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Helmle-Shaw Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Helmle-Shaw Foundation

Its FY2025 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$226k
Granted FY2025still arriving
38
Grants FY2025still arriving
10
States reached
$20k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0194% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Arts & Culture$423kHealth$379kEducation$251kReligion$155kEnvironment$71kHuman Services$25kRecreation & Sports$24kMembership Benefit$20kOther$0
02FY2025 · 38 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k30 grants · $117k
  • $10k–50k8 grants · $109k
$5,000
Median grant
10
States reached
$1.9M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY$20,000
BO'S PLACE$16,000
UTMB SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS$15,000
ST THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH & SCHOOL$15,000
GALVESTON HISTORICAL FDN$13,000
RICE UNIVERSITY$10,000
ART MUSEUM OF SE TEXAS$10,000
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION$10,000
JUDY'S MISSION TO END OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION$9,000
DEPELCHIN CHILDREN'S CENTER$5,000
LAKE FORK VALLEY CONSERVANCY$5,000
THE HERITAGE SOCIETY$5,000
Individual grant recipient$5,000
HILLSDALE COLLEGE$5,000
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON$5,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY20–25, $11k) land where the poverty rate runs at 16%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVICE CTR: $3k → 16%CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER: $2k → 16%CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER: $1k → 16%DEPELCHIN CHILDREN'S CENTER: $5k → 16%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

IL
MI
NY
MA
IA
CA
CO
MD
SC
DC
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

91%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$1.3M · 53 repeat orgs$132k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +50% since the first grant, against +14% for those funded once.

53 repeat relationships: 26 still active in FY2025, 27 since wound down; 11 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

53
17

Total granted

$1.3M
$75k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+50%
+14%

Still filing today

45%
24%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 74% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $57k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Arts & CultureHealthEducationFood & NutritionEnvironmentHuman ServicesOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • WM
    William Marsh Rice University
    8× · 2017–2025 · $126k · revenue +104%
  • BP
    Bo's Place
    9× · 2017–2025 · $88k · revenue +22%
  • TM
    THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON
    8× · 2017–2025 · $75k · revenue +96%

Funded once

  • JS
    JENNE SEALY HOSIPTAL GIFT FUND
    one grant, 2017 · $30k
  • WM
    Williams Marshall Rice University
    one grant, 2022 · $13k
  • SL
    San Leon Oyster Fest INC
    one grant, 2024 · $5k · revenue 0%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Houston Museum of Natural Science

The mission of the Houston Museum of Natural Science shall be to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science; to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects; and to maintain…

Arts & Culture
2
The University of TexasTexas a&M Investment Management Company

To generate superior long-term investment returns to support The University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems as they provide world-class teaching, push the boundaries of discovery, and achieve excellence in patient healthcare for…

Education
3
Lone Star Flight Museum

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) celebrates flight and achievements in Texas aviation, engages youth through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and believes aviation inspires achievement and endless possibilities.

Arts & Culture
4
Witte Museum

The witte museum inspires people to shape the future of texas through transformative and relevant experiences in nature, science and culture.

Arts & Culture
5
Mhs Physicians of Texas

Memorial hermann health system is a nonprofit, values-driven, community-owned health system dedicated to improving health. our vision is to create healthier communities, now and for generations to come. our values are community,…

Health
6
Trees for Houston

Plant, protect and promote trees all over the greater Houston area.

—
7
Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation

To recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our outstanding Texas business leaders and to perpetuate and inspire the values of entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity, and community leadership in all generations of Texans.

Community Improvement
8
Memorial Hermann Medical Group

Memorial hermann health system is a nonprofit, values-driven, community-owned health system dedicated to improving health. our vision is to create healthier communities, now and for generations to come. our values are community,…

Health
9
John P McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science

The Health Museum is an innovative science center that provides an interactive and entertaining experience for all ages, promotes understanding and appreciation of the human body, mind, and spirit, and inspires a lifelong commitment to…

Arts & Culture
10
Harris County Medical Society

Our mission is to be the leading advocate for our member physicians, their patients and our community, in promoting the highest standards of ethical medical practice, access to quality medical care, medical education, research, and…

—
11
Houston Botanic Garden

To enrich life through discovery, education, and the conservation of plants and the natural environment.

Environment
12
South Texas College of Law Houston Inc

South texas college of law houston provides a diverse body of students the opportunity to obtain an exceptional legal education, preparing graduates to serve their community and profession with distinction.

Education
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is The Methodist Hospital Foundation; the most unlike its peers is The Marine Society of the City of New York. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

35 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 35 of the 82 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
5
Early backer (in before they grew)
35/35
Grantees still filing
22/35
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

ST THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH & SCHOOL: $130,168 · OtherST THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH & SCHOOLUTMB HEALTH: $62,000 · OtherUTMB HEALTHST THOMAS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL & CHURCH: $52,800 · OtherST THOMAS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL & CHURCHUniversity of Texas Medical Branch: $50,500 · OtherUniversity of Texas Medical BranchNATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY: $50,000 · OtherNATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYJENNE SEALY HOSIPTAL GIFT FUND: $30,000 · Other1894 INC: $29,000 · Other+55 more: $382,000 · Other+55 moreGALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION: $95,000 · Arts & CultureGALVESTON HISTORICAL …Bo's Place: $87,750 · Arts & CultureBo's PlaceTHE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON: $75,000 · Arts & CultureTHE MUSEUM OF FINE AR…LAKE CITY ARTS COUNCIL: $17,500 · Arts & CultureLAKE CITY ARTS COUNCI…+1 more: $500 · Arts & CultureWilliam Marsh Rice University: $125,500 · EducationWilliam Marsh…Southern Methodist University: $25,000 · EducationSouthern Meth…HILLSDALE COLLEGE: $15,500 · EducationHILLSDALE COL…Trinity University: $7,000 · Education+1 more: $1,000 · EducationNATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY: $45,000 · HealthTexas Children's Hospital: $35,500 · HealthLCMC Endowment Fund Inc: $11,500 · HealthTHE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: $10,000 · HealthNATIONAL TAY-SACHS & ALLIED DISEASES ASS: $9,000 · HealthLAKE FORK VALLEY CONSERVANCY: $55,500 · EnvironmentCRESTED BUTTE LAND TRUST: $2,000 · EnvironmentHOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO INC: $17,950 · Recreation & SportsChristian Community Service Center Inc: $7,000 · Human ServicesDEPELCHIN CHILDREN'S CENTER: $5,000 · Human Services
Other$786,468Arts & Culture$275,750Education$174,000Health$111,000Environment$57,500Recreation & Sports$17,950Human Services$12,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetWilliam Marsh Rice University: $125,500 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetGALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION: $95,000 over 9y, 0.3% of budgetBo's Place: $87,750 over 9y, 0.7% of budgetTHE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON: $75,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetLAKE FORK VALLEY CONSERVANCY: $55,500 over 5y, 16% of budgetNATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY: $45,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetTexas Children's Hospital: $35,500 over 8y, 0.0% of budget1894 INC: $29,000 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetSouthern Methodist University: $25,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetThe Heritage Society: $22,500 over 5y, 1.5% of budgetOAK CLIFF CEMETERY ASSOCIATION: $20,000 over 3y, 16% of budgetHOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO INC: $17,950 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetLAKE CITY ARTS COUNCIL: $17,500 over 6y, 3.3% of budgetHILLSDALE COLLEGE: $15,500 over 7y, 0.0% of budgetLCMC Endowment Fund Inc: $11,500 over 4y, 8.1% of budgetNATIONAL TAY-SACHS & ALLIED DISEASES ASS: $9,000 over 4y, 0.3% of budgetTrinity University: $7,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetChristian Community Service Center Inc: $7,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetThe Junior League of Houston Inc: $6,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetTHE MARINE SOCIETY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $6,000 over 2y, 1.0% of budgetSan Leon Oyster Fest INC: $5,000 over 1y, 5.9% of budgetNO FOOT TOO SMALL: $4,500 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetGLAAD INC: $4,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetFISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY: $2,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetCHANCE FOR HOPE FOUNDATION: $2,000 over 2y, 0.3% of budgetCRESTED BUTTE LAND TRUST: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE WORKFAITH CONNECTION: $2,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetThe Branch School Inc: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetLUNCHES OF LOVE: $1,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetTHE 100 CLUB INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetArt Museum of Southeast Texas: $500 over 1y, 0.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

  • Who funds William Marsh Rice University ↗
  • Who funds GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds Bo's Place ↗
  • Who funds THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON ↗
  • Who funds LAKE FORK VALLEY CONSERVANCY ↗
  • Who funds NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY ↗
  • Who funds Texas Children's Hospital ↗
  • Who funds 1894 INC ↗
  • Who funds Southern Methodist University ↗
  • Who funds The Heritage Society ↗
  • Who funds OAK CLIFF CEMETERY ASSOCIATION ↗
  • Who funds HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO INC ↗
  • Who funds LAKE CITY ARTS COUNCIL ↗
  • Who funds HILLSDALE COLLEGE ↗
  • Who funds LCMC Endowment Fund Inc ↗
  • Who funds THE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds NATIONAL TAY-SACHS & ALLIED DISEASES ASS ↗

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Shell USA Company Fou…Greater Houston Commu…Albert & Ethel Herzst…John P McGovern Found…Harris & Eliza Kempne…Strake FoundationThe Brown Foundation …Texas Instruments Fou…Jpmorgan Chase Founda…The Blackbaud Giving …Gs Donor Advised Phil…National Philanthropi…
Shell USA Company FoundationTX24.3× affinity13 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Shell USA Company Foundation · Greater Houston Community Foundation · Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation · John P McGovern Foundation · Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund Inc · Strake Foundation · The Brown Foundation Inc · Texas Instruments Foundation · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · The Blackbaud Giving Fund · Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management Inc · National Philanthropic Trust

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Helmle-Shaw Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Helmle-Shaw Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%1%5%11%20%funder's share of their income ↑0%6%13%19%25%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    9report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–25%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 82 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Helmle-Shaw’s filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home