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 present policy of the Board of Directors, grants are not made for debt retirement, endowments, media productions, operations, programs, research, 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 not 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.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $22,954,760

• Average Grant: $99,400

• Highest Grant: $2 million

Civic

Projects include neighborhood revitalization, support of philanthropy and volunteerism, civic education, museums and exhibits, parks, trails, and gardens.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $31,989,230

• Average Grant: $63,000

• Highest Grant: $2 million

disabled

The foundation supports therapy facilities, assisted and independent living communities, sheltered workshops, adaptive resources, and educational projects.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $8,148,617

• Average Grant: $32,600

• Highest Grant: $250,000

Education

Projects include support for capital initiatives at independent and charter schools, higher education institutions, and at organizations that support public school students.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $59,541,906

• Average Grant: $90,500

• 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.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $5,719,174

• Average Grant: $49,700

• Highest Grant: $695,000

MEdical

Projects include support for capital initiatives at medical facilities, equipment for research or treatment, and a variety of health and welfare organizations.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $57,828,046

• Average Grant: $119,800

• Highest Grant: $2 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.

• Cumulative Grant Amount through Fiscal 2018: $43,189,469

• Average Grant: $46,900

• Highest Grant: $1 million