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The Meadows Foundation provides grants to support programs and projects that improve the quality of life for the people of Texas. Funding is focused on six core program areas: Arts & Culture, Civic & Public Affairs, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Within these areas, the Foundation gives priority to five high-impact strategic initiatives: postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness.
Meadows Foundation Incorporated is a private corporation based in DALLAS, TX. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1951. It holds total assets of $718M. Annual income is reported at $443.1M. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2024. The foundation primarily funds organizations in Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth. According to available records, Meadows Foundation Incorporated has made 654 grants totaling $99.3M, with a median grant of $75K. The foundation has distributed between $23.3M and $27.1M annually from 2020 to 2024. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2023 with $27.1M distributed across 170 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $5.4M, with an average award of $152K. The foundation has supported 485 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Texas, California, District of Columbia, which account for 95% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 18 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
The Meadows Foundation is best approached by Texas-based nonprofits with a strong programmatic focus and quantitatively measurable outcomes. Applicants should frame requests around specific programs or projects rather than general operating support (85% of grants are program-specific). The Foundation's five annual board meetings (January, April, June, September, November) provide multiple entry points, and the rolling application window rewards strategic timing. Before submitting, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule an informational call with a program officer to discuss fit and refine their approach. Dallas-Fort Worth organizations have a structural advantage since up to 50% of giving concentrates in that region.
In 2024, the Meadows Foundation awarded approximately $24.1 million across 161 grants, implying an average grant size of approximately $150,000. Programs and project grants account for about 85% of total giving, with capital projects and general operating support making up the remaining 15%. Endowment and scholarship grants are rare. Grant sizes range broadly, but the Foundation's emphasis on programmatic impact, scalability, and multi-source funding suggests typical grants in the $25,000–$500,000 range. The Foundation considers program-related investment loans on a limited basis. Up to 50% of annual giving is concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; the remainder is distributed across Texas. The Foundation has funded arts, civic, education, environment, health, and human services since inception, with ongoing initiatives in postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and Dallas-area homelessness reduction.
The Meadows Foundation operates among major Texas-focused private foundations. Compared to peers, it is mid-tier by assets but maintains a broader statewide mandate than most Houston-anchored peers:
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Geographic Focus | Primary Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadows Foundation | ~$718M | ~$24M (2024) | Texas (50% DFW) | Arts, Civic, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services |
| Moody Foundation | ~$3.5B | ~$80M/yr | Texas-wide | Education, Health, Culture, Community |
| Houston Endowment | ~$2.5B | ~$100M/yr | Houston/Harris County | Education, Civic, Arts, Health |
| Brown Foundation | ~$1.1B | ~$50M/yr | Houston/Texas | Education, Arts, Civic |
| H.E. Butt Foundation | ~$762M | Est. $25–40M/yr | Texas (Hill Country, San Antonio) | Faith, Youth, Leadership |
| Sarofim Foundation | ~$2.6B | Est. $30–60M/yr | Houston/Texas | Arts, Education, Environment |
Meadows is 15th largest Texas foundation by assets in the Granted database. Its 161 grants averaging ~$150,000 each signal a mid-size grant strategy targeting established nonprofits. Unlike Moody (Galveston-based) or Houston Endowment (Houston-only), Meadows explicitly serves all of Texas and is the dominant major funder for Dallas-area nonprofits in the arts, civic, and human services sectors.
The Foundation launched a new online grant portal in 2025, replacing the previous system that closed August 28, 2025. All new applications and accounts must be created in the new portal. In 2024, the Foundation awarded approximately 161 grants totaling $24.1 million. The 2024 Annual Report is available on the Foundation's website. Active initiatives include postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness—reflecting sustained multi-year commitments to systemic change. The Foundation celebrated over 77 years of operation and $1.4 billion in cumulative giving as of 2026.
1. Texas residency of beneficiaries is mandatory: all funded work must directly benefit Texans. If your organization is headquartered elsewhere, demonstrate clear Texas impact. 2. Lead with programs, not operations: frame requests as discrete programs or projects with measurable outcomes—85% of grants fund specific initiatives, not general support. 3. Target initiative areas for best fit: proposals touching postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, or Dallas-area homelessness align with active Foundation initiatives and receive heightened attention. 4. Secure co-funding before applying: the Foundation looks for organizations that have identified or secured support from other sources—demonstrated multi-source funding is a positive signal. 5. Call first: the Foundation explicitly encourages informational calls before applying; use this to build a relationship with your assigned program officer. 6. Plan your timeline: submit at least 4–5 months before needed funding; the 4–5 month review cycle is firm. 7. One shot per year: only one proposal every 12 months is allowed; declined proposals reset the clock from the submission date. 8. Scale your ask: typical grants average ~$150,000 based on 2024 data; extraordinary asks should be paired with extraordinary impact evidence.
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Administration and operation of the Meadows Conference Center, a conference facility for free-of-charge use by nonprofit, educational, and civic organizations that hold meetings and seminars designed to advance management/operational efficiencies of nonprofit agencies in North Texas. The Center serves over 53,000 persons each year. Also includes administration of the Executive Suites programs that houses up to 10 non-profit organizations on a rent free basis with shared office support.
Expenses: $871K
Supports organizations throughout Texas that provide opportunities for all Texans to experience and benefit from the arts, including a major partnership with SMU Meadows School of the Arts and Meadows Museum.
Assists communities in developing leadership talent, promoting civic collaboration, supporting nonprofits through management and capacity-building, and improving service delivery infrastructure.
Funds initiatives in postsecondary completion and educator preparation, supporting programs from early reading through higher education access with measurable outcomes.
Focuses on preserving Texas ecological and biological resources for future generations while addressing the state growing population needs, with a water conservation initiative.
Invests in programs promoting innovation in health services, mental health care delivery, and strengthening the ecosystem of care for Texans. Includes a depression initiative.
Supports programs and agencies providing compassionate support systems for vulnerable Texans, with emphasis on reducing homelessness in the Dallas area.
In 2024, the Meadows Foundation awarded approximately $24.1 million across 161 grants, implying an average grant size of approximately $150,000. Programs and project grants account for about 85% of total giving, with capital projects and general operating support making up the remaining 15%. Endowment and scholarship grants are rare. Grant sizes range broadly, but the Foundation's emphasis on programmatic impact, scalability, and multi-source funding suggests typical grants in the $25,000–$500,0.
Meadows Foundation Incorporated has distributed a total of $99.3M across 654 grants. The median grant size is $75K, with an average of $152K. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $5.4M.
The Meadows Foundation is best approached by Texas-based nonprofits with a strong programmatic focus and quantitatively measurable outcomes. Applicants should frame requests around specific programs or projects rather than general operating support (85% of grants are program-specific). The Foundation's five annual board meetings (January, April, June, September, November) provide multiple entry points, and the rolling application window rewards strategic timing. Before submitting, prospective ap.
Meadows Foundation Incorporated is headquartered in DALLAS, TX. While based in TX, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 18 states.
Officer and trustee information is not yet available for this foundation. This data is typically reported in Part VIII of the 990-PF filing.
Total Giving
$21.5M
Total Assets
$718M
Fair Market Value
$718M
Net Worth
$692.7M
Grants Paid
$24.1M
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$30.7M
Distribution Amount
$34.5M
Total: $143.1M
Total Grants
654
Total Giving
$99.3M
Average Grant
$152K
Median Grant
$75K
Unique Recipients
485
Most Common Grant
$100K
of 2024 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist UniversityTo sustain and build the Meadows School of the Arts and the Meadows Museum to standards of excellence | Dallas, TX | $4.9M | 2024 |
| Cafe MomentumDonation of land to Cafe Momentum to build a new flagship location in the Wilson Historic District to house a restaurant and community services center. | Dallas, TX | $3.4M | 2024 |
| Commit2Dallas and Child Poverty Action Lab for Opportunity 2040Toward continued support for an initiative to accelerate economic mobility for Dallas County residents and continuing support for Commit and the Child Poverty Action Lab | Dallas, TX | $700K | 2024 |
| Communities Foundation of Texas for Educate TexasToward continued support to improve postsecondary education completion rates in Texas | Dallas, TX | $575K | 2024 |
| Housing ForwardToward reducing the unsheltered population in Dallas and Collin counties by 50% through behavioral healthcare and rehousing assistance | Dallas, TX | $500K | 2024 |
| The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasToward continued support for integrating a depression screening platform and technical assistance into hospital systems in North Texas | Dallas, TX | $500K | 2024 |
| Uvalde Cisd Moving Forward FoundationToward continued support for a new elementary school to replace Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District | Uvalde, TX | $500K | 2024 |
| Texas Tribune IncToward an initiative to rebuild local news across Texas, expand the reach of information, and increase earned revenue | Austin, TX | $350K | 2024 |
| Texas Water Foundation IncToward continued expansion of the Texas Runs on Water public awareness campaign | Austin, TX | $300K | 2024 |
| Forest ForwardToward the ongoing renovation of the historic Forest Theater and the community support it will provide to South Dallas | Dallas, TX | $275K | 2024 |
| Texas Agricultural Land TrustToward supporting the facilitation of conservation easements to protect Texas' natural resources | San Antonio, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Dallas IncToward continued support for a collaboration that increases reading outcomes for elementary students in North Texas | Dallas, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Nature ConservancyToward the development of a communications effort to build support for initiatives that will make Texas a global leader in adapting to environmental threats and protecting communities | San Antonio, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Texas 2036Toward continued support for building data tools and conducting research to inform Texas community leaders, policymakers, and citizens | Austin, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Texas A&M San Antonio FoundationToward continued support to establish the first Texas-based 'Educare', a national model for early education teacher training and workforce development | San Antonio, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Parkland FoundationToward a program to reduce potentially life-threatening health complications for high-risk mothers giving birth at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas | Dallas, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Teach for America IncToward the development of teacher preparation and professional development programs to improve the academic achievement of Texas students through effective teachers | Dallas, TX | $250K | 2024 |
| Meadows Foundation Matching Grant ProgramEncourage community support | Dallas, TX | $224K | 2024 |
| Lufkin Neighborhood StrongToward expanding a home repair program to preserve housing and prevent homelessness in East Texas | Lufkin, TX | $200K | 2024 |
| Lutheran Social Service of The South Inc aka UpbringToward mapping of child abuse and neglect incidents that are used to improve prevention and response practices in Travis County | Austin, TX | $200K | 2024 |
| Transformative Education for Adults IncToward launching an innovative school system in North Texas to generate economic mobility and generational change | Austin, TX | $200K | 2024 |
| Fossil Rim Wildlife Center IncToward constructing a new animal health and conservation center to increase conservation and research activities of endangered and threatened species in Texas | Glen Rose, TX | $200K | 2024 |
| StagesToward support for collaborative early-career theater training and mentoring programs in Houston | Houston, TX | $200K | 2024 |
| WGU CorporationToward increasing degree and credential attainment rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and surrounding rural areas | Salt Lake City, UT | $172K | 2024 |
| National Association of Student Personnel Administrators IncToward increasing first-generation college completion rates in Texas | Washington, DC | $150K | 2024 |
| Mosaic Family Services IncToward the support of trauma-informed services for refugees who are survivors of family violence and human trafficking in the Metroplex | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| National Wildlife FederationToward mitigating Texas' water loss challenges and supporting statewide water conservation strategies | Austin, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| Texas Water TradeToward reliable access to water for all Texans by increasing the capture, treatment, and reuse of water | Austin, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| Dallas County Mental Health & Mental Retardation CenterToward building new datasets and bringing together disability providers and experts from across Texas to launch a transformational project to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| Environmental Defense Fund IncorporatedToward advancing resilient groundwater management solutions in Texas to preserve water resources for the future | New York, NY | $150K | 2024 |
| Foundation for Brain Health AdvancesToward establishing partnerships to build new programming at college campuses that equip North Texas students with actionable tools to improve brain health | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| Water FoundationToward advancing water conservation projects through a pooled fund that is leveraged to support organizations across Texas | Sacramento, CA | $150K | 2024 |
| Just Community IncToward an innovative program designed to create long-term economic independence for women in multiple Texas regions | Austin, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| United to LearnToward an innovative approach to strengthen Dallas's high-quality teacher pipeline, reduce teacher shortages, and improve student literacy skills | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2024 |
| Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleyToward expanding humanitarian relief and basic need services for migrant families who qualify for asylum at the humanitarian respite center in South Texas | San Juan, TX | $135K | 2024 |
| Frontiers of Flight Museum IncToward hiring key staff members to rebuild capacity and meet the needs of the growing number of museum visitors | Dallas, TX | $135K | 2024 |
| Bridge Steps dba The Bridge Homeless Recovery CenterToward diversion services that connect people with housing solutions and improve the homeless response system in Dallas | Dallas, TX | $130K | 2024 |
| East Texas Veterans Community CouncilToward providing care that improves mental health and quality of life, and increases opportunities for East Texas veterans and their families | Tyler, TX | $125K | 2024 |
| Impact Ventures AcceleratorToward enabling entrepreneurs of color in South Dallas to access capital, establish and grow their businesses, and provide jobs in the community | Dallas, TX | $125K | 2024 |
| Communities Foundation of Texas for Dallas Morning News EdLab Arts AccessToward expanding nonprofit journalism initiatives focused on education, arts and culture, and the challenges of future population growth in North Texas | Dallas, TX | $125K | 2024 |
| Powerhouse TexasToward fostering Texas' clean energy transformation by bridging the science-policy education gap | Austin, TX | $125K | 2024 |
| Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley IncToward the purchase of a generator to protect thousands of pounds of perishable foods that will serve food banks across the state | Pharr, TX | $120K | 2024 |
| Family Gateway IncToward renovation of a new space for families with children experiencing homelessness in Dallas | Dallas, TX | $119K | 2024 |
| Inside Climate NewsToward hiring a full-time journalist to cover clean energy issues in Texas | Brooklyn, NY | $100K | 2024 |
| Out TeachToward an innovative school program and new digital professional learning pathway for North Texas elementary science teachers | Washington, DC | $100K | 2024 |
| Resource Center of Dallas IncToward services that support the behavioral, emotional, and physical health of LGBTQ+ individuals | Dallas, TX | $100K | 2024 |
| Comanche County Hospital DistrictToward outfitting a new residential nursing home with furniture, fixtures, and equipment to provide health care for rural seniors in Central Texas | Comanche, TX | $100K | 2024 |