He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” — Luke 13: 18-19
About the Foundation
The history of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Foundation of Houston is more than the building of assets. It is the story of generous people empowered to build the kingdom of God through the work of the Foundation. What began as a mission to ensure that the magnificent Sanctuary building and other buildings comprising the St. Paul’s campus would endure for generations, grew to include a vision to educate children and young people, to serve marginalized neighbors in Houston, and to spread the gospel to Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 1960 when the first small seed was planted, the St. Paul’s Foundation assets have grown significantly, and St. Paul’s UMC is consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful sacred spaces in the city. Equally important, the vision and generosity of generations of faithful donors have buoyed hundreds of students who have benefited from Foundation scholarships and thousands of Houstonians in need have been touched by Foundation grants. Generations of Latin American Christians have experienced the gospel first-hand through grants to the General Board of Global Missions.
The story of the St. Paul’s Foundation brings Luke’s parable to life: no seed or gift is insignificant; and even the smallest of seeds can produce magnificent fruit.
If you would like a hard copy of the Foundation Annual Report, please email your request to foundation@stpaulshouston.org.
What We Support
Facilities, Programs and Operations | Through its permanent endowment, the Foundation helps maintain the buildings, facilities, and grounds of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. It also helps to support program costs related to music, children’s ministries, and spiritual formation. Approximately 80% of the endowment provides direct support to the church, with the balance evenly divided between grants and scholarships.
Grants | The St. Paul’s Foundation provides grants to a variety of organizations that assist persons in our community struggling with homelessness, hunger, grief, joblessness, and other challenges. In addition, grants support churches in Bolivia and the Caribbean. In 2023, the Foundation made 27 grants totaling over $150,000. Learn more about grant recipients or to apply for funding.
Scholarships | St. Paul’s Foundation scholarships are available for students graduating high school or continuing their college education.
While special consideration is given to church members and youth who are active in the programs of
St. Paul’s, students who qualify for certain designated scholarships are welcome to apply.
The 2024-2025 application process has closed. Applicants will be informed of decisions by March 31, 2024.
Learn more about St. Paul’s Foundation Scholarships.
How the Foundation Works
The Foundation accepts gifts to general and designated funds, as well as gifts given as honoraria and memorials.
A major source of Foundation giving is through planned gifts. These may include annuities, remainder trusts, life insurance beneficiary gifts, qualified charitable contributions from IRAs, and bequest. Please contact the Foundation to discuss how to handle any of these giving opportunities.
Named funds require a minimum gift or pledge of $25,000 for facilities, programs, or operations; or a minimum gift or pledge of $10,000 for scholarships.
Giving to the Foundation
Gifts may be made by mail to:
St. Paul’s United Methodist Foundation of Houston, 5501 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004
If you prefer to make a gift online, please click the blue button below and select “Foundation” from the drop-down menu. Your gift will go to the unrestricted general fund of the Foundation, unless you note otherwise in the memo line by designating a specific fund of your choice.
If you wish to explore putting the Foundation in your will, making a planned gift, or establishing a named fund, please contact the Foundation via foundation@stpaulshouston.org or call 713-528-0527.