Introducing the Monthly Minute & the Joy Factor
Introducing Two New Communication Tools for FY26: Monthly Minute & Joy Factor. As we begin a new fiscal year, we’re launching new communication tools designed to keep you better informed, aligned, and connected to the Brown Foundation’s work—while also reducing email volume and streamlining how we share important information.
First, the Joy Factor—a new bi-annual publication that will highlight the tangible impact of our grants. Each edition will focus on one of our grantmaking areas, feature stories of progress and outcomes from across the region, and include updates on issues shaping Houston. This publication is designed to provide visibility into the real-world impact of Brown Foundation grants and bring some joy in seeing how the community benefits from our work.
Second, we’re introducing the Monthly Minute—a short, once-a-month email update from me that covers critical dates, engagement opportunities, deadlines, and updates you need to know. The goal is to minimize the number of individual emails you receive and offer a more efficient way to stay on top of key information.
Finally, you’ll receive occasional Action Alerts—reminders about tasks that require your immediate attention.
Together, these communications will help us stay focused, coordinated, and better informed throughout the year. We look forward to sharing them with you.
These communications will be archived here so you can refer to them at any time.
FY25 in Review
- 71MM
- Total FY25 Funding
- 222
- Total FY25 Grants
- 87%
- of Funding Impacting Houston
Grants by Program Area
- $11.5MM █ Medicine & Science
- $15.4MM █ Arts & Humanities
- $18.7MM █ Civic Assets
- $20.9MM █ Education
- $5.4MM █ Human Services
Stories of Impact & Excellence
In this section, you’ll find a map of the projects we’ve supported, along with highlights of three parks funded by the Brown Foundation in 2024 & 2025 that demonstrate the breadth and impact of this work
In 2023, The Brown Foundation identified the expansion of parks and green spaces as a strategic priority for Houston. Since then, we’ve focused our efforts on funding the development, enhancement, and accessibility of parks across the city. Below is a map that reflects the impact of this work.
$71 Million Total Given To Parks Since 2023
- Past Investment
- FY25 Grants
Board grants since 2020:
- A. Inwood Recreation Project ($3M FY20)
- B. James Driver All-Inclusive Park ($500,000 FY21)
- C. Herman Brown Park Master Plan ($250,000 FY22)
- D. Hill at Sims ($7.5M, FY23)
- E. Hermann Park ($2.5M FY20)
- F. Willow Waterhole Conservancy ($1.5M FY22)
- G. Greenspace for Westchase / Wilcrest Park ($300,000 FY21)
- H. Buffalo Bayou East ($21M FY20, 23)
- I. Memorial Park ($7.5M FY24)
- J. MacGregor Park ($4M FY24)
- K. Coolgreen Park ($1M FY24)
FY25 Grants:
- E. Hermann Park Conservancy ($6M toward 10-year plan)
- L. Burnett-Bayland Park ($7.5M)
- M. Vince Bayou Greenway ($1.5M to Houston Parks Board)
- N. Emancipation Park ($1M to capital campaign)
- O. Freedmen’s Town Rebirth in Action Phase II ($750K to CAMH)
- P. University of Houston ($500K to Wilhelmina’s Grove)
- Q. Pumpkin Park ($250K)
Note: Map does not include SPARK and Parks Board
Featured Parks:
The Hill at Sims Bayou
Status: Under construction, projected completion: 2026
Brown Foundation Investment: 7.5MM
Brief Overview: The Hill at Sims is located on the site of a Harris County Flood Control stormwater detention basin along Sims Bayou and Scott Street in the Sunnyside community. The Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Houston Parks Board are currently constructing a system of pedestrian trails and other amenities for the site. This greenspace will serve a dual purpose that both protects homes and businesses during severe weather and provides access to safe, healthy recreational opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Sunnyside has traditionally been a greenspace desert. This public-private partnership has prioritized investment in a part of the city that has been traditionally overlooked.
Recent Media Coverage: Houston Chronicle Story
Construction Photos:
Herman Park Commons
Status: Completed in 2024 (Just turned one)
Brown Foundation Investment: 2.5MM
Brief Overview: After two years of construction, The Commons at Hermann Park officially opened in April 2024. This transformed 26-acre space—once underutilized—now serves as a vibrant gateway on the Park’s southwest side. The Commons offers something for everyone, from shaded picnic areas and restored natural spaces to the star attraction: the unparalleled two-acre Play Gardens. New amenities also include the Central Lawn, Live Oak Terrace, upgraded Fannin Pavilion, and enhanced grilling and picnic zones. The Commons embodies the Park’s mission to be an inclusive, engaging, and accessible space for all Houstonians for generations to come.
Recent Media Coverage: HermannPark.Org
Burnett Bayland Park
Status: The project broke ground this month
Brown Foundation Investment: $7.5MM
Brief Overview: Gulfton’s Burnett Bayland Park is being redeveloped with community input. The master plan features green spaces to reduce urban heat, ponds, a gathering lawn, picnic areas, and sports fields. The long-term goal is to expand the park from 35 to 75 acres. Harris County Precinct 4 has secured $39 million for Phase 1, with 30% funded federally. The aim is to create a park with the quality and community support of Hermann Park, right in the heart of Gulfton. Brown Foundation made one of its largest gifts in history to the project in 2025: $7.5MM
Recent Media Coverage:
Chron Story (Burnett Park Breaks Ground)
Grantees in the Spotlight
This section spotlights the way our Grantees are using Brown Foundation funding to make an impact in the Houston community.
EMERGE
The Houston-based elite college access non-profit focused on connecting top-tier students from low-income high schools with the nation’s top colleges and universities was featured this month in the Houston Chronicle.
Houston Grand Opera
As performing arts companies across the nation struggle to rebound after the pandemic, the Houston Grand Opera is bucking the trends and thriving. The New York Times highlighted HGO’s creative triumphs, thanks in part to the generosity of donors like the Brown Foundation.
Covenant House
The 41-year-old, Montrose-based nonprofit that provides housing and support services to youth experiencing homelessness, celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art campus on Lovett Boulevard in May. The new 104,000-square-foot, 55 million dollar building enables the organization to serve 50% more at-risk youth seeking shelter and access to resources to help them build independent lives away from the streets.
Houston Chamber Choir
After 30 years, Houston’s Chamber Choir founder, Bob Simpson, has decided to retire. He will be replaced by the current Artistic Director, Betsy Weber.
Houston Headlines
In this section we highlight broad issues affecting the Houston community.
Federal Funding Cuts Impacting the Non-Profit Community:
Houston’s nonprofit sector is experiencing dramatic impact from the recent proposed changes to federal spending. Museums, hospitals, universities, and social-service providers have been hardest hit, with uncertainty continuing to loom. A survey by United Way of Greater Houston revealed that approximately 79% of its partner organizations receive some form of government funding, with about 25% relying on these funds for at least half of their revenue. The Brown Foundation staff will continue to be in dialogue to understand implications for our grantees.
To read about how some Brown Foundation grantees are experiencing the funding turmoil, check out these links:
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants Cut To More Than 50 Houston Area Organizations
MD Anderson Pauses All Hiring in Response to Anxiety Over Tariffs
Houston Food Bank Likely To Scale Back Services After Federal Funding Cuts
More Internal Communications
Latest Monthly Minute
August 28, 2025
Covers Key Upcoming Dates, Learning Opportunities, Board and Executive Committee Updates, and Foundation Business.
