The Vaughn Foundation
The Vaughn Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, primarily focused on human services, education, mental health, and health-related organizations. It provides funding to a range of nonprofit organizations, including food banks, counseling centers, and hospitals, with a strong emphasis on serving vulnerable populations. The foundation's mission reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and addressing critical needs, particularly in the Houston area. Its funding activities demonstrate a broad interest in promoting health, education, and social services, indicating a holistic approach to philanthropy.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Houston- or Texas-based nonprofit providing human services, food assistance, health, child welfare, or education services with an established local track record and existing local relationships or referrals.
Good Fit
- • Organization operates in Houston or elsewhere in Texas.
- • Provides direct services (food banks, mental health, hospitals, child welfare, education, or community services).
- • Has prior local funder relationships or referrals from current grantees.
- • Needs unrestricted or general operating support in the $5K–$20K range.
Geography
Giving is heavily Texas-focused: about 92% of dollars and roughly 89% of grants in 2024 went to Texas recipients, with most activity centered in Houston despite grants to a handful of other states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 61 distinct independent recipients across multiple nonprofit types and sectors, with a consistent pattern over three years of funding many different organizations even though several are repeat grantees.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new recipients exists (13 new grantees in 2024, ~21% new rate), so unfamiliar organizations can enter the portfolio, but the foundation explicitly indicates grants are by preselection and there is no public application portal, so entry appears possible but primarily relationship- or referral-driven.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
