Hello from Greater Houston Community Foundation,
Our thoughts continue to be with those impacted by Hurricane Ida, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and those recovering from the recent earthquake in Haiti.
We have reached out to colleagues and organizations to find out what is needed at this time and in the coming days and months to help with recovery efforts. Below are a few suggestions for where you might consider making a financial contribution. There are certainly other ways to help and we would be happy to discuss other strategies and options with you.
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As our neighbors to the East continue to analyze the damage in their communities, we have compiled a list of organizations assisting in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida.
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Several local nonprofit organizations are assisting in the Afghan humanitarian crisis and the resettlement of refugees in Houston.
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The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has established the Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund following the devastating earthquake last month.
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Donor Highlight
David Weekley Family Foundation
While the David Weekley Family Foundation (DWFF) has a long history of supporting community organizations and ministries in Houston, it reached out to GHCF to get their “insider’s view” of the organizations that were truly effective in combating the challenges of COVID-19 across the city.
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Youth Leader Donates Over 2,000 Books
“I enjoy [being a part of the Youth Leadership Team] because I am able to work with other teens who share the same passion as me. It also allows me to see the impact I can make on our community and teaches me the grant process. I was drawn to Books Between Kids because they have worked with my school before and their mission stood out to me. Access to age-appropriate reading materials at home is one the biggest predictors of academic success and by supporting this non-profit I was able to make one step further to giving more low-income families the opportunity to have access to adequate books.”
- Isabelle, Youth Leadership Team Participant
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News From Understanding Houston
The first major update to the Understanding Houston website is underway, and we want to hear how you think we can improve. Let us know how you utilize Understanding Houston and what you’d like to see more of in our inaugural survey.
As a special thank you, we will randomly select three respondents and donate $1,000 to their favorite local nonprofit.
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Black Philanthropy Month Recap
Greater Houston Community Foundation is committed to helping you achieve your philanthropic goals, serving as a resource and collaborative partner as you navigate your giving. Last month, we celebrated Black Philanthropy Month and the impactful efforts of Black-led nonprofit organizations in our region. Visit GHCFGivingGuide.org and consider a donation to one or more of the 80 Black-led nonprofit organizations featured in the Giving Guide.
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Winter Storm Fund Update
Recognizing the dire hardships created by the extreme winter weather in February, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo established the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston.
To date, more than 5,000 individuals have received financial assistance and more than 700 homes have been repaired through grants from the storm fund. Since the fund was launched in February, more than $17.5 million has been contributed by generous corporations, foundations, and individuals.
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Recent contributions to the fund include:
$500,000+
Comcast NBCUniversal
$250,000-$499,999
BHP
Camila and Matthew McConaughey – just keep livin Foundation
Wood Next Fund
$100,000-$249,999
Accenture
Bechtel Group Foundation
Doug and Sarah Foshee
Itron, Inc.
Kinder Morgan Foundation
Port Houston
Westlake Chemical Corporation and the T.T. and W.F. Chao Foundation
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Welcome to the team, Lauren & Kimberly! |
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Lauren Oliver, Receptionist
Lauren studied psychology and attained her Associate of Arts degree at Lone Star College. Lauren has an extensive background in customer service, having recently held the role of administrative assistant at a CPA firm and, prior to that, managed a restaurant for three years. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping with friends and her fur-baby, Mousse.
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Kimberly Hipo, Donor Services Assistant
Kimberly studied government and attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University. Kimberly is skilled in customer service, fluent in Spanish, and was most recently employed with Kid City Children’s Museum in Connecticut. In her spare time, Kimberly loves spending time with her niece and nephews, going to concerts (hopefully again soon!), and doing any sort of arts and crafts.
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