The Hinds Academy Foundation was created in 2005 by members of the Edward C. Hinds Academy (University of Texas at Houston O.M.S. Alumni and Friends of the specialty). It’s purpose is to provide ongoing support to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the University of Texas at Houston from a private, endowed fund overseen by a select board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons who are members of the Academy. To date, alumni and friends of the Department have individually contributed over $2.8 million in donations, pledges, and legacy gifts. In 2016, in response to a University of Texas Health Science Center “Game Changer” matching campaign, the Foundation helped create a $1.6 million “Hinds Foundation-John Helfrick” permanent endowment for the Department.​