Presenting findings from the 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey
Registration at 11 a.m. | Luncheon at noon
The 2026 Kinder Institute Luncheon and Survey Presentation returns April 27! Join civic leaders, community members and researchers for a first look at the Kinder Houston Area Survey, one of the nation's longest-running studies of a metropolitan area.
Drawing on the voices of nearly 10,000 residents across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties — home to nearly 1 in 5 Texans — the survey offers key insights into the lived experiences, perspectives and priorities of our region. Findings help guide meaningful action on Houston’s most pressing urban challenges.
Your support matters. Funds raised through the luncheon ensure the Kinder Institute’s partner-driven research remains a public good, freely accessible to all. Explore sponsorship opportunities below and contact kinderdev@rice.edu with any questions. Tables and tickets can be purchased through April 15 online or by filling out and returning this form.
Sponsorship Opportunities
- $25,000 Chairman’s Circle
-
- Recognized as presenting sponsor
- Two premium tables for 20 next to stage
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Prominent logo/name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event*
- $10,000 Visionary Circle
-
- Premium table for 10 near stage
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Logo/name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event*
- $5,000 Leadership Circle
-
- Reserved table for 10
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event*
- $2,500 Legacy Circle
-
- Reserved table for 10
- Name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event*
- $1,000 Partner
-
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Reserved seating for two
- $250 Individual
-
- Reserved seating for one
Please note that in compliance with the IRS Notice 2017-73, Rice University cannot accept payments for events from donor advised funds, foundations or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA account. Grants from a donor advised fund or private foundation cannot be used to pay any portion of a donation split into tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible portions.
*Key deadlines for sponsor recognition:
- Printed invitation: January 30
- Printed program: April 15
Stephen L. Klineberg Award Honoree
At the luncheon, Charles C. Foster, chairman of Foster LLP, will receive the 2026 Stephen L. Klineberg Award.
A nationally recognized immigration attorney, Foster has devoted his career to expanding opportunity, advising U.S. presidents and helping shape a more inclusive approach to immigration. As honorary consul general of Thailand, he has strengthened cultural and economic ties with Southeast Asia. His service on nonprofit boards reflects a genuine commitment to community and to improving lives across the region. That dedication was notably demonstrated in his role securing the freedom of Houston Ballet dancer Li Cunxin, a story later brought to life in the film “Mao’s Last Dancer.”
About the award: Named for the institute's founding director, the Stephen L. Klineberg Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on Greater Houston. It has been presented to Ric Campo (2025), Dr. Marc L. Boom (2024), Mayor Sylvester Turner (2023), Dr. Anne Chao (2022), Robert Eury (2021), the Rev. William Lawson (2020), Jeff Hines (2019), Angela Blanchard (2018) and Tom Bacon (2017).