Houston's a city of great giving and the CultureMap Charity Challenge, presented by Yellow Cab, aims to highlight that. CultureMap selected 12 deserving nonprofits to compete for a grand prize as they all raise awareness for worthy causes. CultureMap is highlighting the charities over the next several weeks. Today: Houston Museum District Association.

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1997, the Houston Museum District Association works to promote the area as a destination to maximize the use of artistic, scientific and educational resources of the district's institutions by all citizens and visitors to the city.

The district includes 19 museums and affiliated institutions, including:

• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston,
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Menil Collection
• Children's Museum of Houston
• Lawndale Art Center
• Houston Zoo
• Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Holocaust Museum Houston
• DiverseWorks
• Rothko Chapel
• Houston Center for Photography
• Rice University Art Gallery
• Houston Museum of African American Culture
• Jung Center of Houston
• Czech Center Museum Houston
• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
• Asia Society Texas Center
• Health Museum
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

The Houston Museum District is not simply a "collection" of museums. It's a destination where area residents and out-of-town visitors can discover enriching, cultural experiences. Few cities in the country have areas devoted to optimizing the artistic, scientific and educational resources of its institutions. Conveniently located within a one and a half mile radius of the Mecom Fountain, the museums provide a range of exciting exhibits, collections, workshops and live performances.

Vote now for the Houston Museum District — or one of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge.