The Marek Family Foundation prioritizes local Houston-area Catholic and faith-based education, social services, and workforce development, alongside significant support for medical institutions and health care access. They fund parochial schools and scholarship programs, employment and job-training organizations that serve low-income adults, and major hospitals/research centers that provide indigent care and medical research. Grants skew toward practical, direct-service organizations addressing poverty, unemployment, addiction recovery, and tuition access. The foundation combines support for large regional institutions with targeted funding to community nonprofits and ministry-oriented programs.
A defining part of Marek Family Foundation’s grantmaking is support for Houston faith-based education and ministry, anchored by gifts such as $239,175 to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for religious faith and $196,344 to The Cardinal's Circle for education in inner city schools. The foundation also backs direct-service work for people facing poverty and crisis, pairing parochial and scholarship support with grants to organizations that provide food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and job training. Medical institutions are another major thread in the portfolio, with support for patient care, medical assistance for indigent families, and research at Houston-area hospitals and health systems. The pattern suggests a local funder that combines religious, educational, and health-related priorities within the Houston area, while also extending some support to Dallas and a small number of other Texas and U.S. recipients. Across the recent grants list, the foundation appears to favor practical, service-oriented organizations over broad, generalized funding requests. Its grants connect to tuition access, workforce preparation, addiction recovery, and care for low-income patients and families, with several recipients serving disadvantaged students, unemployed adults, and youth in crisis.
Faith-based education is one of the clearest through lines. Marek Family Foundation gave $94,000 to St Pius X High School Foundation for tuition assistance to disadvantaged students and $75,075 to University of St Thomas for tuition assistance to minority students. Religious education and worship also appear repeatedly, including $65,000 to Cristo Rey Jesuit Catholic School for religious education needs and $50,000 to Co-cathedral of the Sacred Heart to support a place of worship. The foundation also funds workforce and economic mobility programs. It awarded $210,000 to Workfaith Connection to provide training and counseling for indigent unemployed people and another $210,000 to Ser Jobs to promote employment through coaching, training, and financial empowerment. In basic-needs and crisis services, it gave $218,475 to St Vincent De Paul Society for clothing, food and aid to Harris County individuals in need and $60,000 to Covenant House Texas for meals, safe beds, and more to youth in crisis.
$4.7M
$108.2M
$45.9M
$5.3M
Most grants fall between $3K and $15K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$15K
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Moderately concentrated in Greater Houston and Texas, blending several multi-grant or repeat recipients with many one-off grants; grant sizes range from mid-five-figures to large six-figure gifts. The foundation favors established local institutions and faith-based charities, making both program-specific and general operating/support gifts rather than many micro-grants.
Notable grantees: WorkFaith Connection, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, M D Anderson Cancer Center, SER-Jobs for Progress / SER JOBS
Typical grant size is modest: the 25th percentile is $3,000, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $15,000. That distribution sits alongside a smaller set of much larger awards to major Houston institutions, which pushes annual giving well above the median grant level. The foundation is classified as a regular funder and also funds individuals. The recent grants list shows repeated support for some recipients across multiple years, including Workfaith Connection, Ser-jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast Inc, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and Dallas College Foundation Inc. That repetition points to ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards.
Giving is overwhelmingly local and concentrated in Texas: 86% of grants go to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Houston dominates the recipient map, with grants to organizations such as M D Anderson Cancer Center, Workfaith Connection, and St Vincent De Paul Society. Other Texas cities appear too, including Dallas through Dallas College Foundation Inc and Dickinson through Christian Renewal Center. Outside Texas, the recent grants list includes a recipient in Lexington, Virginia, but the recipient-country distribution remains entirely U.S.-based.
The recent grants point to faith-based education, direct social services, workforce training, and medical assistance. Examples include tuition aid for disadvantaged and minority students, training and counseling for unemployed adults, food and clothing assistance, and support for hospitals and clinics serving indigent families.
The foundation’s typical grant size is $3,000 at the 25th percentile, $5,000 at the median, and $15,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent giving also includes larger awards to hospitals, schools, and diocesan or ministry organizations.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Workfaith Connection, Ser-jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast Inc, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and Dallas College Foundation Inc. That suggests ongoing relationships in parts of the portfolio.
Yes. 86% of grants go to recipients in Texas, and the grant list is heavily centered on Houston-area organizations. The broader recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
Yes. The recent grants include support for religious faith, religious education, place-of-worship funding, and tuition assistance for disadvantaged and minority students. Examples include grants to St Pius X High School Foundation, University of St Thomas, Cristo Rey Jesuit Catholic School, and Co-cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $1,034,363 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE CLOTHING, FOOD AND AID TO HARRIS COUNTY INDIVIDUALS IN NEED |
| COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS | HOUSTON, TX | $230,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE MEALS, SAFE BEDS & MORE TO YOUTH IN CRISIS |
| THE WORKFAITH CONNECTION | HOUSTON, TX | $210,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE TRAINING & COUNSELING FOR INDIGENT UNEMPLOYED. |
| ST LUKE'S FOUNDATION | HOUSTON, TX | $200,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH |
| CRISTO REY JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $150,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEEDS (GRANT PURPOSE) |
| KIPP TEXAS | HOUSTON, TX | $125,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN TEXAS |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $110,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE FOOD AND ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR |
| HARRIS HEALTH STRATEGIC FUND | BELLAIRE, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL ADULT & PEDIATRIC MEDICAL CARE |
| MD ANDERSON | HOUSTON, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR MOON SHOTS-IMMUNOTHERAPY PROGRAM |
| THE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION | HOUSTON, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR HEALTH & NATURE IN HONOR OF DR. ROBERT E JACKSON |
| UT HEALTH HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RESEARCH FOR ALZHEIMER'S' DISEASE & RELATED DEMENTIA |
| TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | HOUSTON, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT DR. HUDA ZOGHIBI'S RESEARCH AT DUNCAN NRI |
| WORK TEXAS TRAINING CENTER | HOUSTON, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO FACILITATE THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS |
| ARROW CHILD & FAMILY MINISTRIES | SPRING, TX | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH COMPLEX TRAUMAS |
| INTERFAITH MINISTRIES FOR GREATER HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $85,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | HOUSTON, TX | $85,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SANTA MARIA HOSTEL INC | HOUSTON, TX | $80,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN THROUGH ADDITION RECOVERY |
| ST PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL | HOUSTON, TX | $72,500 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH AND EDUCATION |
| MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES | HOUSTON, TX | $55,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY HELP FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER CRISIS SITUATIONS |
| HOUSTON ACHIEVEMENT PLACE | HOUSTON, TX | $50,000 | 2026 | TO SERVE CHILDREN WHO ARE DISADVANTAGED, UNDERSERVED AND FROM LOW INCOME FAMILIES |
| HOLY NAME RETREAT CENTER | HOUSTON, TX | $50,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE HOSPITALITY, HEALING, COMPASSION, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR ALL PEOPLE |
| THE THREE AMIGOS FOUNDATION | HOUSTON, TX | $50,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO TEXAS COLLEGE STUDENTS |
| SEARCH HOMELESS SERVICES | HOUSTON, TX | $50,000 | 2026 | TO HELP HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS FIND JOBS AND HOUSING |
| ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $45,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH |
| CHILDREN AT RISK | HOUSTON, TX | $35,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT UNDERSERVED STUDENTS ON A PATHWAY TO COLLEGE |
| YOUTH WITH A MISSION SAN DIEGOBAJA | CHULA VISTA, CA | $35,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT DISCIPLESHIP, EVANGELISM, AND EXTENDING WORKS OF MERCY AMONG THE POOR AND NEEDY |
| CRC RETREAT PARTNERS INC | DICKINSON, TX | $35,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH GROUP RETREATS |
| HARVEST AND HOPE | KATY, TX | $35,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR PEOPLE IN NEED |
| ST MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH ST MONICA FOOD PANTRY | HOUSTON, TX | $28,500 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS NEEDS |
| TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS |
| CATHOLIC CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HOUSTON GRAND OPERA | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT YOUNG ARTIST WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRIDGE BETWEEN TRAINING AND A FULL FLEDGE OPERATIC CAREER. |
| ST ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH | LUFKIN, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH |
| CASTROVILLE CATHOLIC MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL | CASTROVILLE, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE CHRISTIAN AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION |
| LINDA LORELLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS , SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO HOUSTON AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, WHOSE POTENTIAL MAY BE UNFULFILLED DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THEIR CONTROL. |
| COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTONHARRIS COUNTY | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS |
| EVERY SHELTER INC | PEARLAND, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT SHELTER SOLUTIONS FOR REFUGEES |
| THE FURNITURE BANK | HOUSTON, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR |
| CAREERSPRING FOUNDATION | BELLAIRE, TX | $25,000 | 2026 | TO UNLOCK THE EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL OF FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS BY PROVIDING CAREER INFO, SOCIAL CAPITAL, AND JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES |
| ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER | HOUSTON, TX | $22,500 | 2026 | TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AWARENESS |
| IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTAL ROCA INCOMMOBIBLE | CONROE, TX | $22,500 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MISSIONARY CARMELITES OF ST TERESA | HOUSTON, TX | $22,265 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH |
| SHARPEN MINISTRIES | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SATURATE THE CITY WITH SOBER LIVING SPACES FOR THE GLORY OF GOD |
| TEXAS EDUCATION WORKS | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL NEEDS |
| CENTER FOR HOUSTON'S FUTURE INC | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RATIONAL MIDDLE IMMIGRATION POLICIES IN THE HOUSTON AREA |
| YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES FOR ALL AGES |
| DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH |
| UNIVERSITY OF ST THOMAS | HOUSTON, TX | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS |
| HAVE SHEARS WILL TRAVEL | KINGWOOD, TX | $16,625 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT IN A HAIR CARE MINISTRY ORGANIZED TO SERVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THAT RESTRICT THEIR ABILITY TO OBTAINTHESE SERVICES DUE TO PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, LACK OF TRANSPORTATION, OR FINANCIAL MEANS |
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
$1,034,363TO PROVIDE CLOTHING, FOOD AND AID TO HARRIS COUNTY INDIVIDUALS IN NEED
COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS
$230,000TO PROVIDE MEALS, SAFE BEDS & MORE TO YOUTH IN CRISIS
THE WORKFAITH CONNECTION
$210,000TO PROVIDE TRAINING & COUNSELING FOR INDIGENT UNEMPLOYED.
ST LUKE'S FOUNDATION
$200,000TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH
CRISTO REY JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF HOUSTON
$150,000TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEEDS (GRANT PURPOSE)
KIPP TEXAS
$125,000TO SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN TEXAS
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
$110,000TO PROVIDE FOOD AND ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR
HARRIS HEALTH STRATEGIC FUND
$100,000TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL ADULT & PEDIATRIC MEDICAL CARE
MD ANDERSON
$100,000TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR MOON SHOTS-IMMUNOTHERAPY PROGRAM
THE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
$100,000TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR HEALTH & NATURE IN HONOR OF DR. ROBERT E JACKSON
UT HEALTH HOUSTON
$100,000TO SUPPORT RESEARCH FOR ALZHEIMER'S' DISEASE & RELATED DEMENTIA
TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$100,000TO SUPPORT DR. HUDA ZOGHIBI'S RESEARCH AT DUNCAN NRI
WORK TEXAS TRAINING CENTER
$100,000TO FACILITATE THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS
ARROW CHILD & FAMILY MINISTRIES
$100,000TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH COMPLEX TRAUMAS
INTERFAITH MINISTRIES FOR GREATER HOUSTON
$85,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$85,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SANTA MARIA HOSTEL INC
$80,000TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN THROUGH ADDITION RECOVERY
ST PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL
$72,500TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH AND EDUCATION
MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES
$55,000TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY HELP FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER CRISIS SITUATIONS
HOUSTON ACHIEVEMENT PLACE
$50,000TO SERVE CHILDREN WHO ARE DISADVANTAGED, UNDERSERVED AND FROM LOW INCOME FAMILIES
HOLY NAME RETREAT CENTER
$50,000TO PROVIDE HOSPITALITY, HEALING, COMPASSION, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR ALL PEOPLE
THE THREE AMIGOS FOUNDATION
$50,000TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO TEXAS COLLEGE STUDENTS
SEARCH HOMELESS SERVICES
$50,000TO HELP HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS FIND JOBS AND HOUSING
ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
$45,000TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH
CHILDREN AT RISK
$35,000TO SUPPORT UNDERSERVED STUDENTS ON A PATHWAY TO COLLEGE
YOUTH WITH A MISSION SAN DIEGOBAJA
$35,000TO SUPPORT DISCIPLESHIP, EVANGELISM, AND EXTENDING WORKS OF MERCY AMONG THE POOR AND NEEDY
CRC RETREAT PARTNERS INC
$35,000TO SUPPORT SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH GROUP RETREATS
HARVEST AND HOPE
$35,000TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
ST MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH ST MONICA FOOD PANTRY
$28,500TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS NEEDS
TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER
$25,000TO PROVIDE LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS
CATHOLIC CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY
$25,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
HOUSTON GRAND OPERA
$25,000TO SUPPORT YOUNG ARTIST WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRIDGE BETWEEN TRAINING AND A FULL FLEDGE OPERATIC CAREER.
ST ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH
$25,000TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
CASTROVILLE CATHOLIC MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
$25,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL
$25,000TO PROVIDE CHRISTIAN AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION
LINDA LORELLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$25,000TO PROVIDING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS , SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO HOUSTON AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, WHOSE POTENTIAL MAY BE UNFULFILLED DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THEIR CONTROL.
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTONHARRIS COUNTY
$25,000TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS
EVERY SHELTER INC
$25,000TO SUPPORT SHELTER SOLUTIONS FOR REFUGEES
THE FURNITURE BANK
$25,000TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR
CAREERSPRING FOUNDATION
$25,000TO UNLOCK THE EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL OF FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS BY PROVIDING CAREER INFO, SOCIAL CAPITAL, AND JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES
ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER
$22,500TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AWARENESS
IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTAL ROCA INCOMMOBIBLE
$22,500TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
MISSIONARY CARMELITES OF ST TERESA
$22,265TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH
SHARPEN MINISTRIES
$20,000TO SATURATE THE CITY WITH SOBER LIVING SPACES FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
TEXAS EDUCATION WORKS
$20,000TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
CENTER FOR HOUSTON'S FUTURE INC
$20,000TO SUPPORT RATIONAL MIDDLE IMMIGRATION POLICIES IN THE HOUSTON AREA
YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON
$20,000TO SUPPORT RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES FOR ALL AGES
DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HOUSTON
$20,000TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FAITH
UNIVERSITY OF ST THOMAS
$20,000TO SUPPORT EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS
HAVE SHEARS WILL TRAVEL
$16,625TO PROVIDE SUPPORT IN A HAIR CARE MINISTRY ORGANIZED TO SERVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THAT RESTRICT THEIR ABILITY TO OBTAINTHESE SERVICES DUE TO PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, LACK OF TRANSPORTATION, OR FINANCIAL MEANS