Woodforest Charitable Foundation Awards $6.7 Million to 232 Nonprofits in 2026

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Woodforest Charitable Foundation awarded $6.7 million to 232 nonprofit organizations in 2026, including $3.3 million presented to 55 local and regional charities serving Montgomery and Harris counties during its recent annual charity partner distributions luncheon held May 6 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

Since its inception over two decades ago, the foundation has contributed more than $47 million to nonprofit organizations supporting crisis intervention, hunger relief, housing, healthcare, child advocacy, services for families, seniors, and veterans, and other essential community needs.

The luncheon welcomed 140 guests and was hosted by Kim Marling, Executive Vice President of Woodforest Charitable Foundation, and her husband, Robert Marling, President of the foundation and Chairman and CEO of Woodforest Financial Group, Inc. Robert Marling’s vision helped establish the foundation in 2005 to continue the bank’s longstanding commitment to charitable giving in the communities it serves.

“This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary work of our charity partners and the lives being changed through our collective efforts,” said Kim Marling. “Together, we are strengthening communities, supporting families, and creating lasting impact through meaningful partnerships.”

Representatives from each of the 55 charitable organizations took the stage to receive a donation from Kim and share brief remarks about their nonprofit’s mission and impact.

In addition to celebrating charitable impact, attendees heard an informative and inspiring presentation by guest speakers David and Kristen Mittelman, founders of Othram, Inc., the world’s first private DNA laboratory dedicated to forensic genetic genealogy. The Woodlands-based company has helped solve numerous cold cases using advanced DNA sequencing technology.

The recipient charities attending the luncheon included:

· CRISIS – Candlelighters, Community Assistance Center (MCEA), Compassion United, Greater Houston YMCA, Hope Beyond Bridges, Interfaith of The Woodlands, Journey Home, Mission Northeast, Montgomery County Women's Center, Mosaics of Mercy, Reflective Life Ministries, and Society of Samaritans.

· HEALTH – Children’s Miracle Network, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, Inspiration Ranch, Interfaith Community Clinic, Lone Star Family Health Center, The Rose Mobile Mammogram, St. Luke’s Foundation, Texas Children’s Hospital (Jan & Dan Duncan NRI), and TOMAGWA (Tomball Clinic).

· HOUSING – Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County, and Northwest Harris County Habitat for Humanity.

· FAMILY PROMISE – Family Promise of Fort Bend, Family Promise of Montgomery County, Family Promise of North Houston, and Northwest Assistance Ministries.

· HUNGER RELIEF – Abundant Harvest Kitchen, Bread Partners of Washington County, Families Feeding Families, House of Amos, Houston Food Bank, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, Montgomery County Food Bank, and Pearland Neighborhood Center.

· SENIORS – Interfaith of The Woodlands, Meals on Wheels of Montgomery County.

· SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILITY – The Arbor School, Bridgewood Farms, Special Angels of The Woodlands, and Texas Community New Alliance (New Danville).

· VETERANS – Camp Hope - PTSD Foundation of America, Helping a Hero, and Mighty Oaks Foundation.

· CHILDREN/YOUTH – Angel Reach, Assistance League of Montgomery County, Boys and Girls Country, Child Advocates of Montgomery County, Cassidy Joined For Hope, Children’s Safe Harbor, Intersect Institute, Love Heals Youth, Yes to Youth (Montgomery County Youth Services), Tamina Community Center, Texas Youth Summit, and Youth-Reach Houston.

Headquartered in Montgomery County, the Woodforest Charitable Foundation was founded in 2005 by Woodforest National Bank and has forged meaningful partnerships with 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in the markets served by the bank across 17 states. The vital donations are provided by an annual endowment gift from the foundation’s primary donor, Woodforest National Bank, along with contributions raised through the spirited fundraising efforts of bank employees.

To learn more about Woodforest Charitable Foundation, visit www.wcf.org or call (832) 375-CARE (2273).