What We Fund

The Foundation supports capital projects (i.e., building construction, acquisition, renovation, equipment, vehicles, and technology) of nonprofit organizations in Texas, primarily in the Dallas area.  When grants are made outside of this geographic preference, it is likely due to a historical interest exhibited by the founder, a current interest by a board member, or the large scope of impact the grant would have on that particular region of Texas. 

Under the present policy of the Board of Directors, grants are not made for debt retirement, endowments, media productions, operations, programs, research, or scholarships.   A few grants in these categories have been made, but they are infrequent and initiated by the Foundation.  Grants are typically not made to an organization more than once every three to four years.

FUNDING CATEGORIES

The foundation makes grants in the seven funding categories outlined below.  Although there are no specific granting targets within each category, historical funding is reflective of general preferences.

Grants are not made:

• For religious purposes

• Outside of Texas

• To individuals

ARts & culture

The foundation supports efforts to enhance the quality of, and access to, arts and culture. Current focus: Projects that stabilize the Arts District and other existing assets.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $27,231,515

• Average Grant: $96,900

• Highest Grant: $2 million

Civic

Projects include neighborhood revitalization, support of philanthropy and volunteerism, civic education, museums, and exhibits, parks, trails, and gardens. Current focus: Supporting existing community assets.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $41,040,780

• Average Grant: $73,700

• Highest Grant: $2 million

disability community

The foundation supports therapy facilities, assisted and independent living communities, sheltered workshops, adaptive resources, and educational projects. Current focus: Investing in solutions of scale and those that focus on work readiness.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $9,219,887

• Average Grant: $34,500

• Highest Grant: $250,000

Education

Projects include support for capital initiatives at independent and charter schools, higher education institutions, and organizations that support public school students. Current focus: Investing in established institutions.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $65,931,206

• Average Grant: $93,100

• Highest Grant: $1.5 million

Environment

The foundation supports initiatives to conserve natural resources, capital aspects of education programs, as well as zoos and animal welfare. Current focus: Supporting existing community assets.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $6,936,674

• Average Grant: $56,900

• Highest Grant: $1 million

MEdical

Projects include support for capital initiatives at medical facilities, equipment for research or treatment, and a variety of health and welfare organizations. Current focus: Investing in established medical institutions, both in the Medidcal District and at the community level.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $70,718,381

• Average Grant: $133,400

• Highest Grant: $5 million

social services

The foundation supports the capital needs of a variety of organizations that address food insecurity, access to shelters and housing, special needs of seniors, family planning, counseling, children and youth needs, and general social service agencies. Current focus: Supporting larger organizations that focus on meeting basic needs, alleviating poverty, and creating workforce housing.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2025: $55,167,076

• Average Grant: $50,300

• Highest Grant: $1 million