The Graeme McDaniel Foundation
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Katy, Texas that funds congenital heart defect research at 30+ leading medical institutions and supports affected heart families, operating primarily through annual events including Graeme's Run, Graeme's Gala, and Golf FORE CHDs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersKaty, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Graeme McDaniel Foundation does
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 87-2237264) founded in 2021 in Katy, Texas, by Robby and Stephanie McDaniel in memory of their son Graeme, who lived 2.5 years with complex congenital heart defects. The foundation operates on a dual mission: funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research at leading academic medical centers and providing resources and support to "heart families" — families of children born with CHDs. It is a volunteer-run organization with 1-10 personnel and minimal operating overhead, channeling the vast majority of funds directly into programmatic work.
The foundation's core programmatic products are Graeme's Run (an annual 5K run and 1-mile family walk, now in its 11th year, attracting nearly 1,600 participants), Graeme's Gala (an annual black-tie fundraising dinner in its 4th year, which raised $400,000 in 2025), Golf FORE CHDs (an Ohio-based annual tournament in its 8th year), a Rock Paper Scissors Tournament, and ancillary community events. Its CHD Research Grant Program has cumulatively deployed over $2.1 million across 30+ institutions — including Boston Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Duke, CHOP, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Stanford, UCSD, and Weill Cornell — with typical grants of $25,000-$100,000 for one-year terms, vetted by a Medical Review Team drawn from leading pediatric cardiology institutions. Heart Family Resources aggregates housing, peer-support, and Texas Medical Center navigation support for affected families.
The foundation's revenue model is donation-based, drawing on individual contributions (check, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo), tiered corporate event sponsorships (Diamond $7,500 down to Supporting $500), event registration fees, peer-to-peer team fundraising, raffle ticket sales, auction proceeds, and in-kind donations. Distribution is regional (Texas and Ohio) with a national grant footprint. Technology infrastructure consists of a Squarespace website, Qgiv event registration, and GolfStatus tournament management; the foundation does not develop proprietary technology products. Strategic partners include Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, UTHealth-CHI, No Label Brewery, Beckendorff Farms, Stonewater Golf Club, Kendra Scott, and Spec's.
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Graeme McDaniel Foundation
- Legal name
- The Graeme McDaniel Foundation
- Website
- https://graememcdanielfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Katy, Texas that funds congenital heart defect research at 30+ leading medical institutions and supports affected heart families, operating primarily through annual events including Graeme's Run, Graeme's Gala, and Golf FORE CHDs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Charitable Foundation / Nonprofit Health Research
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)
Keywords
Where The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Katy
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising Events: The foundation raises funds through individual donations, event registrations, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraisers. Revenue is generated from participant registrations for events (Graeme's Run, Gala tickets), corporate sponsorship packages at various tiers (Diamond $7,500, Platinum $5,000, Gold $3,000, Silver $1,500, Bronze $750, Supporting $500), and general donations.
- Individual Donations: Accepts donations via check (mailed to PO BOX), Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo. All donations are tax-deductible as the foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time | Diamond Sponsorship - $7,500 |
| Other | One time | Platinum Sponsorship - $5,000 |
| Other | One time | Gold Sponsorship - $3,000 |
| Other | One time | Silver Sponsorship - $1,500 |
| Other | One time | Bronze Sponsorship - $750 |
| Other | One time | Supporting Sponsorship - $500 |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Raffle Tickets - $5 each |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money through community fundraising events and individual/corporate donations, then redistributes those funds as competitive research grants to leading pediatric cardiology institutions and as direct support, resources, and community connections to families affected by congenital heart defects (CHDs). Its core offerings are the annual Graeme's Run 5K, the Graeme's Gala black-tie fundraiser, Golf FORE CHDs, the Rock Paper Scissors Tournament, the CHD Research Grant Program (1-year grants of $25,000-$100,000 vetted by a Medical Review Team), and the Heart Family Resources directory.
Product overview
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a charitable foundation, not a technology company. Its core programs include: (1) Graeme's Run - an annual 5K run/1-mile family walk event that raised over $200,000 in 2026 with nearly 1,600 participants; (2) Graeme's Gala - an annual black-tie fundraising gala that raised $400,000 in 2024; (3) CHD Research Grant Program - funding over $2.1 million in congenital heart defect research grants to leading institutions; (4) Heart Family Resources - a directory of housing, family support, and Texas Medical Center resources; and (5) Team Fundraising Platform - an online system for team registration and donation tracking. The foundation also organizes Golf FORE CHDs and Rock Paper Scissors Tournament as additional fundraising events.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Graeme's Run Annual fundraising run/walk event featuring a 5K run and 1-mile family walk to celebrate Graeme's memory and raise money for congenital heart defect research, including activities for children and adults such as face painting, silent auctions, raffles, and free food. The 2026 event raised over $200,000 with nearly 1,600 participants.
- Graeme's Gala Annual black-tie gala event featuring cocktails, fine dining, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a paddle raise to raise critical funding for congenital heart defect research. The 3rd Annual event in 2025 raised $400,000.
- CHD Research Grant Program Competitive grant program funding congenital heart defect research at academic medical centers, with awards typically ranging from $25,000-$100,000 for 1-year terms. Recipients include Boston Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Duke University, Johns Hopkins, CHOP, Cleveland Clinic, UCSD, UTHealth, Stanford, and others. Research areas include genetics, fetal diagnosis and intervention, pediatric devices, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and technology advancements.
- Heart Family Resources Directory of resources supporting heart families including housing support organizations (MBA Opens Doors Foundation, Hope House Ministry, Ballard House), family support organizations (Heart Heroes, HeartGift, Camp Odayin), and Texas Medical Center parking support services for families affected by congenital heart defects.
- Medical Review Team & Grant Application Process Board-directed medical review process for evaluating CHD research grant applications. The Medical Review Team consists of leading cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from institutions including Boston Children's Hospital, UCSF, Texas Children's Hospital, and Duke University, evaluating grant applications for awards of $25,000-$100,000 for 1-year terms.
- Graeme's Gala Sponsorship Program Corporate sponsorship program for Graeme's Gala with tiered recognition levels including Heart Warrior, Heart Hero, Heart Advocate, Heart Aware, and In-Kind donors. The 2024 (3rd Annual) gala raised $400,000.
- Graeme's Run Sponsorship Program Corporate sponsorship program for Graeme's Run with tiered levels including Diamond ($7,500), Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($3,000), Silver ($1,500), Bronze ($750), and Supporting ($500), offering complementary registrations, social media recognition, and logo placement benefits.
- Team Fundraising Platform Online team registration and fundraising dashboard for Graeme's Run allowing participants to create teams, track donations, set up Facebook Fundraisers, and earn incentives based on fundraising milestones.
- Golf FORE CHDs Annual golf tournament fundraiser, now in its 8th year, held at Stonewater Golf Club in Ohio. Part of the foundation's diversified fundraising events supporting CHD research.
- Rock Paper Scissors Tournament Annual rock paper scissors tournament fundraiser, now in its 6th year, hosted at venues including RJWE and OLE to support heart families and CHD research.
Quantifiable outcome
- Gala event raised $400,000 in 2025
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Graeme McDaniel Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- McKain PowercoreHeart Warrior level sponsor for 4th Annual Graeme's Gala. Provides financial support and visibility for the foundation's annual gala event.
- UTHealth - CHIcoreHeart Warrior level sponsor for 4th Annual Graeme's Gala. Academic medical center partnership providing medical expertise and community support.
- Memorial Hermann Children's HospitalcoreHeart Warrior level sponsor for 4th Annual Graeme's Gala. Major pediatric hospital providing care to heart patients.
- Texas Children's HospitalcoreHeart Warrior level sponsor for 4th Annual Graeme's Gala. One of the nation's leading pediatric cardiology centers.
- Lone Star Sports & EntertainmentminorAuction sponsor for Graeme's Gala, providing Houston Texans tickets and experiences. Sports/entertainment partnership for fundraising events.
- Kendra ScottminorAuction and raffle sponsor for Graeme's Gala and Run events. Jewelry donations for auction.
- Spec's Wines, Spirits, and Finer FoodsminorIn-kind sponsor providing wine baskets for auctions. Former Charity of the Month partner (January 2023).
- No Label BrewerycoreDiamond sponsor for Graeme's Run. Host venue for annual Graeme's Run event and packet pickup. Community partner for event logistics.
- Tiff's TreatsminorCookie donation sponsor for events and fundraiser. Hosted Richmond Grand Opening benefiting the foundation in 2022.
- Houston MomsminorCo-host of Annual Reliant Rodeo Roundup Contest. Community partnership for event co-promotion.
- Beckendorff FarmscoreVenue partner for 4th Annual Graeme's Gala (September 24, 2026) at 28533 Morton Rd, Katy, TX 77493.
- Stonewater Golf ClubcoreVenue partner for 8th Annual Golf FORE CHDs in Ohio. Host venue for annual golf tournament.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Saving Little Hearts: Volunteer-run nonprofit providing aid to families affected by CHDs and funding for related research — directly comparable operating model and dual mission to GMF.
- Heart Heroes: Community-driven nonprofit supporting children with congenital heart disease through superhero capes, family connections, and CHD awareness — comparable grassroots, volunteer-led family-support orientation.
- Conquering CHD: A CHD-focused nonprofit combining research advocacy, family support, and awareness raising at a community-event-driven scale comparable to GMF's approach.
- Children's Heart Foundation: National 501(c)(3) focused exclusively on funding congenital heart defect research, with a research grants program and an annual CHD conference. Most direct functional peer to GMF in mission and grantmaking model.
- It's My Heart: Nonprofit providing support, education, and awareness for those affected by acquired and congenital heart defects — overlapping family-support and awareness-raising mission.
- Mended Little Hearts: A nonprofit supporting children with congenital heart disease and their families through hospital visits, support groups, and education. Closely comparable dual research-and-family-support mission and grassroots chapter model.
Broad incumbents
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Volunteer-rooted, event-driven childhood cancer research grantmaker with strong medical review board — analogous volunteer-staffed, event-led pediatric disease grantmaking model adapted to oncology.
- Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: Volunteer-powered nonprofit funding childhood cancer research through grassroots fundraising and peer-to-peer events — comparable volunteer-run, event-centric pediatric research grantmaker.
- American Heart Association: Largest US cardiovascular-disease nonprofit funding pediatric and adult cardiac research at scale. Overlaps with GMF on CHD research funding but operates at vastly greater scale with paid staff and national infrastructure.
Others
- St. Baldrick's Foundation: Volunteer-driven childhood cancer research funder built around signature peer-to-peer events. Comparable event-led volunteer nonprofit model in adjacent pediatric disease space — thematically aligned though not a CHD competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Graeme McDaniel Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Graeme McDaniel Foundation
What does The Graeme McDaniel Foundation do?
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money through community fundraising events and individual/corporate donations, then redistributes those funds as competitive research grants to leading pediatric cardiology institutions and as direct support, resources, and community connections to families affected by congenital heart defects (CHDs). Its core offerings are the annual Graeme's Run 5K, the Graeme's Gala black-tie fundraiser, Golf FORE CHDs, the Rock Paper Scissors Tournament, the CHD Research Grant Program (1-year grants of $25,000-$100,000 vetted by a Medical Review Team), and the Heart Family Resources directory.
Is The Graeme McDaniel Foundation a public or private company?
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Graeme McDaniel Foundation founded?
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Graeme McDaniel Foundation based?
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation is headquartered in Katy, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Graeme McDaniel Foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising Events are the primary driver. The others are individual Donations.
Who are The Graeme McDaniel Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Saving Little Hearts, Heart Heroes, Conquering CHD, Children's Heart Foundation, It's My Heart and Mended Little Hearts. Broad incumbents are Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research and American Heart Association. St. Baldrick's Foundation is listed as an others.
Does The Graeme McDaniel Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Graeme McDaniel Foundation.
What industry is The Graeme McDaniel Foundation in?
The Graeme McDaniel Foundation's product category is Charitable Foundation / Nonprofit Health Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAL, Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211.