Houston Endowment is a private philanthropic foundation that contributes to charitable organizations, educational institutions and individuals in the Houston, Texas area. Begun by Jesse and Mary Gibb Jones in 1937, the foundation funds programs in the arts, community enhancement, education, health, human services and neighborhood development. During 1938, Houston Endowment's first full year of operation, the foundation donated $14,687, of which $11,285 went to schools and colleges. Since its inception the foundation has assisted more than 4,000 students with their education through scholarships established at 57 colleges and universities.