Founders
The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation was established on the premise of fostering principles exemplified in the lifelong values of the late Cynthia Woods Mitchell and George P. Mitchell.
They were both raised as children of meager means who, throughout their lives, believed in giving back to the community that made their success possible and lending a hand to the less fortunate struggling to reach their potential.
As their fortunes grew in the energy business, they shared a vision that the majority of the wealth that they had created would be dedicated to making the world a more hospitable and sustainable place.
Cynthia spent a lifetime supporting the arts, educational initiatives, and humanitarian issues that focus on the disadvantaged.
George was a renaissance businessman and entrepreneur known for the economic revitalization of his hometown of Galveston, his keen interest in science, and his passion for seeking sustainable solutions to complex problems.
As the foundation has evolved, issues related to sustainability have come to represent the foundation’s true north, with the growing identification of sustainability as both a process and a goal to ensure long-term human and ecosystem well-being.
Cynthia was a wellspring of inspiration for her family and the foundation. Her belief in human equality and respect for all people is a bountiful legacy that is more relevant today than ever. Her driving force and influence motivate CGMF’s deeply felt commitments to social justice, educational equality, the arts, environmental protection, and historic preservation.
George supported, funded, and advocated environmental sustainability, sustainable development, and sustainability science issues in the early 1970s, including funding the National Academy of Sciences’ first-ever study on sustainability science.
Mitchell understood his so-called paradox as a leader in energy exploration, conservation, sustainability practices, and land development. He called on CGMF to vigorously pursue innovative, sustainable solutions for human and environmental problems.
As the foundation continues to evolve, we have increasingly focused on sustainability issues, seeking ways to ensure human societies flourish in harmony with a thriving natural environment. Our geography of focus continues to be Texas.
The Texas-based foundation currently lends its voice to the ongoing dialogue and debate in several sustainability-related grantmaking programs, including Clean Energy, Land Conservation, Sustainability Education, Subsurface Energy, and Water.
The foundation also funds and operates programs for Cook’s Branch Conservancy and Galveston, and makes select grants to various other organizations that reflect the legacy, values, and vision of Cynthia and George Mitchell.
