Houston Texans – Donation Request Program (2026)

In-Kind Memorabilia Donations for Texas Nonprofits

The Houston Texans Foundation accepts donation requests from eligible nonprofit organizations throughout Texas seeking in-kind support for charitable fundraising activities and community events.

The Foundation supports more than 400 charitable organizations each year by donating Houston Texans memorabilia, including apparel, footballs, photographs, and other team-related items.

Organizations must hold current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and priority is given to organizations serving Houston, Central Texas, and South Texas.

Applicants should allow up to six weeks for their request to be processed.

Organization: Houston Texans Foundation
Support Type: In-kind team memorabilia and merchandise
Geographic Focus: Texas, with priority for Houston, Central Texas, and South Texas
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Application Timeline: Rolling
Processing Time: Allow up to 6 weeks
Request Limit: One request per organization per year

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Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.

About the Funder

The Houston Texans Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Houston Texans.

Established in 2002, the Foundation uses the power and visibility of football to strengthen communities, support youth development, and remove barriers to fundamental resources.

Since its creation, more than $56 million has been raised through Foundation fundraising efforts to support the Houston community.

The Foundation’s broader community strategy combines charitable investments, nonprofit partnerships, youth football, community programs, and direct neighborhood-based initiatives.

What This Program Provides

The Houston Texans Foundation provides in-kind team memorabilia to qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Potential donated items may include:

• Houston Texans apparel
• Footballs
• Photographs
• Other team memorabilia
• Other available Texans-related merchandise

The specific item provided is determined by the Houston Texans Foundation based on availability.

Organizations should not assume they will receive a particular item, player autograph, or merchandise package.

Game Tickets Are Not Available

The Houston Texans Foundation does not provide game tickets through this donation request program because of limited ticket availability.

Organizations should submit requests specifically with the understanding that this opportunity provides memorabilia and other in-kind team items rather than tickets or direct cash funding.

Eligible Organizations

Applicants must:

• Hold current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Have a valid Tax ID
• Be based in Texas
• Submit the request through the online application
• Provide a physical mailing address
• Apply with sufficient time for processing

Submitting a request does not guarantee that a donation will be provided.

The Texans receive a large number of charitable requests and are unable to fulfill every application.

Geographic Focus

The Donation Request Program is limited to Texas-based nonprofit organizations.

Priority is specifically given to organizations located in:

• Houston
• Central Texas
• South Texas

Organizations elsewhere in Texas may still submit requests, but nonprofits within these priority areas may have stronger geographic alignment.

The Houston Texans Foundation’s broader community work has an especially strong focus on Greater Houston.

Houston Neighborhood Focus

As part of its evolving philanthropic strategy, the Houston Texans Foundation has also identified three Houston neighborhoods for deeper, hyper-local community investment:

• Greenspoint
• Magnolia Park
• Sunnyside

These neighborhoods are part of the Foundation’s broader community impact strategy rather than a formal eligibility requirement for the donation program.

Organizations serving these communities may nevertheless want to highlight that connection when relevant.

Houston Texans Community Priorities

The Donation Request Program itself does not require organizations to fit within a specific cause area.

However, understanding the Houston Texans Foundation’s broader community priorities may help nonprofits demonstrate alignment.

Current areas of community impact include:

Education

Programs that help children and young people access educational opportunities, resources, mentorship, and pathways toward future success.

Basic Needs

Organizations helping families and individuals access fundamental resources such as:

• Food
• Essential supplies
• Family assistance
• Community services
• Other basic-needs resources

Health

Programs improving physical and mental health, access to wellness resources, healthy lifestyles, and community wellbeing.

Youth Football

The Texans make significant investments in youth football, including programs that:

• Expand access to football
• Support youth leagues
• Develop coaches and players
• Promote flag football
• Improve youth sports experiences
• Help young people benefit from athletics

These areas provide useful context for the Texans’ overall philanthropic strategy but should not be viewed as exclusive requirements for an in-kind donation request.

Best Uses for a Texans Donation

Because this opportunity provides memorabilia rather than cash, it may be particularly useful for organizations planning:

• Silent auctions
• Charity auctions
• Fundraising galas
• Benefit events
• Nonprofit fundraisers
• Community charitable events
• Other fundraising activities where sports memorabilia can generate revenue

Organizations should clearly explain the charitable purpose of the event and how proceeds will support the nonprofit’s mission.

One Request Per Year

Organizations may submit:

One donation request per organization per year.

Nonprofits holding multiple events should therefore determine which fundraiser represents the strongest opportunity for a Texans donation.

Consider factors such as:

• Expected attendance
• Audience interest in the Texans
• Potential auction value
• Overall fundraising goal
• Alignment with the Foundation’s local community priorities

Using the annual request strategically may help maximize the value of the donated item.

Physical Mailing Address Required

Applicants must provide a physical mailing address.

The Texans Foundation does not ship donation items to P.O. Boxes.

Organizations should make sure the address entered in the application is complete and accurate to prevent delivery issues.

Branding Restrictions

Receiving a donation from the Houston Texans does not automatically make the organization or event an official Houston Texans partner or sponsored event.

Any use of the Houston Texans:

• Name
• Logo
• Branding
• Trademarks

in event promotion requires written approval from the Texans’ Marketing Department.

Organizations should not advertise that the Texans are sponsoring or endorsing an event simply because an in-kind donation has been provided.

Application Timeline

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
📅 Processing Time: Allow up to 6 weeks
📅 Request Limit: One request per organization per year

The Texans Foundation asks applicants to allow up to six weeks for processing.

Organizations should therefore submit requests well before their fundraising event whenever possible.

The Foundation also encourages organizations not to plan an event around the expectation of receiving a Texans donation.

Instead, any donated item should be considered an enhancement to an already established fundraising event or program.

Application / Request Process

All donation requests must be submitted through the Houston Texans’ online Donation Request Form.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information including:

• Organization name
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Tax ID
• Organization address
• Physical shipping address
• Contact information
• Event information
• Event date
• Charitable purpose
• Intended use of the donation

Direct Donation Request Form:

➡️ https://web.houstontexans.com/donation-request-form

Donation Guidelines:

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/foundation/donations

Houston Texans Foundation:

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/foundation/

Houston Texans Community Programs:

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/

Other Houston Texans Opportunities

Organizations should also be aware that the Texans operate other community programs and funding opportunities separate from this general donation request process.

Houston Texans Inspire Change Grant

The Texans have partnered with corporate supporters to provide grants to Houston nonprofits working on social justice, racial equity, and pathways to opportunity.

When available, this represents a separate cash grant opportunity rather than an in-kind memorabilia request.

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/inspire-change-grant

Youth Football Programs

Organizations serving young athletes may also want to explore the Texans’ youth football initiatives and related opportunities.

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/youth-football/

Houston Texans Foundation

Nonprofits can learn more about the Foundation’s overall strategy, impact, and community priorities here:

➡️ https://www.houstontexans.com/community/foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Are based in Texas
• Serve Houston, Central Texas, or South Texas
• Are planning a charitable fundraiser or community event
• Can benefit from sports memorabilia rather than a cash grant
• Have enough time to allow up to six weeks for processing
• Have not already submitted their annual donation request
• Can demonstrate a meaningful community benefit

Organizations working in the Texans’ broader areas of education, basic needs, health, or youth football may have an especially natural connection to the Foundation.

The Houston Texans brand can make memorabilia valuable at auctions and fundraising events, particularly within Houston and throughout the team’s Texas fan base.

Applicants should make a specific request tied to an established charitable event and clearly explain who will benefit from the funds raised.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Support Type: In-kind team memorabilia
Application Timeline: Rolling
Processing Time: Allow up to 6 weeks
Geographic Focus: Texas
Priority Geography: Houston, Central Texas, and South Texas
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a valid Tax ID
Request Limit: One request per organization annually
Typical Donations: Apparel, footballs, photographs, and other team memorabilia
Game Tickets: Not available
Physical Address: Required; no P.O. Boxes
Branding: Use of Texans name, logo, or branding requires written approval
Best Suited For: Texas nonprofits seeking recognizable sports memorabilia to enhance a charitable fundraiser
Key Strategy: Apply early, use the organization’s one annual request strategically, and clearly explain the local charitable impact the donation will help support.