Greater Houston Community Foundation Survey Shows Top Houston’s Charitable Causes

Houstonians are quite charitable, especially when it comes to giving to human services and education causes, according to a recent study of donor grants conducted by the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF). From January 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, philanthropists at all levels gave more than $83 million in grants through GHCF to human services, education, public benefit, health, religion and other charities. Over the 18-month period, GHCF also found that giving preferences differ distinctly between older and younger philanthropists.

The Top 10 List of Charitable Causes Donated Through GHCF:
1. Human Services ($27,447,086)
2. Education ($19,816,048)
3. Public Benefit ($10,885,431)
4. Health ($10,128,988)
5. Religion ($7,933,040)
6. Arts ($3,386,250)
7. Environment ($3,153,262)
8. International ($772,578)
9. Other (221,474)
10. Disaster Relief ($3,215)



The Top 10 list is divided into categories including human services, which comprises organizations that aid families or provide housing, shelter or food, among other services; education, which includes both public and private schools and universities; public benefit organizations, including those addressing civil rights, community development and philanthropy; and health, encompassing hospitals and research centers.