Patterson Foundation

The Patterson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1995 and headquartered at 5702 Richmond Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503. With approximately $12.6 million in assets, it is one of the larger philanthropic organizations serving the Texarkana bi-state region (Texas and Arkansas). The foundation is led by President Ron Mills (unpaid), Secretary Deborah Mills ($45,000 compensation), and Treasurer Belinda Baker (unpaid). Revenue comes entirely from investments — dividends (56%), asset sales (40%), and interest (5%) — with zero outside contributions. The foundation distributes approximately $767,000 annually in charitable grants, representing 88% of total expenses. While officially classified as preselected-only, the foundation makes 61 grants per year across a diverse range of community organizations, suggesting a broad but locally focused philanthropic vision.

In 2024, the Patterson Foundation made 61 grants totaling approximately $767,000, with a remarkably wide range from $500 to $125,000. The grant distribution follows a clear tiered structure:

Anchor grants ($25K+): - Texarkana College Foundation: $125,000 (largest single grant) - Texarkana Symphony Orchestra: $82,808 - Texarkana Museum System: $68,800 - AR-TX REDI: $45,000 - Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities: $40,800 - City of Clarksville TX: $25,950 - Caddo Area Council BSA: $25,000 - Main Street Texarkana: $24,700

Mid-range grants ($5K–$24K): 26 grants supporting libraries, domestic violence prevention, disability services, food pantries, and regional hospitals.

Small grants ($500–$4,999): 28 grants to churches, small nonprofits, civic organizations, and local charities.

All grants are designated for "furtherance of exempt purposes." The foundation's focus areas include education, arts & culture, community development, health, human services, and youth programs. Geographic focus is heavily concentrated in the Texarkana area (39 of 61 grants), with additional support in surrounding Arkansas and Texas communities.

Within the Texarkana philanthropic ecosystem, the Patterson Foundation stands out as one of the most active grantmakers by number of grants (61 annually). While the Texas Pioneer Foundation has larger assets, the Patterson Foundation's breadth of giving — spanning education, arts, health, community development, and social services — makes it the most diversified local funder. The Arkansas Community Foundation's Texarkana affiliate averages only $80K in annual grants, making the Patterson Foundation's $767K significantly more impactful at the local level.

In its most recent fiscal year (2024), the Patterson Foundation reported: - Revenue: $878,345 (dividends: $490,967; asset sales: $347,059; interest: $40,319) - Expenses: $871,207 - Charitable disbursements: $766,861 (88.0% of expenses) - Officer compensation: $45,000 (Secretary only) - Total assets: $12,558,059 with zero liabilities - Net income: $7,138

The foundation's assets have remained relatively stable between $8.7M and $13.5M over the past decade, indicating consistent investment management alongside steady charitable distributions. The 2024 grant portfolio of 61 awards represents a broad and active grantmaking program. The top recipient, Texarkana College Foundation ($125,000), reflects the foundation's prioritization of higher education access in the region. Strong support for cultural institutions (Symphony Orchestra at $82,808, Museum System at $68,800) underscores a commitment to arts and cultural vitality in the Texarkana area.

The Patterson Foundation states it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. However, with 61 grants made in 2024, the foundation demonstrates a willingness to support a wide variety of organizations. For those seeking to be considered:

1. Be deeply rooted in Texarkana: The vast majority of grants (39 of 61) go to Texarkana-based organizations. The foundation prioritizes local impact in the bi-state Texarkana region spanning Texas and Arkansas. 2. Education and arts are top priorities: The three largest grants ($125K, $83K, $69K) all went to education and cultural institutions. Organizations in these sectors have the strongest alignment with the foundation's giving patterns. 3. Small grants are accessible: With 28 grants under $5,000, the foundation supports grassroots and small community organizations alongside major institutions. Even modest requests may align with their giving philosophy. 4. Community development resonates: Grants to Main Street Texarkana, AR-TX REDI, and the City of Clarksville suggest interest in economic development and community revitalization initiatives. 5. Build local relationships: The foundation is family-managed (Mills/Baker families) with a small board. Engagement through Texarkana civic and philanthropic networks, community events, and visible community service may increase the likelihood of being selected. 6. Demonstrate broad community impact: The foundation supports domestic violence prevention, food pantries, disability services, youth organizations (BSA), and libraries — indicating a holistic view of community wellbeing beyond any single issue area.