Search Through Quality of Life Grants in Corpus Christi, Texas in the U.S.

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Valero Energy Foundation 

Valero, its employees and the Valero Energy Foundation are committed to improving the quality of life in communities where we work and live, fulfilling a mission that was set from the beginning. We set the standard for corporate citizenship and promotes prosperity in our communities. 

The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations.

Four Pillars of Support

Our funding focuses on our four pillars of giving in communities where we have major operations.

• Basic Needs:  Valero gives assistance to agencies that provide basic needs of life, including shelter, food and clothing necessary for the development of a strong and safe community. 
• Health Care: We invest in the development of strategic community health resources and facilities that will support the needs of all members of our nearby communities, with major gifts going to children’s hospitals, university medical centers and service providers that offer specialized health care services and programs.
• Education: Valero is a strong advocate of education as it creates a necessary foundation for all children to thrive and for adults to lead productive lives. 
• Civic: We support civic and environmental initiatives directly related to the success of the communities where we live and work.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Beecroft Family Scholarship

Established by B.E. Beecroft to assist deserving students in Nueces and San Patricio counties with a desire to attend college.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Children’s Orthopedic Association of South Texas (Coast) Scholarship

Established by the Children's Orthopedic Associates of South Texas to assist students planning to pursue a career in medicine or nursing.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council Scholarship

Established in 2016 to assist students attending either Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi or Del Mar College planning careers similar to those held by members of the Estate Planning Council.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Ewi Bobbi Sims Scholarship

Women in transition due to loss of spouse through death or divorce, loss of job, physical disability, health issue, or other circumstances who wish to pursue or complete a higher education degree.

Amount:

• Varies

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Lay – Sue Kay Lay Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Sue Kay Lay, a Baker Junior High School student killed in an automobile accident on June 23, 1970, while visiting the family ranch in Brackettville, Texas. She was 13 years old at the time.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Lebleu – Glen Lebleu Education Scholarship

Established in memory of Glen LeBleu.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Luis Adan Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Luis Adan Gonzalez to assist graduates of any Coastal Bend high school with their post-secondary education. Luis graduated high school in 2014 from Moody High School and received a scholarship from Coastal Bend Community Foundation. He attended Texas A&M University- Kingsville. Luis passed away in 2018 from leukemia.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Miller – Brian and Colleen Miller Math and Science Scholarship

Established by Brian and Colleen Miller of Corpus Christi, Texas to honor and show appreciation to the many donors and organizations that assisted them with their college educations through scholarships.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Nadkarni - Govind and Bahki Nadkarni Engineering Scholarship

Established by Govind and Bahki Nadkarni to assist Coastal Bend students who intend t study civil engineering at our area universities.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Picquet – Jimmie Ruth Picquet Scholarship

In honor of Jimmie Ruth Picquet, a lifelong Bishop resident and a graduate of Bishop High School. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history with minors in English from Texas A&I University. Mrs. Picquet was director of the Conner Museum at Texas A&I University for 22 years. She also taught piano for 16 years.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

RBG – Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2020 by the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

CBCF is a public charity serving the Coastal Bend region of Texas and is beginning its fourth decade. Over these years, our founders, donors, board members, and staff have worked together to provide millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to the people of this geographical region, while imbuing CBCF with a reputation for honesty, integrity, stewardship and effectiveness.

CBCF has provided a vehicle for long-term philanthropy for those who wish to broadly support our communities. CBCF serves as our communities’ charitable endowment; we are fortunate to be able to use our assets to “improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend.”

Reverend E.F. Bennett Scholarship

Established by a group of business leaders in Corpus Christi, Texas to honor Reverend Bennett’s outstanding record of community service. The Reverend E.F. Bennett, a WWII veteran and former pastor in Refugio and Robstown, Texas, served as a director for 17 nonprofit organizations, as Chaplain for the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Nueces County Sheriff’s Department.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Scholarship

Established by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi to benefit students with their post-secondary education.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Shamsie – Judge Terry Shamsie Scholarship

Established in honor of Judge Terry Shamsie to assist studens with their post-secondary school education.

Coastal Bend Community Foundation 

Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981.

Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021.

The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Smith – Roy Smith Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Roy Smith by his family to assist students in Nueces County who intend to pursue a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Mr. Smith rose from humble beginnings as a farmer to developing commercial real estate landmarks in Corpus Christi such as Padre Staples Mall now named La Palmera Mall and the shops at La Palmera.

Welcome to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF)

We are a tax-exempt, non-profit foundation serving the seven-county region of the Texas Coastal Bend (Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio). We formed to help donors “pool” their charitable contributions and leverage that giving to benefit worthy causes in the community.

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy 

Strawn - Richard L Strawn Accounting Scholarship

Established in memory of Richard L. Strawn.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

Community Ties Giving Program

As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants help us achieve our mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within our priority cause areas to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific's footprint.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific's business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. We take pride in the role we have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact we can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to our history and reflective of the diverse company we are today.

As such, we have carefully aligned our Local Grants cause areas to our company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, we prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities. Within each focus area, we aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed. Find more information about our commitment to DEI in our FAQs.

Safety

In order for communities to thrive, all residents must feel safe. Just as the safety of our employees and community members is paramount to how we operate, Union Pacific is committed to helping communities prevent and prepare for incidents and emergencies, and helping residents get home safely at the end of each day. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to: 

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent incidents through education and awareness, particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach underserved populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders* to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
  • *Union Pacific supports publicly funded emergency responders through a variety of corporate programs; only independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, such as volunteer departments, are eligible for funding through this grant program
• Prevent crime and violent incidents and support survivors of domestic violence through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Workforce Development

For more than 160 years, Union Pacific has helped stimulate economic growth in cities and towns throughout the nation by training and providing employment to millions of workers. More than ever, we are committed to helping underrepresented residents in our communities achieve family-supporting careers like those offered by Union Pacific. As such, we prioritize funding for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of and pathways toward employment opportunities; building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); establishing necessary technical skills and life skills; and providing mentorship and positive role models for the future.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas relevant to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Resolve barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, acquiring necessary equipment for work, and second chance employment programs.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Community Vitality

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to establishing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for employees, customers and residents to work, visit and call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for economic development and opportunity more than 160 years ago, we maintain this tradition by cultivating unique cultural and recreational experiences and equipping community members with opportunities to live healthy, vital lives. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theaters, zoos, cultural and local heritage, visual and performing arts, etc.)
• Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment (e.g., parks, libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, learning centers, etc.).
• Revive neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, to improve livability, promote commerce and attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Ensure residents’ basic needs are met and barriers are overcome (e.g., safe shelter and homelessness prevention, hunger relief, mental health and community health needs, etc.).
• Offer youth development and educational opportunities to ensure young people can thrive into healthy and productive community members (e.g., mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, services for youth in foster care, etc.).
• Build the capacity of community vitality-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Environmental Sustainability

The future of our business, communities and planet depends on bold, collective action to reduce and slow the impacts of climate change while building a more sustainable economy for the next generation. Union Pacific is taking deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our partners improve their own. Extending this commitment to our community investments, we seek to support leading environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance the health of our environment. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Preserve and restore nature, including programs focused on natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through innovative and proactive solutions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and emission reduction programs.
• Reduce waste through initiatives focused on promoting recycling and circularity throughout the community, including recycling and composting programs and other efforts that reduce waste.
• Develop environmental stewards through youth programs focused on fostering environmental appreciation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Advance a sustainable economy by helping communities accelerate their transition to environmental jobs and renewable energy, as well as helping nonprofits and small businesses build their own capacity to operate more sustainably.
• Promote environmental justice through initiatives that ensure access to clean air, water, and land and protect underserved populations from disproportionate and adverse environmental effects.
• Build the capacity of sustainability-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Trees for Texans

Texan by Nature is proud to partner with H-E-B to catalyze a statewide tree-planting program. Trees for Texans enriches the places we call home by planting trees that create healthier environments for schools, communities, and our future.

Our communities will Thrive

Trees help communities thrive by offering shade, reducing the urban heat island effect, and cooling urban areas. Trees also enhance our communities, providing educational opportunities and mental health benefits that enrich the quality of life of our communities.

Our environment will Thank Us

Trees play a crucial role in keeping our environment healthy. Trees help absorb carbon dioxide providing cleaner air. Trees help filter water, providing clean drinking water for communities. Trees and forests provide crucial habitats that help healthy populations of wildlife thrive.

Our Texas, Our Future

H-E-B Trees for Texans is a long-term investment in the future of all Texans. As trees grow and mature over time, their benefits extend through generations creating a legacy of sustainability and stewardship for future generations to enjoy.

For Communities Grant

We’re connecting communities to nature with opportunities for hands-on conservation. H-E-B supports communities by partnering with local non-profits to plant trees, engage volunteers, and celebrate the places we call home.

We invite non-profits, municipalities, and civic organizations to apply for a $5,000 grant for projects that increase tree canopy, reduce the heat island effect, increase available greenspace, and beautify public spaces in Texas. This application is open annually, and there are no restrictions regarding number of applications. Organizations are eligible to apply each cycle.

Funding is awarded annually for plantings occurring during the upcoming tree planting season.

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.