in Fort Bend County:
Affordable Housing, Education, Human Needs, and Health & Wellness. Within these priority areas, our Board of Trustees has also identified specific issues of critical importance that merit special consideration. We also offer additional funding to support community-building initiatives on a limited basis.
Education
Fort Bend is home to over 125,000 public school students and multiple institutions of higher learning. Seventy different languages are spoken. The Foundation’s education portfolio aims to help students thrive, increase access and opportunity for job training and higher education, and ultimately, provide opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills to build a meaningful life. We have awarded grants for Career Readiness, Dropout Prevention, Early Childhood Education, High Performing Public Education Models, K-12 Public Education, Literacy, and Parenting Education.
The George Foundation is particularly interested in grant applications that establish or support models of excellence in Career Readiness, Early Childhood Education, High Performing Public Education, and Youth Development.
Human Needs
Despite prosperity in Fort Bend, large pockets of poverty still exist in our community. Almost 31% of residents struggle to meet basic needs. Vulnerable populations, including older adults or those with special needs, also face barriers to living a full and dignified life. Helping neighbors get back on their feet or thrive in challenging circumstances is at the heart of our Human Needs investments. We support those working to provide Abuse/Neglect Prevention and Intervention programs, Basic Needs, Law/Legal Assistance, Senior Services, and Services to Special Populations.
The George Foundation is particularly interested in grant applications that establish or support models of excellence in Abuse/Neglect Prevention & Intervention, Basic Needs, Senior Services, and Services to Special Populations.
Health & Wellness
Albert & Mamie George’s first grant in 1946 funded the construction of the first hospital in Fort Bend County. Today, the Foundation’s healthcare investments build on this legacy by providing a broad spectrum of high-quality physical and behavioral healthcare to the underserved and uninsured in our community. Our grants have supported Addiction Prevention and Intervention, Access to Care for the Uninsured, Behavioral Health, and Services to Special Populations.
The George Foundation is particularly interested in grant applications that establish or support models of excellence in Access to Care for the Uninsured and Mental and Behavioral Health.
Affordable Housing
Housing is considered “affordable” when a household spends less than 30% of its gross income on housing costs, including utilities (HUD definition). When a household is spending above this amount, it is considered “cost-burdened.” Over 60% of Fort Bend County’s renters and 35% of its homeowners are identified as extreme or high housing cost-burdened.
Our Affordable Housing initiatives are designed to unite government and community efforts to expand access to affordable housing in Fort Bend County. We seek to collaborate with experienced developers to deliver a range of housing solutions that meet diverse needs. In addition, we work with local organizations and financial institutions to offer financial education programs focused on budgeting, saving, and credit-building to help prospective buyers and renters qualify for and sustain affordable housing options.
The George Foundation is particularly interested in grant applications that establish or support models of excellence in Affordable Housing, Homelessness/Housing Assistance and Housing Stability.
*Priorities are listed in bold above.
Are you new to The George Foundation or wondering if your organization’s work aligns with our funding priorities? We’re here to help!
