Frazier Foundation Inc.

## Approach Strategy

The Frazier Foundation Inc. is a Minden, Louisiana private foundation with a distinctive dual focus: Churches of Christ congregations and Church of Christ-affiliated educational, childcare, and community organizations. Led by James W. Frazier Jr. (President), Allan Hewett (Vice President), Karl Gschiedle (Treasurer), and Jamey Frazier (Secretary), this is a family/faith-community foundation rooted in the Churches of Christ tradition (a non-denominational Christian restoration movement, strong in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, and rural South).

The foundation distributes $488,000-$1,020,870 annually to numerous organizations across Louisiana (grants listed as "see attached listing" in IRS filings, preventing granular analysis without direct 990-PF attachments). Program breakdowns show 16 Churches of Christ entities (most funds), 10 education entities, 6 "others," and 2 child care entities.

Important note: The foundation does accept applications. Deadlines are May 15 and November 15, with application forms available by request. Phone: (318) 377-0182. Mailing: PO Box 1175, Minden, LA 71058.

Alert: The foundation's assets have declined significantly from $6.1M (2021) to $3.5M (2024) while distributions ($500K-$1M/year) have been running well above investment income, suggesting the endowment is being drawn down. Organizations should factor this trajectory into their expectations for ongoing support.

## Funding Patterns

The Frazier Foundation has been one of the more active grantmakers of its asset size in Northwest Louisiana, distributing $488K-$1.02M annually.

Historical giving: - 2024: $1,020,870 (largest year on record — but assets fell from $5.4M to $3.5M) - 2023: $548,500 - 2022: $574,837 - 2021: $488,975 - 2020: $537,750

Asset trajectory showing draw-down: $4.9M (2020) → $6.1M (2021, likely market gains + contributions) → $5.9M (2022) → $5.4M (2023) → $3.5M (2024). The 2024 distribution of $1M against assets of $3.5M represents a 29% payout rate — unsustainable without new contributions. If this pace continues without additional capitalization, the foundation may exhaust its endowment within 5-7 years.

Grant categories (from IRS program descriptions, most recent): 1. Churches of Christ entities: 15-16 entities, the largest category by expenses 2. Education entities: 9-10 entities 3. Other nonprofits: 6-11 entities 4. Child care entities: 2 entities

Individual grant amounts cannot be determined without the attached schedule (IRS 990-PF page 9 grants schedule, which is not extracted by Grantmakers.io for this foundation). The total amount divided by entity count suggests average grants of approximately $25,000-$30,000 per grantee.

## Peer Comparison

The Churches of Christ tradition has a strong foundation and educational institution network in the Deep South. Harding University (Searcy AR), Lipscomb University (Nashville TN), and Abilene Christian University (TX) are major Church of Christ institutions that may receive priority consideration from this foundation.

For Louisiana nonprofits not affiliated with Churches of Christ, the Community Foundation of Northwest Louisiana (Shreveport-Bossier) and the Shreveport-Bossier Community Foundation are more accessible alternatives.

## Recent Activity

FY2024 (most recent IRS filing): Total giving $1,020,870 to "various per attached listing" (predominantly Louisiana entities). Assets declined from $5,415,786 (2023) to $3,523,668 (2024) — a drop of approximately $1.9M from distributions exceeding income.

Program activities: - Churches of Christ: 15 entities (largest category) - Other nonprofits: 11 entities - Education: 9 entities - Child care: 2 entities

Total of approximately 37 distinct entities received grants in 2024. At $1.02M total, average grant would be approximately $27,600.

FY2023: $548,500 to similar "attached listing" of Louisiana entities (Churches of Christ, education, others, child care). Prior year distributions more consistent ($488K-$574K range).

The 2024 jump to $1M+ in giving while assets fell $1.9M is significant — this may reflect a planned spend-down, a major capital campaign contribution to a Church of Christ institution, or an estate distribution. Organizations receiving ongoing support from the Frazier Foundation should plan for reduced future distributions.

## Application Tips

This foundation does accept applications. Two cycles per year with deadlines May 15 and November 15.

How to apply: 1. Contact the foundation by phone: (318) 377-0182 2. Request an application form (foundation mentions "see application form enclosed" suggesting a physical form is required) 3. Mailing address: Frazier Foundation Inc., PO Box 1175, Minden, LA 71058 4. Submit completed form by May 15 or November 15

Priority organizations: 1. Churches of Christ congregations in Louisiana: This is the foundation's primary philanthropic identity. Congregations in financial need, those conducting building programs, or those operating community outreach programs aligned with Church of Christ values are the strongest candidates.

2. Church of Christ-affiliated educational institutions: Harding University, Lipscomb University, Abilene Christian University, and any Louisiana-based Church of Christ schools or Bible colleges may receive consideration.

3. Church of Christ-affiliated child care: Two entities per year receive child care grants — likely Church of Christ-operated preschools or day care centers in Northwest Louisiana.

4. Community nonprofits in Minden/Webster Parish area: The "others" category (6-11 entities) suggests general community nonprofits in the foundation's home area. Local social service organizations in Minden, LA may be eligible.

Important warning about financial trajectory: The foundation's assets have declined from $6.1M to $3.5M in three years. Organizations building budget dependency on Frazier Foundation support should plan for reduced or discontinued funding within the next few years unless the foundation receives significant new contributions.