The Houston arts scene is constantly growing and evolving. New organizations are formed. New venues are built. New productions are put on. New artwork is commissioned.

That said, many of these artistic operations in the Houston area are non-profit, relying on audiences to become benefactors so they can continue to churn out great art. Let us introduce you to 13 charities making a difference in Houston's thriving scene.

Alley Theatre
The Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre produces great theatre that embodies the resident company. You can buy tickets to see the shows, make a charitable contribution, or volunteer as an usher. The Alley hosts events for patrons and donors all year long, including the annual Opening Act event for the young professionals each fall and an annual ball each spring.

allgo
For over 30 years, allgo has worked to create and sustain queer people of color activists, groups, organizations, and allies through artistic expression, promoting wellness, and grassroots organizing. Allgo relies heavily on volunteers both in Austin and throughout Texas to build its statewide QPOC movement.

Bayou City Art Festival
Celebrating 47 years since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as Bayou City Art Festival, The Art Colony Association has provided a venue for over 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. It also has raised more than $3.6 million for local nonprofit programs through the festivals.

CAM Fort Bend
CAM Fort Bend curates a self-sustaining, community-centric art museum and engages the public with thought-provoking art exhibitions, educational programming, and art-centered events. Donations ensure the programming and longevity, as they help fund the museum’s new home, the multitude of public programs, and sustain the group's mission and outreach.

Community Artists’ Collective
Established in 1985, the Community Artists' Collective believes that an education in the arts stimulates the talents and creative abilities necessary to solve the economic, cultural, and social challenges facing mankind. Its mission is to provide the educational link between African American artists and all communities, inspiring unlimited creativity.

Fresh Arts
Fresh Arts champions local artists and creative entrepreneurs to succeed in the business of art. Its membership program is designed to cultivate relationships between artists and arts organizations and those businesses and patrons who support their endeavors. And since it also hosts one of the wildest and most beloved shindigs in town, Fresh Arts' fetes are always memorable.

Houston Arts Alliance
Houston Arts Alliance's mission is to commission, conserve, and promote public art, and to enliven public spaces on behalf of the City of Houston. It is a public-private initiative that invests in Houston's arts and cultural sector and hosts many events throughout the year that celebrate the arts, including film and food festivals.

Magpies and Peacocks
The nonprofit design house Magpies & Peacocks, Inc. creates an environment for positive change by nurturing arts education, keeping fashion out of landfills and giving back to the Houston community. Run entirely on volunteer power, it hosts the annual Catwalks & Classrooms sustainable student design showcase in April.

Philanthrartist
Philanthrartist integrates the work of the artists it collaborates with and the philanthropic causes that they feel strongly about: homelesness in Houston, HIV/AIDS nationwide and the elderly and homeless in the Caracas Metro area. A yearly concert is held in Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. This group also celebrates National Latinx Awareness Day and World AIDS Day.

The Center for the Performing Arts at the Woodlands
As a 501(c)(3) organization, The Pavilion strives to provide the performing arts and educational outreach programs to The Woodlands community and the Greater Houston area. The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer group, offers opportunities for those who share a love for the performing arts to give back, support the Pavilion and network with others.

The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society works to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, educational programs, film, video and other content. Membership in the Heritage Society is open to everyone, and comes with a variety of benefits including free historic building tours, free admission to lectures and more.

Visionary Heights, Inc.
Visionary Heights, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serve the creative arts, launching creative expression through inspiration, education, and participation. Become a member of the community and participate in the art exhibits, concerts and more. Monthly art shows feature a local emerging Houston artist, while concerts feature local or international performers.

Young Audiences, Inc. of Houston
Young Audiences of Houston educates and inspires children through the arts. It makes the arts an integral part of the school curriculum, and advances the field of arts in education through teacher professional development training and community partnerships. Volunteer opportunities include becoming a high school mentor or supporting special events.