Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Foundation FAQ page! Whether you’re new to our mission or a long-time supporter, we’re here to provide you with the information you need. This page covers everything from our foundation’s goals and initiatives to how you can get involved and make a difference. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our programs, donation processes, volunteer opportunities, and the impact we’re making in communities around the world. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re excited to share more about our work and how you can be part of our impactful journey! Thank you for your interest and support.
Helpful Information
Is any nonprofit organization eligible to apply for a grant?
Our Foundation’s charter restricts grants to only 501(c)(3) entities. Because of our charter restrictions we are unable to provide grants to any organization that does not have 501(c)(3) status.
Do you give grants to organizations outside of Texas?
The Foundation provides grants throughout the United States, but tries to allocate at least one-third of its grant resources to organizations helping those in the West Texas area.
What are the deadlines for grant proposals?
Except in unique circumstances applications are accepted only during the Spring/Summer Cycle and Fall/Winter Cycle, and they are evaluated only two times per year. The deadline for the Spring/Summer Cycle is April 30 and the deadline for the Fall/Winter Cycle is October 31.
Can we meet with someone to discuss a possible proposal?
Staff is available by email to discuss your project and may schedule pre-grant interviews by phone with applicants as time permits. After receiving an application, a face-to-face meeting may be scheduled as needed.
How do I request a grant application packet?
All applications are digital. You may download the application form from the Grant Information page.
How often do you consider proposals?
The Foundation’s grantmaking body meets at least two times per year.
How will I know if you received my proposal?
We acknowledge receipt of every proposal by email within a week.
Are audited financial statements required?
The requirement for audited financial statements may be waived for small nonprofit organizations. In the event that your organization does not have audited financial statements, your organization will be required to submit last year’s unaudited financial statements, long with interim statements for the current year.
Do you fund general operating expenses?
Generally, we do not fund the annual budget of established organizations. Rather than being a source of funds to maintain the current level of services, we prefer to help organizations reach more people through new programs or expansion of existing services. However, under certain circumstances we will support the start-up of new organizations or efforts to strengthen the organizational capacity of existing ones.
Do you give grants to individuals?
Under the terms of its charter, the Foundation can distribute grants only to qualified public entities or 501(C)(3) charities.
When and how will I know if my proposal has been accepted or rejected?
All applicants receive written communication regarding the disposition of their request at the end of the applicable grant cycle. Applicants are generally notified by June 30 for applications submitted by April 30 in connection with the Spring/Summer Cycle. Applicants are generally notified by December 31 for applications submitted by October 31 in connection with Fall/Winter Cycle.
We recently submitted a proposal and were declined. May we re-submit?
Yes, but you must skip a cycle. Our policy limits grant requests from eligible organizations to one within each 12-month period.
To whom should proposals be addressed?
All grant applications must be submitted online.
My grant was turned down. Can you tell me why?
Competition for grant funds is intense, and there are a number of factors that determine if a request is declined. Most frequently it is because we are unable to fund every request that we receive. The Board of Directors looks for programs and projects that best meet the areas of interest outlined in the grant guidelines. Provided that your organization satisfied the Foundation’s application requirements, we encourage those whose requests are declined to come back to us at a future time with another proposal. Please do not interpret the decision to decline a request as a negative evaluation of a project or organization.
Do you prefer to fund capital or program?
We prefer that you determine your highest priority. At any given time, about half of our grants are for capital projects and half are for program support.
Does Foundation sponsor galas or purchase tables at fundraising events?
The Foundation generally does not purchase tables or sponsor galas or similar events. We prefer to review all capital, operational or special projects of each qualified 501(c)(3) organization to determine if the Foundation will fund applicable grant request.
Can you help us with writing the grant proposal?
The Foundation does not provide a grant-writing service. We encourage applicants to follow our guidelines in preparing a proposal and to call if they have a question.
Do you fund endowments?
The Foundation reviews requests for endowments on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the Foundation does not fund requests for the support or establishment of endowments. The Foundation prefers that every dollar goes toward programs and projects.
I'm a new organization and don't have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can I still apply?
Send the most current information you have. Once your application is reviewed, a member of our staff will call you if additional information is required or may be substituted.
Should we wait to hear from you before applying to others?
It is a good idea to submit applications to multiple sources of funding, as doing so will improve your chances of success.
Do you need multiple copies of our proposal, and should they be bound?
Only the digital submission is required.
Are there areas in which you don't make grants?
The Foundation does not generally make grants to construct churches or seminaries; to underwrite fundraising events, professional conferences, symposia, out-of-state performances or competition expenses; or toward annual fundraising drives.
Should we include letters of support?
While you may include letters of support in your grant application, they are not necessary.
Before I submit a proposal, can you tell me if the Foundation is interested or would consider the type of grant I am looking for?
Competition for grants is highly competitive, and we do not make recommendations to eligible organizations on whether they should apply for a grant and/or amounts that organizations should apply for.
Will you do a site visit, and should we invite your Board members for a visit?
The Executive Director will determine the need for a site visit.
Does Foundation grant money to commercial businesses?
No, the Foundation does not fund for-profit organizations.
Do you fund scholarships?
The Foundation funds scholarships indirectly by providing grants to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations who manage and distribute scholarships to individuals. The Foundation does not fund scholarships directly to individuals.