History

Throughout his 46-year career in which he built the nation's largest petroleum refining and marketing company, a company that was also recognized among the nation's best employers and most admired corporate citizens, Bill Greehey established himself as one of the most successful and visionary CEOs in America. But Greehey lives by the mantra, "You are never truly a success until you share your success with others," and he tirelessly gives of his time and resources to countless charitable and civic causes. As such, he also established himself as one of the nation's most renowned and respected philanthropists.

Nearing the end of his prolific career as CEO, Greehey's goal was to broaden his ability to identify and meet the growing needs of his community, and decided that a foundation would be the best way to meet that goal. So in April 2003, he provided $40 million in initial funding to establish The Greehey Family Foundation, and in the following years he has provided over $125 million in additional funding.

The Foundation's emphasis is on supporting health and human welfare issues, children's causes, education, and the homeless. And because the needs of the community are wide, the Foundation is set up and positioned to meet an almost unlimited range of needs within these areas. In its brief history, the Foundation has already granted tens-of-millions of dollars to hundreds of causes, ranging from a new stove so that a struggling grandmother raising her 10 grandchildren could provide warm meals for them, to a $25 million grant to the University of Texas Health Science Center to fund children's cancer research and treatment.

Funding is provided to non-profit organizations throughout San Antonio and Bexar County at the discretion of the Foundation's Board of Directors, which is composed of Greehey and family members. The Board meets biannually to review grant requests, but funds can be granted any time during the year as special needs arise.

The Foundation will operate in perpetuity and will continue to be funded by the Greehey family to improve the lives of individuals and families for generations to come.