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 later 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 directors.
The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation funds organizations that qualify for 501(c)(3) status in five areas:
The Harris Foundation does fund operating budgets.
The mission of Growing Colorado Kids is to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and provide experiential learning opportunities for refugee youth through organic farming.
Inspiring enlightened perspectives, passion and care for the Colorado Plateau since 1984. A non-profit outdoor educational organization with programs designed to teach students and adults about the surrounding area.
Focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate. Every child with a cleft can be helped with surgery that costs as little as $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes.
Creating opportunities for inspirational discovery and the joy of lifelong learning through interactive experiences in science, technology and art.
Dedicated to effectively finding and fulfilling the needs of the Las Vegas community for more than 30 years, serving many children and adults who benefit from their assistance.
An organization the Foundation has been funding over the years in support of wildlife preservation — a core area of the Foundation's giving philosophy.