Notice: The Lewis & Joan Lowenstein Foundation is not currently accepting new grant applications.

The Lewis & Joan
Lowenstein
Foundation

Houston, Texas

The Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation carries forward a lifelong commitment to education, community, and human dignity — honoring two lives defined by humble beginnings, hard work, and compassion for others.

Our Story Areas of Impact
Lewis and Joan Lowenstein
Lewis & Joan Lowenstein · Houston, Texas
Our Foundation

Guided by Enduring Values

Established to carry forward the philanthropic spirit of Lewis and Joan Lowenstein, the Foundation supports initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of others.

Education & Opportunity

The Lowensteins believed deeply in the transformative power of education. The Foundation honors this by supporting scholarships, academic programs, and initiatives that open doors for young people with potential to make a difference.

Community & Human Services

From healthcare and senior services to faith-based initiatives and community development, the Foundation invests in the fabric of Houston and beyond — strengthening the communities Lewis and Joan loved.

Integrity & Faith

Hard work, personal responsibility, and compassion were more than ideals — they were a way of life for the Lowensteins. The Foundation continues to support Jewish organizations and faith-based programs that reflect these principles.

Their Story

From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy

Lewis Lowenstein was born in Missouri and met Joan Shyer in Tennessee, where the two married in 1935. They later settled in Houston, where Lewis built a successful automobile finance business that eventually expanded across 10 states.

After retiring in 1960, Lewis devoted much of his time and energy to philanthropy, community support, and helping others. Joan passed away in 1998, and Lewis died in 2010 at the age of 100.

The Lowensteins believed strongly in hard work, personal responsibility, and compassion for others. They valued education, opportunity, and the importance of investing in people — particularly young people with the potential to make a difference in the world.

Generosity Integrity Education Faith Service Compassion
Helping Others Reach the Stars

Continuing the Legacy

Over the decades, the Foundation has quietly supported hundreds of organizations, families, and individuals across Houston and beyond. Guided by the values Lewis and Joan lived by — humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community — the Foundation continues to invest in the causes closest to their hearts.

Today, under the leadership of the Hidalgo family and a dedicated board, the Foundation carries this legacy forward — supporting education, healthcare, faith communities, and the well-being of those who depend on the strength of others.

1935

Lewis and Joan marry in Tennessee and begin building their life together.

1940s

The Lowensteins settle in Houston, where Lewis establishes a thriving automobile finance business spanning 10 states.

1960

Lewis retires and devotes himself fully to philanthropy, community service, and helping others.

1998

Joan Lowenstein passes away, leaving behind a profound legacy of warmth and generosity.

2010

Lewis Lowenstein passes at the age of 100. The Foundation is established to carry his values forward, with Harold Hidalgo Sr. serving as President.

Areas of Focus

Where We Invest

Over the years, the Foundation has supported a wide range of charitable organizations in Houston and beyond, with particular emphasis on the following areas.

🎓
Education & Scholarships

Supporting student scholarships, academic achievement programs, and educational institutions that expand access and opportunity.

🏥
Healthcare

Funding organizations that advance healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and serve the medical needs of underserved communities.

✡️
Jewish Organizations

Supporting Jewish institutions, cultural programs, and faith-based initiatives that preserve heritage and strengthen community bonds.

🙏
Faith-Based Initiatives

Partnering with organizations rooted in faith that provide social services, community support, and moral guidance.

👴
Senior Services

Investing in programs that support elderly individuals, providing care, dignity, and quality of life in their later years.

🌆
Community Development

Funding organizations that build stronger communities through housing, civic programs, and long-term infrastructure for those in need.

Leadership

Board of Directors

The Foundation is guided by a dedicated board of directors and advisory board committed to honoring the Lowensteins' enduring vision.

Board of Directors
HH
Harold Hidalgo Sr.
President & Treasurer
LW
Leonard Weiner
Vice President & Secretary
AM
Anna Marie Hidalgo
Director
AP
Amy Peck
Director
Advisory Board
DH
Douglas Hidalgo
Director
GP
Geoff Peck
Director
Foundation Administrator
Diane Guiberteau
diane.guiberteau@gmail.com
Applications

Grant Guidelines

The following guidelines outline the Foundation's grant priorities, eligibility requirements, and application process. These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect the Foundation's evolving priorities.

01

Mission Alignment

The Foundation supports organizations whose work aligns with our core areas of focus: education, healthcare, Jewish organizations, faith-based initiatives, senior services, and community development. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their programs and the Foundation's mission.

02

Eligibility

Applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in good standing. Priority is given to organizations serving the Greater Houston area and communities the Lowenstein family cared about deeply throughout their lives.

03

Funding Priorities

The Foundation prioritizes programs that create lasting impact — particularly those that invest in young people, strengthen families, support the elderly, and preserve religious and cultural heritage. General operating support, program funding, and capital projects are all considered on a case-by-case basis.

04

Application Process

When the Foundation is actively accepting applications, prospective grantees are asked to submit a letter of inquiry via email to the Foundation Administrator. Selected applicants may then be invited to submit a full proposal. All correspondence should be directed to Diane Guiberteau.

05

Review & Notification

The Board of Directors reviews all proposals at their discretion. Due to the volume of inquiries received, the Foundation is unable to respond individually to every request. Applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted directly.

06

Reporting

Grantees may be asked to provide brief progress reports and financial summaries. The Foundation values relationships built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to the mission of serving others.

Please Note: The Lewis & Joan Lowenstein Foundation is not currently accepting new grant applications. The guidelines above are provided for informational purposes. Please check back at a future date for updates on grant availability.
Get In Touch

Contact the Foundation

All correspondence, including proposal inquiries, should be directed via email to our Foundation Administrator. Please review our grant status notice before reaching out.

The Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation is a private foundation rooted in Houston, Texas, with a mission to create meaningful and lasting impact through thoughtful, values-driven philanthropy.

Grant Status Notice

The Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation is not currently accepting new grant applications. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to check back at a future date.

Foundation Administrator
Diane Guiberteau
All correspondence should be directed to Diane
Email
diane.guiberteau@gmail.com
Location
Houston, Texas
Type
Private Foundation