List of Houston’s Nonprofits and Houston 501c3: The Pinnacle of Philanthropy: Houston’s Galas and Fundraisers

Houston’s charitable landscape is rich with opportunities to make a difference while enjoying unforgettable experiences. The city’s top nonprofits organize annual galas and fundraisers that bring together the “who’s who” of Houston society. These events are not just about raising funds; they are about celebrating community spirit, fostering connections, and having a great time.

If you’re looking to support or get involved with nonprofits in Houston, here are the top 20 organizations you should know about, along with their upcoming events and links to their websites for more details.

Here are some highlights:

Top 20 Non-Profit Organizations in Houston and Their Celebrated Fundraising Events

Houston Food Bank

• Website: Houston Food Bank
• Description: Established in 1982, Houston Food Bank is the largest food bank in the U.S., serving over 1.1 million food-insecure individuals annually in southeast Texas through a network of 1,600 community partners.
• Fundraising Event: Chef’s Dinner
• Event Description: A premier event where top Houston chefs prepare a multi-course meal paired with fine wines. The evening includes live and silent auctions, all supporting the Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts.

United Way of Greater Houston

• Website: United Way of Greater Houston
• Description: United Way of Greater Houston supports over 100 local nonprofits, focusing on education, financial stability, and health, and aims to build a resilient community through long-term solutions.
• Fundraising Event: Annual Community Campaign
• Event Description: A significant fundraising effort from September to December, engaging businesses and individuals in workplace giving and corporate sponsorships, culminating in a celebration of donor and volunteer contributions.

Houston Children’s Charity

• Website: Houston Children’s Charity
• Description: Founded in 1996, Houston Children’s Charity improves the quality of life for underprivileged, abused, and disabled children in Houston, impacting over 3 million lives through various programs.
• Fundraising Event: Houston Children’s Charity Gala
• Event Description: An annual black-tie event featuring dinner, entertainment, and auctions, attracting high-profile guests and celebrities, with funds supporting the charity’s programs.

The Beacon

• Website: The Beacon Houston
• Description: Since 2007, The Beacon has provided essential services like meals, showers, laundry, and case management to Houston’s homeless, helping individuals regain stability and work toward self-sufficiency.
• Fundraising Event: The Beacon Day of Giving
• Event Description: An annual community event encouraging donations and volunteerism, featuring activities like service projects and fundraising drives to support Houston’s homeless population.

Dress for Success Houston

• Website: Dress for Success Houston
• Description: Empowering women since 1998, Dress for Success Houston provides professional attire and career support to help women achieve economic independence, serving over 40,000 women to date.
• Fundraising Event: Send One Suit Week
• Event Description: A city-wide campaign that collects professional attire for women re-entering the workforce, raising awareness about economic challenges and providing essential resources for job seekers.

Houston SPCA

• Website: Houston SPCA
• Description: Founded in 1924, the Houston SPCA is dedicated to animal welfare, providing shelter, medical care, and adoption services, along with cruelty investigations and educational programs.
• Fundraising Event: Fur Ball
• Event Description: The SPCA’s premier gala featuring dinner, live music, and auctions, with proceeds supporting the organization’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Ronald McDonald House Houston

• Website: Ronald McDonald House Houston
• Description: Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Houston has provided a supportive environment for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment, offering private bedrooms, kitchens, and recreational spaces.
• Fundraising Event: RMH Houston Gala
• Event Description: An annual gala featuring a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and live entertainment, with funds supporting the House’s accommodations and services for families in need.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston

• Website: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston
• Description: Serving over 20,000 youth annually since 1952, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston provides after-school programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.
• Fundraising Event: Great Futures Dinner
• Event Description: A fundraising event featuring stories from club members and a keynote speaker, highlighting the impact of the Clubs’ programs and encouraging community support.

The Women’s Home

• Website: The Women’s Home
• Description: Since 1957, The Women’s Home has provided care for women in crisis, offering residential treatment, supportive housing, and vocational training to help them achieve stability and independence.
• Fundraising Event: Spring Branch Luncheon
• Event Description: An annual luncheon gathering community leaders to support The Women’s Home, featuring keynote speakers and client testimonials.

Trees For Houston

• Website: Trees For Houston
• Description: Trees For Houston, established in 1983, has planted over 600,000 trees in the Houston area, enhancing green spaces and improving air quality through urban forestry and educational outreach.
• Fundraising Event: Root Ball
• Event Description: An elegant evening event with dinner, live music, and auctions, supporting tree planting and maintenance initiatives in Houston.

Star of Hope Mission

• Website: Star of Hope Mission
• Description: Star of Hope Mission, serving Houston since 1907, provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and recovery programs for the homeless, including job training and spiritual guidance.
• Fundraising Event: Love In Action Gala
• Event Description: A black-tie gala with dinner, entertainment, and auctions, raising funds to support Star of Hope’s programs for Houston’s homeless population.

Houston Area Women’s Center

• Website: Houston Area Women’s Center
• Description: Founded in 1977, the Houston Area Women’s Center provides shelter, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, empowering them and promoting community safety.
• Fundraising Event: Race Against Violence
• Event Description: An annual 5K race that raises awareness and funds for the Women’s Center’s programs, attracting runners and supporters from across Houston.

SEARCH Homeless Services

• Website: SEARCH Homeless Services
• Description: SEARCH Homeless Services, established in 1989, helps Houston’s homeless individuals transition from the streets to stable housing and employment, offering comprehensive services and early childhood education.
• Fundraising Event: Annual Luncheon
• Event Description: An important fundraiser featuring client stories, a keynote speaker, and donation opportunities, supporting SEARCH’s mission to end homelessness in Houston.

The Menil Collection

• Website: The Menil Collection
• Description: Opened in 1987, The Menil Collection is a museum housing a diverse private art collection, offering free admission and engaging the community through exhibitions and educational programs.
• Fundraising Event: Menil Gala
• Event Description: An elegant spring gala with fine dining, live music, and art-inspired activities, raising funds for the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.

Houston Ballet

• Website: Houston Ballet
• Description: Founded in 1969, Houston Ballet is one of the largest and most prestigious ballet companies in the U.S., performing classical and contemporary works and offering education programs through its Ballet Academy.
• Fundraising Event: Ballroom Soirée
• Event Description: A glamorous gala in September featuring dining, dancing, and live performances by Houston Ballet dancers, with proceeds supporting the company’s artistic and educational initiatives.

The Center for Pursuit

• Website: The Center for Pursuit
• Description: Established in 1950, The Center for Pursuit provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting independence and community inclusion through residential, vocational, and behavioral health programs.
• Fundraising Event: Flapjack Fundraiser
• Event Description: A family-friendly event in February with a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, and activities, raising funds for the Center’s programs.

Child Advocates, Inc.

• Website: Child Advocates, Inc.
• Description: Since 1984, Child Advocates, Inc. has recruited and trained volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system, ensuring their needs are met and voices heard.
• Fundraising Event: Pull for Kids Classic
• Event Description: An annual sporting clays tournament and dinner auction in April, raising funds to support the organization’s mission of helping abused and neglected children in Houston.

The Rose

• Website: The Rose Houston
• Description: The Rose, founded in 1986, provides breast health services including mammography and diagnostics, regardless of a woman’s ability to pay, along with patient navigation and education to promote breast health awareness.
• Fundraising Event: Shrimp Boil
• Event Description: A lively May event with a shrimp feast, live music, and entertainment, raising funds for The Rose’s breast health services and promoting early detection.

The Houston Symphony

• Website: The Houston Symphony
• Description: Founded in 1913, The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the U.S., offering a wide range of performances and educational outreach programs to enrich the community.
• Fundraising Event: Maestro’s Dinner
• Event Description: An exclusive fall fundraising event with a gourmet dinner, intimate performances by Symphony musicians, and opportunities to meet the conductor, supporting the Symphony’s artistic and educational programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star

• Website: Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
• Description: Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, the largest affiliate in the world, matches mentors with children to provide guidance and support, helping them achieve their potential and build brighter futures.
• Fundraising Event: Big Taste of Houston
• Event Description: A March event featuring tastings from Houston’s best restaurants, craft beverages, and live entertainment, raising funds to support the organization’s mentoring programs.

Supporting nonprofits in Houston through these fundraisers not only contributes to their missions but also strengthens the community. Attend these events, donate, or volunteer to make a positive impact in the lives of many.

For more information on how to get involved with these organizations, visit their websites or contact them directly. Together, we can make Houston a better place for everyone.