Episcopal Health Foundation

Episcopal Health Foundation

The Episcopal Health Foundation was established in 2013 following the sale of St. Luke's Episcopal Health System to Catholic Health Initiatives (per public record). The transaction created a $1.2B endowment, making EHF one of the largest health-focused foundations in Texas. Elena Marks, a former Houston health department official and health policy attorney, has led the foundation since its inception. EHF's investment strategy is not publicly detailed in terms of asset allocation, but foundation tax filings (IRS Form 990) show a diversified portfolio of equities, fixed income, and alternatives. The foundation does not make direct private equity or venture capital investments; its primary deployment vehicle is grantmaking, funding community-based organizations, research initiatives, and policy advocacy. Confirmed grant areas include maternal health, access to primary care, and health equity programs across Texas, with a focus on the Gulf Coast region. The foundation operates with a lean team; IRS filings show fewer than 20 employees as of the most recent available data. It has no additional offices beyond its Houston headquarters. EHF does not operate philanthropic vehicles such as a donor-advised fund program — it is a single-purpose grantmaking foundation. EHF's structural differentiator is its origin: it was born from the sale of a hospital system, which tied its endowment to a specific regional health legacy. This means its investment income flows entirely to Texas-based health equity work, with no obligation to external donors or commercial stakeholders. Its board includes Episcopal Church representatives, maintaining a faith-based governance layer without religious restrictions on grantmaking.