Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About the Catherine Rose Foundation

We believe in transparency, clarity, and genuine conversation. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don't see what you're looking for, please reach out—we'd love to connect with you directly.

ORGANIZATION & MISSION

What is the Catherine Rose Foundation?

We are a Texas nonprofit corporation (501(c)(3) status pending) founded to strengthen communities across Texas by providing educational, agricultural, and wellness programs for Veterans, At-Risk Youth, and Families. Our model is unique: a sustainable vineyard and winery operation is designed to become the primary, long-term funding source for our charitable programs, creating a self-replenishing cycle of community investment. While we will conduct fundraising campaigns and seek grants—especially during this founding phase—our ultimate vision is a self-sustaining engine that generates lasting impact for generations.

Who was Catherine Rose?

The foundation is named for Catherine Rose Ham, the mother of our founder, Richard Williams. Catherine was an educator, mentor, and philanthropist whose life exemplified service, encouragement, and the belief that communities thrive when people can read, work, and lead. The foundation honors her legacy by cultivating the land she loved and the values she lived.

Are you a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?

We have submitted our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and are awaiting determination from the IRS. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law and will be retroactively applied once our status is officially recognized. You will receive a donation receipt for your records.

Where are you located?

Our mailing address is:
8708 Technology Forest Pl, Suite 175
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Our future campus—20 acres of land in Douglass, Nacogdoches County, Texas—is currently in development. This is where our vineyard, teaching gardens, and program facilities will be built. We look forward to welcoming you to our physical home soon

What is your service area?

While our campus will be located in Nacogdoches County, our programs are designed to serve communities across the entire state of Texas. Our virtual programs will extend our reach even further, allowing us to connect with Veterans, Youth, and Families wherever they are.

OUR PROGRAMS

What programs do you offer?

We currently offer four core programs, each designed to meet a specific community need:

Programs Population Focus

Grounds for Healing Veterans Wellness horticulture &vocational training in sustainable agriculture

The Agri-Science Academy Youth (12-18) STEM education through hands-on farming and agri-technology

The Family Harvest Table Families Nutrition education, cooking classes, and intergenerational connection

The Rose Pantry Food-Insecure Individuals/Families Dignified, client-choice food access with fresh produce from our farm

All programs are designed to be ultimately sustained by our vineyard revenue.

When will your programs launch?

The Rose Pantry will launch in pop-up format in partnership with existing organizations in 2027, with full operations on our campus when facilities are complete.
Grounds for Healing, The Agri-Science Academy, and The Family Harvest Table will launch their full, on-campus programming when our facilities are complete (target 2027+).

However, we are not waiting to serve.

Do you offer any programs right now?

Yes. We are currently developing The Green Treatment, a virtual bridge program that delivers the core healing experience of Grounds for Healing directly to veterans' homes. This program includes:

Weekly virtual wellness and peer support circles
A premium therapeutic plant kit shipped to your door
1:1 coaching and community connection

Launching Q1 2026. Join the waitlist

We also offer virtual resources, educational content, and community connection opportunities through our newsletter and social media channels.

I'm a veteran. How do I enroll in Grounds for Healing?

Our full, on-campus Grounds for Healing program is currently in development. However, we invite you to:

Join the waitlist for our future on-site program
Register interest in our virtual pilot cohorts "The Green Treatment"
Subscribe to our newsletter for program launch announcements

We are building this program with veterans, not just for them. Your voice matters in shaping what we become.

I'm a parent. How do I enroll my child in The Agri-Science Academy?

Our youth program is currently in the curriculum design phase. We are working closely with educators, STEM professionals, and young people themselves to create a truly transformative experience.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on pilot programming, summer camp announcements, and enrollment openings.

How do I access The Rose Pantry?

We are actively working toward our first pop-up pantry distribution in partnership with local organizations in Nacogdoches County. Once details are confirmed, we will publish hours, location, and access information on this website and through our newsletter.

If you or someone you know needs immediate food assistance, we encourage you to contact the East Texas Food Bank at www.easttexasfoodbank.org or call 903-597-3663.

GET INVOLVED

How can I volunteer?

We are actively seeking Founding Volunteers to help us build our foundation. Immediate opportunities include:

Remote/Virtual (Available Now):

Social media ambassadors
Grant researchers & writers
Graphic designers
Content creators
Administrative support

On-Campus (Future):

Farm hands (planting, harvesting, vineyard care)
Pantry assistants
Program mentors
Event support

Complete our Volunteer Interest Form and someone from our team will contact you within 5-7 business days.

Do you offer group volunteer opportunities?

Yes. We welcome corporate groups, faith communities, and civic organizations. Please contact inellsamol@catherinerosefoundation.org to begin the conversation.

How can I donate?

We offer several ways to give:

Method How to Give

One-Time Donation Donate Now via our secure online portal

Monthly Giving (Harvest Circle) Join the Harvest Circle as a founding sustainer

Sponsor a Vine $250 sponsors one vine; $2,500 sponsors a row

Program-Specific Gifts Direct your donation to a specific program

In-Kind Donations Contact us for our current needs list

Stock/IRA Transfers Contact giving@catherinerosefoundation.org

What is the Harvest Circle?

The Harvest Circle is our family of monthly sustainers—our most dedicated supporters who believe in our mission from the very first seed. Founding members receive exclusive benefits, insider access, and the deep satisfaction of knowing their generosity fuels our growth every single month. Your monthly gift provides the predictable, reliable funding we need to plan boldly, act strategically, and build the sustainable engine that will one day fund our mission in perpetuity.

Learn more about Harvest Circle benefits

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. While our 501(c)(3) application is pending with the IRS, all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Once our determination letter is received, your deduction will be retroactively recognized. You will receive a receipt for every donation.

PARTNERSHIPS

How can my company partner with the Catherine Rose Foundation?

We are actively seeking visionary corporate partners to join us as Founding Partners. Opportunities include:

Program Sponsorships — Underwrite a full program or cohort during our founding phase
Vineyard Establishment Grants — Fund specific infrastructure needs (irrigation, trellising, equipment)
Facility Naming Rights — Leave a lasting legacy on our future campus
Employee Engagement — Volunteer days, giving campaigns, and cause marketing
In-Kind Support — Donate goods, services, or expertise

Contact Miguel Samol, Chairman of Board to begin the conversation.

Do you accept foundation grants?

Yes. We are actively seeking grant support from foundations aligned with our mission areas: veterans, youth development, food security, sustainable agriculture, and community wellness. Grants during our founding phase are critical to establishing the infrastructure that will make our self-sustaining model possible.

Contact Brayden Yeye for our grant proposal guidelines and timeline.

COMMUNICATIONS

How do I sign up for your newsletter?

You can subscribe to our newsletter, "From the Ground Up," at the bottom of any page on our website. You'll receive monthly updates on our progress, program announcements, exclusive content, and stories from the heart of our mission.

How often do you send emails?

We respect your inbox. Our newsletter is sent once per month, with occasional urgent announcements (launch dates, major milestones, time-sensitive opportunities). You can unsubscribe at any time.

I didn't receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

First, check your spam or promotions folder. If you still don't see it, add contact@catherinerosefoundation.org to your safe senders list and try again. If issues persist, email us directly and we'll add you manually.

GOVERNANCE & FINANCIALS

Who leads the Catherine Rose Foundation?

We are guided by a dedicated 8-member Board of Directors and our Founder & Executive Director, Richard Williams. Our board brings expertise in governance, finance, law, community development, and nonprofit leadership—all united by a shared belief in our mission.

View Our Staff Directory

How are donations used?

As a founding-stage organization, our current allocation is:

70% — Vineyard Development & Sustainable Infrastructure (planting the permanent funding engine)
20% — Program Development & Pilot Launch (serving our community now)
10% — Operational & Administrative Costs (responsible stewardship)

This allocation will shift as our vineyard matures and begins generating revenue. Our long-term goal is to minimize administrative costs and maximize both program impact and vineyard reinvestment.

We are committed to radical transparency. Our annual impact report and financial statements will be publicly available on this website.

Do you have an annual report?

Our inaugural Annual Impact Report will be published at the close of our first fiscal year. Founding Harvest Circle members will receive an exclusive pre-release copy.

GENERAL

I have a question that isn't answered here.

We'd love to hear from you. Please reach out:

contact@catherinerosefoundation.org
📞 +1 (888) 474-0680

Our team is small but deeply committed. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 2-3 business days.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Use the contact form link, and we'll get back to you soon.

Cultivating Community, Harvesting hope