We are delighted to feature the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (BBHL). As a supporting organization of GHCF, we are a full-service philanthropic partner to BBHL. We work collaboratively by offering strategic guidance and support for their organization and operational execution on custom projects. GHCF provides outsourced business operations, accounting, and board administration, as well as grant management. BBHL continues to expand to increase their impact, and we are proud to enable

and bolster their growth!

What are BBHL's current initiatives? 

The Foundation is focusing on two key strategies this year - increasing access to books in the home and expanding access to summer and out-of-school educational programs for low-income children. Earlier this year we launched MyHomeLibraryHouston.org, a website on which children can log on through their school and create a wish list of books they want to read and own. Also, our Ladies for Literacy Guild is supporting the build of a one-of-a-kind mobile library, called Curiosity Cruiser, that, in partnership with the Harris County Public Library, will provide educational programming and books to children in affordable housing communities. 

As you have likely read, there is a lot of activity around tax reform right now, including discussion concerning the charitable deduction, but very little clarity. We can say the same thing regarding the activity around the possible repeal of the estate and perhaps the gift tax.  Our D.C. contact tells us that most analysts expect that the most meaningful work will take place in the Senate, where there is much less consensus about the best path forward. It is clear to all involved that Congress would like to push through comprehensive corporate and individual tax reform this year before we move into an election year; it is not yet clear whether or not they will be successful in achieving all of this. We will certainly reach out if we learn of any important developments that indicate a real directional move in these efforts.  

Perspectives on Philanthropy

Friday, March 3, 2017 |  7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Hotel Granduca 

Meet Ben Brown Next Gen Donor Institute Alum, 2013 GHCF Next Gen Governing Board member 2017 Next Gen Giving Circle president, 2015 & 2016 Next Gen steering committee member, 2016 - current

Who has influenced your giving?

I have looked at both of my parents as role models throughout my life. When my brother and I were growing up, our parents provided that positive influence by making sure we were doing what we could to give back. They never wanted us to be naïve about the fact that there were people who were less fortunate then we were.

We are currently taking nominations for the Next Gen Donor Institute. Please contact Anne Fried, afried@ghcf.org to nominate someone for the 2017 Institute. 

The impact of perhaps the greatest Super Bowl ever will last a long time in Houston. The Greater Houston Community Foundation is honored to have played a role in such a historic event. As the Official Administrator of the Touchdown Houston Charitable Fund, it gives us great pleasure to create a lasting impact on the Houston community.

Highlights from our partnership with the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee

View the press release f or a full listing of the grantees.  Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to provide information on the impact of the grants.  

   

GHCF offers donors unique opportunities to create impact in three critical issue areas in the Houston community: Anti-Human Trafficking, Education, and Youth Homelessness. We are excited to announce the formation of the new Education Donor Working Group! You can join us to align funding or collaborate by giving with other donors, private foundations and local corporations. 

The Foundation is always looking for ways to serve our donors and corporate clients as efficiently and responsively as possible. We are pleased to announce that our Donor Services Department recently implemented the processing of grants to twice a week, except for during weeks with office closures and holidays. This is a change from processing grants once a week. Donors will receive the same excellent service that our Donor Services staff has always provided.

GHCF is excited to welcome Mike Pawson as the Foundation's first Chief Financial Officer. Mike brings a broad background in the nonprofit sector to his role at GHCF. We are also delighted to welcome our new Family Philanthropy Manager, Scholarships Manager, and Donor Services Associate. 

GHCF is proud to announce our presence on social media! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on philanthropy and the impact of our donors and community partners.  Are you looking to engage with GHCF on a professional platform? Connect with us on LinkedIn!

• Facebook: @greaterhoucf
• Twitter: @greaterhoucf
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Greater-Houston-Community-Foundation