The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation is a private foundation in Houston, Texas. In tax year 2024 it gave $13.8 million in 68 grants; the typical grant was $99,000 and the largest $1.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$13.8 million
- Number of grants68
- Typical grant$99,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$331 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2024 was up from $13.5 million the year before.
19% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $13.5 million | 95 | $294 million |
| 2024 | $13.8 million | 68 | $331 million |
How to apply
The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 56 | $10.2 million |
| South Carolina | 8 | $3.4 million |
| Michigan | 1 | $200,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Univ of South Carolina Educational Foundation | McNair Scholars (Fall 2024 scholarships+$279,999.99 admin+$130,391.88 enrich) | $1.0 million |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (Q. Zhao) | $950,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (Q. Zhao) | $750,000 |
| Univ of South Carolina Educational Foundation | McNair Scholars (Spring 2024+MSE). | $652,000 |
| Columbia College | College Park UMC renovation. | $625,000 |
| Columbia College | College Park UMC renovation. | $625,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Cannabinoids as Adjuncts for Reducing Pain and Opioid Use (C. Verrico). | $567,233 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Neuromodulation (Harmony-W. Goodman) | $542,208 |
| Texas Children's Hospital | McNair Scholar (Vishnu Cuddapah) | $500,000 |
| The University of Texas Foundation | MD Anderson McNair Scholar (C. Patel) | $500,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (Y. Gao) | $472,261 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair MD/PhD Scholars, payment academic year 24-25 (FY25). | $449,905 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (S. Sheth) | $404,317 |
| Houston Christian University | Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty. | $400,000 |
| Univ of South Carolina Educational Foundation | McNair Institute. | $400,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (B. Dudok) | $398,971 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (M. Bround) | $386,303 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (K. Marshall) | $378,074 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (S. Buffington) | $320,685 |
| Houston Zoo Inc | Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign. | $300,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Targeting a bioelectric switch on mitochondrial membranes to eliminate dormant cancer cells (S.Zhang). | $250,000 |
| United Way of Greater Houston | 211 Strike Team - Building Possibilities Campaign. | $250,000 |
| United Way of Greater Houston | Operations. | $250,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (B. Arenkiel) | $235,937 |
| Hermann Park Conservancy | Play Your Park Campaign. | $200,000 |
| Houston Christian University | McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise (FY25). | $200,000 |
| Northwood University | McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (FY25). | $200,000 |
| Remember the Alamo Foundation | Educational programming at the Texas Cavaliers Alamo Education Center. | $200,000 |
| University of St Thomas | McNair Center for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise (FY25). | $200,000 |
| William Marsh Rice University | McNair Scholars (FY25) | $118,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (T. Chao) | $113,947 |
| Charleston Collegiate School | 2024-25 Student scholarships (matching gift for McNair Invitational). 2 OF 2 | $100,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Inc | Technology and Innovation Fund. | $100,000 |
| The Center for Pursuit | Career Pursuit Center. | $100,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (B. Hayden) | $98,001 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Pilot project for McNair MD/PhD Scholar in immuno/endo (FY25). | $54,261 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy to Treat Hypogonadism (M.Khera) | $50,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy to Treat Men's Infertility (M.Khera) | $50,000 |
| Teach for America Inc | Support Houston Corps Members. | $50,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | McNair Scholar (F. St-Pierre) | $48,078 |
Officers and trustees
- Palmetto Trust Company LLC
- Janice S McNair
- Holly Alvis
- Kristi S Cooper
- Meghan Blanton
Questions people ask
Does The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation give?
$13.8 million in tax year 2024, across 68 grants, with a typical grant of $99,000.
Who runs The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Palmetto Trust Company LLC (Trustee), Janice S McNair (Chair), Holly Alvis (Vice Chair) and Kristi S Cooper (Executive Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and environment and conservation.