Houston, TX

HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION INC

EIN 74-1926301

Arts, Culture & Heritage Community Arts & Public Programs

Mission

The Houston Public Library Foundation exists to raise and manage funds to support the programs of the Houston Public Library.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION INC

The Houston Public Library Foundation is the philanthropic partner to the Houston Public Library system, raising private support to expand access to books, technology, literacy programs, TECHLinks makerspaces, and facility improvements across the city. Founded as a Texas nonprofit (year of formation reported as 1977), the Foundation channels donor funds to support HPL’s 44 locations and systemwide services, working closely with library leadership and the City of Houston to fund programming and capital needs. In the last two to three years the Foundation has stepped up public fundraising and communications (including a Summer Appeal and a quarterly "By the Numbers" impact update) to support rapid usage growth at HPL; recent fiscal‑year reporting shows substantial increases in circulation, visits, program attendance, and TECHLink usage systemwide.

Notable achievements

Significant grantmaking (FY 2023)

In its most recent Form 990 filing the Foundation reported program service expenses and grants to the library totaling approximately $2.1 million, including about $1.85 million in grants to support HPL programs and operating needs.

Systemwide impact (FY 2024–25)

Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 the Houston Public Library system supported by the Foundation recorded multi‑million usage metrics, including more than 8.7 million materials circulated, over 2.2 million in‑house visitors, nearly 3.9 million digital visitors, roughly 245,000 program attendees (including 116,831 youth and teen attendees), and tens of thousands of TECHLink and Mobile Express users.

Expanded donor communications and appeals

The Foundation relaunched a Summer Appeal and began a quarterly 'By the Numbers' donor update to highlight impact and to drive philanthropic support for literacy, youth programming, TECHLink makerspaces, and branch improvements.

At a glance

Total assets: $21.7M
Annual revenue: $1.4M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 74-1926301
Location: Houston, TX
Website: houstonlibraryfoundation.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Four‑star rating on Charity Navigator (recognized for strong accountability, finance metrics, and governance disclosures).

Public transparency practices: the organization posts its recent IRS Form 990 and financial information on its website and identifies formal governance and policy documents in filings.

Official philanthropic partner to the Houston Public Library system (works directly with HPL to fund programs, capital needs, and systemwide initiatives supporting all 44 library locations).

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