The Vaughn Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Vaughn Foundation is a private foundation in Houston, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $488,000 in 57 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $35,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$488,000
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$35,000
- Assets$9.5 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $447,500 the year before.
19% of its 2025 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 | $405,000 | 57 | $8.2 million |
| 2024 | $447,500 | 61 | $8.8 million |
| 2025 | $488,000 | 57 | $9.5 million |
How to apply
The Vaughn 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.
What The Vaughn Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 51 | $453,000 |
| New York | 2 | $15,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $5,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $5,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Luke's United Methodist | General | $35,000 |
| Orange Show Foundation | General | $23,000 |
| Christian Community Service Center | General | $20,000 |
| Houston Food Bank | General | $20,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Houston | General | $15,000 |
| Museum of Fine Arts | General | $15,000 |
| Nora's Home | General | $15,000 |
| The Forge for Families Inc | General | $15,000 |
| Covenant House | General | $10,000 |
| Texas Childern's Hospital | General | $10,000 |
| Special Olympics Texas Inc | General | $10,000 |
| Child Advocates Inc | General | $10,000 |
| University Texas Medical Branch | General | $10,000 |
| Prison Enterpreneurship Program | General | $10,000 |
| The Story-Houston | General | $10,000 |
| Individual | General | $10,000 |
| Chinquapin Preparatory School | General | $10,000 |
| Mercy Gates Ministries | General | $10,000 |
| Individual | General | $10,000 |
| Individual | General | $10,000 |
| Foundation for Hope Village | General | $10,000 |
| Interfaith Ministries | General | $10,000 |
| Spaulding For Children | General | $10,000 |
| The Brookwood Community | General | $10,000 |
| Houston Symphony | General | $10,000 |
| Stages | General | $10,000 |
| Galveston Bay Foundation | General | $7,500 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Houston Parks Board | General | $5,000 |
| Yellowstone Academy | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Communites in Schools Inc | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Houston Furniture Bank | General | $5,000 |
| Kipp Texas Inc Fundraising- Houston | General | $5,000 |
| Individual | General | $5,000 |
| Informed Action Consent Network | General | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Huntington Nat'l Bnk Cadence
Questions people ask
Does The Vaughn Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Vaughn Foundation give?
$488,000 in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Vaughn Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Huntington Nat'l Bnk Cadence (Co-Trustee).
What does The Vaughn Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, youth programs and education.