Philanthropy
A VISION OF GENEROSITY
The Woodlands has always held charitable causes close to its heart. It all began with our founder, George P. Mitchell. A businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Mitchell envisioned a place where people could ‘live, work, play and learn’ with a true a sense of community. Since 1974, The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation has offered more than $800 million in donations and pledges to a variety of charitable causes, from science and engineering to arts and social causes.
In The Woodlands, everyone has the opportunity to give back. By attending a show at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion or participating in programs like Market Street's Change for Charity, visitors can make a difference, right here in The Woodlands.
Giving Back in The Woodlands
THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION
The Pavilion is a nonprofit organization with a mission to make The Arts accessible to everyone. A portion of your concert ticket, in partnership with Live Nation, goes towards funding programs including art scholarships, training and educational events.
George Mitchell's wife, Cynthia, had a great passion for the arts and she dreamed of a world-class performing arts facility in The Woodlands. In April 1990, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, part of the Center for Performing Arts in The Woodlands, opened its doors for a star-studded weekend with Frank Sinatra opening the show.
Over the years, The Pavilion has grown to become one of the world’s greatest outdoor music amphitheaters, welcoming artists from every musical genre. There are free events to attend throughout the year, including performances from The Houston Symphony and the Houston Ballet.
THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL
Creativity shines throughout The Woodlands. Since 2005, The Woodlands Arts Council has created opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is a celebration of local art, taking place every April. The festival raises funds for several of The Woodlands Art Council’s projects, including student art scholarships and microgrants. These initiatives support budding young artists and encourage people to express themselves through art.
Town Green Park
Town Green Park is a four-acre green space that features a large lawn that plays host to some of the largest events in The Woodlands like The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival... Learn More
Lake Woodlands
The Woodlands is known as an oasis on the water surrounded by the woods, and Lake Woodlands is a premier spot to experience it firsthand. This 200-acre freshwater lake offers... Learn More
Places to Stay
When you book a room in The Woodlands, you’ll rest easy knowing all of our hotels offer prime locations, amenities and value regardless of where you stay. If that doesn’t... Learn More
Lakes Edge Boat House
The best way to take advantage of the mild weather and abundance of water throughout The Woodlands is to spend the day paddle boarding or kayaking in The Woodlands. Lakes Edge... Learn More
Town Center Trolley
The Trolley provides easy transportation along a 4.1-mile route connecting The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, The Woodlands Waterway, and Hughes Landing. This free... Learn More
Hughes Landing
Hughes Landing is a 66-acre mixed-use upscale “lifestyle” development that features Restaurant Row. Here can you go to enjoy great food, live music, shopping, the arts, boat... Learn More
Visitor Info Center
The Visitor information desk at Market Street offers a variety of services and assistance to visitors of The Woodlands. Through a partnership between Market Street and Visit... Learn More
Market Street
Market Street offers luxury boutique shopping in an open-air main street atmosphere. You’ll love their complimentary umbrellas and on-site concierge with a bag check and... Learn More
The Woodlands Mall
Head to The Woodlands Mall, a distinguished fashion center with more than 160 shops and restaurants under one roof, for unbelievable finds. This luxury mall has fine dining,... Learn More
Riva Row Boat House
The best way to take advantage of the mild weather and abundance of water throughout The Woodlands is to spend the day paddle boarding or kayaking in The Woodlands. Riva Row... Learn More
Swan Boats
Enjoy a fun afternoon pedaling down The Woodlands Waterway on a swan boat. Riva Row Boat House offers a variety of rentals for water recreation including swan boats, water... Learn More
Waterway Square
Waterway Square features a water fountain with synchronized choreography to music, along with a variety of outdoor art. The one-acre public plaza is the home of Waterway... Learn More
The Woodlands Waterway
The Woodlands Waterway can be considered the lifeblood of the city. It winds through the Town Center, spilling into Lake Woodlands and connecting all the attractions along its... Learn More
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands is home to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the most popular places for concerts and live music. Consistently ranked as one of the “Top 10 Outdoor... Learn More
Texas TreeVentures
Texas TreeVentures is an outdoor aerial adventure course that will have you climbing to new heights! Set amongst the trees, this unique course is both mentally and physically... Learn More
Golf
From disc golf with the family or a serious round of PGA approved golf with the gang, The Woodlands area has plenty of options to fulfill all of your golf needs. Area courses... Learn MoreMARKET STREET CHANGE FOR CHARITY
Market Street Change for Charity allows you to park, shop and give back. This initiative collects the change from the 68 parking meters on Market Street and donates it to four Montgomery County charities each year. Every quarter, Market Street donates to a different charity.
The beneficiaries of the 2023 Change for Charity include: Montgomery County Community Foundation Veterans Fund, Education for Tomorrow Alliance, Montgomery County Food Bank, and the Cook Family Health Education and Learning (HEAL) Center at Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands.
Since it began, this charity program has raised over $250,000 for causes in the community.
Change for Charity Recipients for the Second Quarter of 2023
INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS
Interfaith of The Woodlands has helped families in need for almost 50 years. Founded by George Mitchell, it provides uplifting programs and caring services to neighbors in need. Their philosophy is that all faiths can work together to build solutions. Interfaith’s support includes childcare, financial assistance, wellness programs, and counseling.
Two of their key initiatives include The Veggie Village, a community garden producing fresh vegetables for senior living complexes and the Interfaith Food Pantry. Another is The Hand Me Up Shop, a resale store selling pre-loved clothes and useful items. Interfaith is just one of over 100 non-profits residents and visitors can support in The Woodlands area.
GIVE BACK IN THE WOODLANDS
When you visit The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, attend The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, or park at a Market Street pay meter while you shop, you're giving back to the community...but it doesn't have to stop there! There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in The Woodlands that you can take part in during your visit, especially when traveling with a group.
You can also buy The Woodlands gear at The Woodlands Style, which is run by Interfaith of The Woodlands. All proceeds go directly towards supporting the programs and services of Interfaith, meaning that you can make an impactful difference in our community with each purchase.
