The George Foundation

05/22/2026

Remembering and honoring those who gave everything in service to our country.

This Memorial Day, we are grateful for their sacrifice.

05/18/2026

Partners in Progress: Hope Fort Bend Clubhouse

Hope Fort Bend Clubhouse empowers adults living with mental health challenges to rebuild confidence and independence through dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Through the Clubhouse Model, members and staff work side by side in meaningful daily roles that strengthen life skills and uncover individual talents. The program also supports pathways to employment, education, housing stability, and deeper community connection so members can truly thrive.

The George Foundation is proud to be a partner with Hope Fort Bend Clubhouse, whose work creates opportunities for individuals to grow, connect, and lead more independent lives.

Learn more: https://hopefortbendclubhouse.org/

05/12/2026

The George Foundation is proud to welcome Joe R. Zimmerman as the
newest Trustee of The George Foundation.

Joe brings decades of leadership experience across land development, engineering, and municipal utility operations, and currently serves as a Senior Consultant with Turner & Townsend Heery. His career also includes international project leadership, reflecting a broad and diverse professional background.

Closer to home, Joe is widely recognized for his commitment to the Fort Bend County community. He served as Mayor of Sugar Land from 2016 to 2025, after previously serving on City Council. Throughout his time in public office, he guided the city through periods of growth and significant challenges with steady, thoughtful leadership.

We’re excited to have Joe’s experience, perspective, and deep community roots
contributing to the Foundation’s work.

https://www.thegeorgefoundation.org/about/trustees-and-staff/

05/08/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mamie George, co-founder of The George Foundation, established the organization in
1945 with a deep commitment to caring for her community.

Her legacy of compassion and service continues to shape and strengthen Fort Bend
County today.

https://www.thegeorgefoundation.org/about/founders/

05/04/2026

Movement builds more than strength. It builds confidence, independence, and community.

Bloom Fitness is a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities build a lifetime of health and wellness.

Through adaptive fitness classes and an innovative app, Bloom empowers individuals of all abilities to
stay active and engaged.

The George Foundation is proud to be a partner with Bloom Fitness, whose work
creates meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.

https://bloomfitness.org/

04/29/2026

Meet The George Foundation: Shannan Stavinoha

We’re proud to spotlight Shannan Stavinoha , Chief Grants Officer at The George Foundation.

In just under three years, Shannan has made a meaningful impact through her strong leadership, collaborative approach, and strategic mindset. She leads the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts, from due diligence and funding recommendations to working alongside local nonprofits to build capacity and address our community’s most pressing needs.

Shannan’s leadership is shaped by her well-rounded experience. She has served on the front lines as a nonprofit leader, including as Executive Director of Parks Youth Ranch, and in key roles with Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the Richmond State Supported Living Center. Combined with her background in banking and the oil and gas industry, she brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to every investment decision.

Looking ahead, Shannan and her team will help guide more than $100 million in community investments over the next five years, work that will continue to strengthen Fort Bend County for years to come.

We’re grateful for Shannan’s dedication and the impact she brings to our community every day.

https://www.thegeorgefoundation.org/about/trustees-and-staff/

04/21/2026

The George Foundation hosted the 28th annual Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) Luncheon celebrating 180 students from 26 Fort Bend high schools

The YIP students worked six Saturdays with 39 Fort Bend non-profits, and as a result of their efforts, the YIP students awarded $88,000 in grants to these community organizations.

Seventy-five members of the YIP class received $136,000 in scholarships. Congratulations to these youth leaders!

Photos by Lindsey Wilkins Photographer.

04/18/2026

Parks Youth Ranch (PYR) is the only emergency youth shelter in Fort Bend County, providing a safe, stable home for youth ages 7–17 who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness.

Through 24/7 care, case management, educational support, and access to counseling, PYR offers more than just shelter - they provide safety, stability, and a path toward healing. Child abuse prevention is at the heart of everything they do. By intervening during times of crisis and surrounding youth with consistent care, positive relationships, and trauma-informed support, they help break cycles of abuse and create opportunities for healthier, more hopeful futures.

http://www.parksyouthranch.org

04/14/2026

The George Foundation is pleased to announce Steve Ewbank as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Ewbank has served the Foundation for eight years as a Trustee, bringing thoughtful leadership and valuable insight to our grantmaking programs and asset management to help expand the Foundation’s impact across Fort Bend County.

A longtime community leader, Mr. Ewbank spent more than 30 years developing First Colony and Sugar Land Town Square during his career with Sugarland Properties, Inc.

Mr. Ewbank and his wife Julie live in Sugar Land and have two adult children, Amy and Joey.

https://www.thegeorgefoundation.org/

Together, building a thriving Fort Bend. Through grants to local nonprofits and scholarship opportunities for aspiring local students, The George Foundation strives to make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors.

04/10/2026

Preventing child abuse starts with all of us.

Through the Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative, Fort Bend is coming together to raise awareness, strengthen families, and protect children across Fort Bend County.

This April, we’re proud to support a movement that turns collaboration into action because prevention is possible when we work together.

www.cafb.org.