William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris
William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris, life-long residents of Utah, created The Foundation in 1960. Their daughter Ruth Harris Hite, and her husband William N. Hite, created The William N. and Ruth Harris Hite Foundation, which merged into The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation. Ruth Harris Hite was also a major contributor to The Foundation’s assets. The Harris Foundation is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is governed by a Board of Directors (the Directors).

How We Make A Difference
Call 702-253-1317 Or Contact Us to find out more.
Geographical Focus
The geographical focus for giving is concentrated in the western United States including the Rocky Mountains and intermountain regions. International Conservation & Global Population programs are also of interest.
Grant Criteria
The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation funds organizations that qualify for 501(c)(3) status.
Mission Statement
The Harris Foundation envisions making the world a better place for the well-being and safety of plants, animals and human beings.

History
William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris created the Foundation in 1960. Their daughter Ruth Harris Hite and her husband William N. Hite created the William N. and Ruth Harris Hite Foundation which merged into the Harris Foundation.
Ruth Harris Hite was also a major contributor to the Foundation’s assets. The Foundation is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is governed by a board of trustees
Areas of Spport
The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation funds organizations that qualify for 501(c)(3) status in five areas:
1. Animal Welfare: sanctuaries, no-kill animal shelters, rescue, adoption and population control.
2. The Arts: children’s theater, documentaries, videos, and Community outreach.
3. Conservation: animal field research, protection of natural resources including conservation education programs, documentaries, videos, and community outreach.
4. Educational Camps: environmental, health and special needs camps.
5. Preventative Health: animals for the physically challenged, children’s health, global populations, women’s health.
The Harris Foundation does fund operating budgets. See some examples of our grantee organizations through this link, or see what our grant giving criteria are.
Organizations we support
Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque
Assistance League: Las Vegas
Canyonlands Field Institute
Growing Colorado Kids
Environmental Conservation
An emphasis on conservation and restoration of damaged ecosystems on our beautiful planet.

We’ve given over $10,000,000
To date we have awarded grants in excess of ten million dollars to various causes.
Helping People
<p”>The Foundation gives grants for $6,000 or less that are concerned with the following areas: the arts, environmental conservation, preventative health care and population issues, and educational programs. </p”>

