The Brown Foundation focuses primarily on the greater Houston area. Unsolicited requests from beyond greater Houston are rarely approved.
The Brown Foundation will consider most types of funding requests (general operating; program; and capital). We do not accept requests for endowments, endowment campaigns, or debt retirement. We do not accept requests for any type of event sponsorships, galas, or similar.
Organizations may not apply more than once per year. For organizations that have received a previous grant, a report of outcomes and expenditures must be submitted before a new grant may be awarded.
Occasionally. For new organizations, we recommend that you begin by submitting your pre-application. After reviewing your pre-application, we will determine if we would like to arrange a meeting to learn more.
Yes. All organizations must complete all stages of the application process.
Yes. You may choose to download a Word document to draft your responses, and then copy into the online form when ready to submit. After you submit, the system will send you a PDF version of your responses which you may save or print as desired.
If you apply during the specified cycle times, you should receive a decision approximately 30 days after the close date for the pre-application window. For example, if you apply by July 31, you should expect a decision by the end of August.
In the pre-application, you have the option to upload one link. However, this is optional, and organizations that choose not to will still receive the same consideration.
A login is NOT required to complete a pre-application. If you are invited to submit a full application, you will need to create a login and password.
Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Internet Explorer is not recommended.
Most proposals are declined simply due to lack of alignment with our priorities or core geography. Due to the volume of applications received, we cannot offer individual feedback. If we have specific feedback to offer that might help your organization in the future, we commit to sharing that with you proactively.
Yes, although you must wait one year before re-applying.