Moody Foundation Announces $100 Million Pledge to Galveston County

Commitment builds on more than eight decades of local giving and over 30 grants made to Galveston County organizations in 2026 alone

GALVESTON, Texas

The Moody Foundation today announced a $100 million pledge to benefit Galveston County, reaffirming its enduring commitment to the community where the Foundation began and continues to call home.

The pledge builds on generations of support for Galveston’s people and institutions and reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations, responding to community needs and expanding opportunities for residents throughout the county.

“Galveston is where our family’s philanthropic legacy began, and it holds a special place in everything we do,” said Frances Moody-Dahlberg, trustee, president and CEO of the Moody Foundation. “This pledge reaffirms our commitment to the people and organizations that make this community so special. We are proud to stand alongside our neighbors and help ensure that future generations have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Established in 1942 by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody, the Foundation has maintained a deep connection to Galveston throughout its history. Its local legacy includes support for Generation Moody, the Moody Scholars Program, Moody Gardens and Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, formerly known as the Transitional Learning Center. These efforts have helped strengthen education, health and social services, cultural heritage and the island’s economy.

In 2026 alone, the Foundation has made more than 30 grants to organizations serving Galveston County. Recent grants and approvals include support for: 4B Disaster Response Network; First Evangelical Lutheran Church; Galveston County Food Bank; Galveston Diaper Bank; Galveston Independent School District; The Grand 1894 Opera House; Groundswell; Independence Village; Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston; Reedy Chapel; Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County; The Salvation Army of Galveston; Trinity Episcopal School; United Way Galveston County Mainland; and Vision Galveston, among others.

These organizations reflect the breadth of the Foundation’s commitment to Galveston County—from education and the arts to health, disaster response and essential community services, all of which ultimately benefit this community and its residents.

“Our commitment to Galveston is measured in the relationships we build and the work we sustain over time,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “Local organizations understand this community’s needs and work every day to meet them. We are proud to support their efforts. This pledge reflects our confidence in their leadership, our belief in Galveston County’s future and our lasting commitment to the place we call home.”

The Foundation’s current grantmaking builds on longstanding support for education and health. Generation Moody, launched in 2018, supports educational opportunities for Galveston students from early childhood through college and career preparation. The Foundation has also continued its support for medical research through the work of the Moody Brain Health Institute at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Applications for funding through this pledge will open in 2027. The Foundation will share further details about the application process, including eligibility requirements, submission guidelines and key dates, to help prospective grantees prepare their requests.

About the Moody Foundation

The Moody Foundation was established in 1942 by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody to improve the lives of Texans. Based in Galveston, the family foundation supports education, health, arts and humanities, science, and community and social services. The Foundation is governed by three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody and Elizabeth “Elle” Moody. Its work honors its founders’ vision and benefits present and future generations. Learn more at MoodyF.org.