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.
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 — starting with the Oil Baron's Classic, now in its third year. 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
This year's Oil Baron's Classic supports 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. Every seat sold and every sponsorship this year turns into real support in their hands.
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 Classic supports 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 an event. Reserve a table. Make a one-time gift or give monthly. Donate an auction item. Or just show up on September 23 and play some cards for a good reason.