Powered by South Texas.
Built for South Texas.
The oilfield built this region. When one of our own gets knocked down, the industry should be the first one there. That is what this Foundation is for.
South Texas Energy Foundation is a Texas nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). EIN 42-2246410. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Now riding · 2026–2027 series
The Cotulla Stampede
Four Saturday youth rodeos in Cotulla, with the Foundation as managing nonprofit. The goal is $50,000 for the saddles, buckles and saddle blankets these kids compete for.
Nov 28◆Dec 5◆Jan 16◆Feb 20
Our mission
Take what this industry produces and reinvest it where it matters most.
We support the oil and gas community in South Texas through charitable fundraising events, scholarships, educational programs, and community investment grants benefiting industry workers, their families, and the causes closest to them.
What we do
Three ways the Foundation puts money to work
Fundraising events
Events that bring the industry together in the spirit of giving — the Oil Baron's Classic, three years running, and now the Cotulla Stampede youth rodeo series. Operators, landmen, service companies and attorneys in one room, raising money for neighbors.
Direct family support
When an oilfield family faces a crisis, help needs to move fast and land in the right hands. Proceeds from Foundation events support the people and families we name.
Scholarships & community grants
As the Foundation grows, scholarships and community investment grants across South Texas — supporting the next generation of the workforce and the towns the industry calls home.
In development for 2027.
Who we stand behind
Two of our own
The 2026 Oil Baron's Classic, played September 23, was for Brian Clepp, a San Antonio oil and gas attorney fighting cancer, and the family of Omar Mendiola, who we lost earlier this year.
Both men are well known and deeply loved across the South Texas oil and gas community. These are not abstract causes — they are people this industry knows, in a region this industry built. Thank you to every player and sponsor who came out for them on September 23.
2026 beneficiaries
Brian Clepp
San Antonio oil and gas attorney. Proceeds support Brian and his family through his cancer fight.
The family of Omar Mendiola
Omar was lost to the industry earlier this year. The 2026 Classic was played in support of the family he left behind.
What we stand for
Three things we do not negotiate
Roots
We're South Texas, through and through. This isn't a national organization with a regional chapter — it's homegrown, because the community we serve is homegrown.
Industry proud
We don't apologize for what powers this region. We celebrate it — and we put it to work for the people who live here.
Action over talk
Charitable foundations are only as good as what they actually do. We stay focused on real impact, real events, and real dollars going to real causes.
Get involved
Whether you operate wells or run a two-person shop, there's a place for you here.
Sponsor a rodeo. Make a one-time gift or give monthly. Or come out to Cotulla on Saturday, November 28 and cheer on the kids.