Honoree

The Moody Foundation was established in 1942 by William Lewis (W.L.) Moody, Jr. and Libbie Rice Shearn Moody. The Moodys were prosperous, and their enterprises flourished on Galveston Island. Their commercial interests included banks, newspapers, cotton, ranches, hotels and insurance. Over the years, their efforts continued to expand across Texas, helping to shape their vision for the Foundation of building a bigger, better future for Texans. The Moodys’ wish for the Foundation was an everlasting commitment to present and future generations of Texans.

After W.L. Moody, Jr. died in 1954, his oldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth Moody Northen, took over at the Foundation. Serving for more than 30 years, she was instrumental in the historical restoration movement in Galveston in the 1970s and focused on improving colleges and universities across Texas. Upon her death in 1986, Robert L. Moody, grandson to W.L. Moody, Jr., landed at the helm of the Foundation as the chairman.

Robert followed in his predecessors’ footsteps with his commitment and tenacity. He was able to build on their strengths and strategies as a dedicated trustee, savvy financial strategist and creative thinker for the Foundation. Robert’s deep-rooted commitment to his Galveston community led to the creation of Moody Gardens and the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, boosting economic prosperity and providing muchneeded services for his hometown. Robert L. Moody served on the board for more than 50 years and retired in December 2015. The momentum at the Moody Foundation continues with Frances Moody-Dahlberg as Executive Director and Chairman, Ross Moody as Vice Chairman, and Elizabeth Moody as Secretary and Treasurer.

For eight decades, the philanthropic heritage of the Moody family has been at the forefront of the Foundation. A charitable spirit passes from generation to generation, growing stronger over time.

With a vastly changing Texas, the latest generation of trustees values and celebrates the unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of all Texans, recognizing areas of greatest need. Their fresh perspective further expands the Foundation’s mission to reach more corners of the state, from helping to bridge the digital divide in West Texas to expanding quality healthcare services in rural communities. Under their leadership and guidance, transformative gifts to the arts, education, environment, healthcare and social services continue to improve the lives and build a better future for Texans.

All the Moody Foundation grants – from large to small – express a sense of coming together as a community, honoring the diversity, enabling the unity and uplifting the hopeful spirit that is Texas.