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Rowling Foundation is a private trust based in DALLAS, TX. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2004. It holds total assets of $51.6M. Annual income is reported at $17M. Total assets have grown from $10.3M in 2011 to $51.6M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 4 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 4 states, including Texas, Dallas, California. According to available records, Rowling Foundation has made 160 grants totaling $13M, with a median grant of $30K. Annual giving has grown from $1.1M in 2021 to $7.2M in 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1M, with an average award of $81K. The foundation has supported 111 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Texas, Colorado, Michigan, which account for 73% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 17 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## How to Approach the Rowling Foundation
The Rowling Foundation is a trustee-directed private foundation that does not accept unsolicited grant requests. This is critical to understand from the outset: there is no public application process, no open RFP cycle, and no way to submit a cold proposal. All giving decisions are made by the Rowling family trustees — Robert B. Rowling, Terry H. Rowling, and Carrie A. Rowling — based on existing relationships and strategic alignment with their mission.
The foundation's theory of change is explicitly evangelical Christian: their stated purpose is "to help proclaim the name of Jesus Christ throughout the world." Organizations seeking funding must be Christ-focused in their mission, not merely faith-adjacent. The foundation prioritizes organizations where the Rowling family has personal involvement or board-level relationships — Young Life is the clearest example, receiving $2.85 million in 2024 (the largest single grant), with Robert Rowling serving on Young Life's national board.
For organizations hoping to eventually receive Rowling Foundation support, the path runs through relationship-building within the Dallas evangelical community, demonstrating alignment with the foundation's core mission, and establishing credibility through existing Rowling grantee networks. Direct outreach through the foundation's website contact form is possible but unlikely to yield results without a prior connection.
## Funding Patterns and Grant Distribution
The Rowling Foundation has dramatically scaled its grantmaking over recent years:
This fivefold increase in grant count and significant increase in total giving signals an active, growing philanthropic program. The foundation's assets stood at $51.6 million in 2024.
Grant size distribution: Grants range from $1,000 to $2,850,000, with a median grant of $50,000. The top-heavy distribution is notable — the single largest grant to Young Life ($2.85M) represents 28% of total giving. The top four grants (Young Life, UT Southwestern Medical Foundation at $1.5M, Highland Park ISD Education Foundation at $1M, and Behind Every Door Ministries at $1M) account for over 60% of total distributions.
Geographic concentration: 49 of 70 grants (70%) in 2024 went to Texas-based organizations, with a heavy Dallas-area concentration. Secondary states include California, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, and Washington — spanning 16 states total.
Sector focus: While the mission is explicitly evangelical Christian, the foundation funds across multiple sectors: youth ministry (Young Life), medical education (UT Southwestern), K-12 education (Highland Park ISD), homeless services, at-risk youth programs, and international missions.
## Peer Comparison
The Rowling Foundation occupies a specific niche: a mid-size Dallas-based private foundation with an explicitly evangelical Christian mission and trustee-directed grantmaking. Here is how it compares to peer foundations in Texas:
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Grants/Year | Focus | Accepts Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowling Foundation | $51.6M | $10.2M | 70 | Evangelical Christian ministry, education | No — trustee-directed |
| Rees-Jones Foundation | $200M+ | $15M+ | 80+ | Underserved communities, faith-based | Limited — by invitation |
| Meadows Foundation | $1.2B | $40M+ | 200+ | Broad — education, arts, health, civic | Yes — open applications |
| Simmons Foundation | $100M+ | $8M+ | 50+ | Education, Christian ministry | No — trustee-directed |
| Deason Foundation | $50M+ | $5M+ | 30+ | Education, veterans, Christian | No — trustee-directed |
Key distinctions: The Rowling Foundation's giving-to-assets ratio of roughly 20% significantly exceeds the IRS-required 5% minimum payout for private foundations, indicating aggressive distribution rather than endowment growth. Its grant count of 70 is high for its asset class, suggesting a mix of large anchor grants and many smaller gifts. Unlike the Meadows Foundation (which accepts open applications), the Rowling Foundation operates entirely through trustee discretion, making it inaccessible to organizations outside the family's existing network.
## Recent Activity and Trends
The most notable trend at the Rowling Foundation is its dramatic scaling of grantmaking activity. From just 13 grants in 2020 to 70 grants in 2024, the foundation has undergone a fivefold expansion in the number of organizations it supports. Total giving has also grown substantially, reaching $10.2 million in 2024 — up from approximately $7.2 million in 2023.
The foundation added a fourth trustee, Travis Blake Rowling, reflecting the next generation's involvement in the foundation's philanthropic activities. This generational transition may signal continued growth and potentially evolving priorities as younger family members bring their own networks and interests to the grantmaking table.
Robert B. Rowling, the foundation's primary benefactor, continues to lead TRT Holdings Inc., which operates Omni Hotels & Resorts and Gold's Gym. With an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion as of late 2025, Rowling has substantial capacity to increase the foundation's endowment. The foundation's current asset level of $51.6 million represents a small fraction of his total wealth.
The geographic expansion from a primarily Texas-focused foundation to one making grants across 16 states suggests a broadening geographic strategy, though Dallas-area organizations remain the primary beneficiaries. The foundation's support for UT Southwestern Medical Foundation ($1.5M) and Highland Park ISD Education Foundation ($1M) demonstrates investment in institutional anchors of the Dallas community alongside faith-based organizations.
## Application Tips and Strategic Advice
The direct truth: The Rowling Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Their website explicitly states they are "not accepting new grant applications" and are "focused exclusively on supporting organizations and ministries with which they already have established partnerships." Any strategy for approaching this foundation must account for this closed-door policy.
Relationship pathways that matter: 1. Young Life network: As the foundation's largest grantee ($2.85M in 2024) and an organization where Robert Rowling serves on the national board, Young Life connections provide the strongest bridge to the Rowling family. Organizations that partner with or complement Young Life's youth ministry work may gain visibility. 2. Dallas evangelical community: The Rowling family is deeply embedded in Dallas's faith community. Visibility through Dallas-area churches, Christian leadership networks, and faith-based coalitions is more valuable than any written proposal. 3. UT System connections: Robert Rowling served as a University of Texas System regent. Organizations connected to UT institutions, particularly UT Southwestern, may find alignment. 4. Highland Park community: Multiple grants flow to Highland Park-area organizations, reflecting the family's community ties.
What the foundation values in grantees: - Explicit Christ-centered mission — not merely "faith-based" or "values-driven" - Demonstrated impact in youth ministry, education, or community services - Strong organizational leadership and financial accountability - Long-term partnership potential rather than one-time project funding
What will not work: Cold emails, unsolicited proposals, generic grant applications, or attempts to frame secular programs in religious language. The foundation's trustees know their grantees personally, and authenticity of Christian mission is non-negotiable.
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Financial support to Christ-focused organizations including youth ministry, spiritual formation, and international Christian missions.
Grants to K-12 education foundations and medical education/research institutions.
Support for homeless services, at-risk youth programs, and community organizations.
## Funding Patterns and Grant Distribution The Rowling Foundation has dramatically scaled its grantmaking over recent years:.
Rowling Foundation has distributed a total of $13M across 160 grants. The median grant size is $30K, with an average of $81K. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1M.
## How to Approach the Rowling Foundation The Rowling Foundation is a trustee-directed private foundation that does not accept unsolicited grant requests. This is critical to understand from the outset: there is no public application process, no open RFP cycle, and no way to submit a cold proposal. All giving decisions are made by the Rowling family trustees — Robert B. Rowling, Terry H. Rowling, and Carrie A. Rowling — based on existing relationships and strategic alignment with their mission.
Rowling Foundation is headquartered in DALLAS, TX. While based in TX, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 17 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrie A Rowling | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Robert B Rowling | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Travis Blake Rowling | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Terry H Rowling | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$51.6M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$51.6M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
160
Total Giving
$13M
Average Grant
$81K
Median Grant
$30K
Unique Recipients
111
Most Common Grant
$10K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope InternationalGIVES ACCESS TO LIFE SAVING SERVICES AND BUSINESS LOANS TO GIVE PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO WORK AND FEED THEIR FAMILIES | Lancaster, PA | $100K | 2023 |
| Behind Every Door MinistriesRUN COMMUNITY CENTERS TO HELP PEOPLE DISCOVER THEIR GIFTS AND PURPOSE, NUTURE THOSE AND OVERCOME BARRIERS | Dallas, TX | $1M | 2023 |
| Hillsdale CollegeTEACHES A LIBERAL ARTS CURRICULUM NECCESSARY FOR PRESERVING THE BLESSINGS OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY | Hillsdale, MI | $833K | 2023 |
| Young LifeSUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF JESUS CHRIST AND HELP THEM GROW IN FAITH | Colorado Springs, CO | $760K | 2023 |
| First Baptist DallasTRANSFORMING THE WORLD WITH GOD'S WORD ONE LIFE AT A TIME | Dallas, TX | $350K | 2023 |
| Alliance Defending FreedomCOMMITTED TO SAVING LIVES OF UNBORN AND ENSURING THAT THEIR MOTHERS FLOURISH | Scottsdale, AZ | $250K | 2023 |
| East West MinistriesPROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MOBILIZE THE BODY OF CHRIST AMONG THE WORLD | Plano, TX | $250K | 2023 |
| Union Gospel MissionPROVIDE HOMELESS PEOPLE IN DALLAS WITH FOOD, SAFE SHELTER AND A CHANCE TO RECLAIM AND REBUILD THEIR LIVES, ANCHORED BY LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST | Dallas, TX | $236K | 2023 |
| Park Cities Presbyterian ChurchEXTEND TRANSFORMING PRESENCE OF THE KINDOM OF JESUS CHRIST TO DALLAS AND THE WORLD | Dallas, TX | $230K | 2023 |
| Fellowship Of Israel Related MinistriesTO EMPOWER LOCAL MINISTRIES TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN ISREAL WITH THE LOVE OF JESUS | Novato, CA | $200K | 2023 |
| Omni Hotels Charitable FoundationPROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ASSOCIATES AND COMMUNITY IN NEED DUE TO DISASTER | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2023 |
| Act - Advocates For CommunityEQUIP BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN IN COMMUNITIES TO FIGHT CRIME ON THEIR STREETS USING CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM | Dallas, TX | $150K | 2023 |
| Kershaw'S ChallengeTRANSFORM AT RISK CHILDREN AND NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH BENEVOLENCE | Dallas, TX | $125K | 2023 |
| Mercy StreetCULTIVATE MULTUALLY TRANSFORMING RELATIONSHIPS WITH INNTER-CITY YOUTH THROUGH CHRISTIAN MENTORSHIP | Dallas, TX | $125K | 2023 |
| EdifyPROVIDE LOAN CAPITAL FOR LOW-FEE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND GHANA | Boston, MA | $110K | 2023 |
| Dallas Theological SeminaryTO GLORIFY GOD BY EQUIPPING GODLY SERVANTS-LEADERS TO PROCLAIM HIS WORK AND BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST WORLDWIDE | Dallas, TX | $110K | 2023 |
| Missionsme & Angel HouseORGANIZE LARGE SCALE OUTREACHES IN MANY CITIES AND NATIONS | Dana Point, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| The Salvation ArmyPREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND MEET HUMAN NEEDS IN HIS NAME WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION | Dallas, TX | $100K | 2023 |
| Tolson MinistriesHELP EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA EXPERIENCE A LIFE-CHANGING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST | Dallas, TX | $100K | 2023 |
| Children'S Hunger FundTO HELP DEPRIVED, EXCLUDED, AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN HAVE THE CAPICITY TO IMRPOVE THEIR LIVES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME YOUNG ADULTS | Los Angeles, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Cure InternationalPROVIDE SURGICAL CARE TO CHILDREN WORLDWIDE LIVING WITH TERRIBLE DISABILITIES | New Cumberland, PA | $100K | 2023 |
| Texas Public Policy FoundationDEFEND LIBERTY, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FREE ENTERPRISE IN TEXAS AND NATION BY EDUCATING AND AFFECTING POLICYMAKERS AND PUBLIC POLICY DEBATE WITH SOUND RESEARCH AND OUTREACH | Austin, TX | $100K | 2023 |
| America First PolicyTO PROMOTOE THE PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY, FREE ENTERPRISE, NATIONAL GREATNESS, AND THE PRIMACY OF AMERICAN WORKERS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| Hill County District Jr Livestock ShowTO SUPPORT THE GRANDSTANDSHOW FOR TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE | Kerrville, TX | $100K | 2023 |
| Northern Texas Pga FoundationPROMOTE AND GROW THE GAME OF GOLF TO A DIVERSE GROUP OF KIDS IN NORTH TEXAS | Frisco, TX | $92K | 2023 |
| Hope Farm IncGUIDES AT RISK BOYS WITHOUT A POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODEL IN THEIR HOME TO BECOME CHRIST-CENTERED MEN OF INTEGRITY AND BREAK CYCLE OF FATHERLESSNESS | Fort Worth, TX | $85K | 2023 |
| Search MinistriesBRING GOD'S MESSAGE TO COMMUNITIES THROUGH HONEST CONVERSATIONS WITH SPIRITUALLY CURIOUS ADULTS | Fort Worth, TX | $80K | 2023 |
| Reformed University FellowshipREACH STUDENTS FOR CHRIST AND EQUIP THEM TO SERVE | Lawrenceville, GA | $80K | 2023 |
| Elam MinistriesSTRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE CHURCH IN THE IRAN REGION AND BEYOND | Alpharetta, GA | $75K | 2023 |
| Reformed Theological SeminaryEDUCATE FUTURE PASTORS, CHURCH PLANTERS, MISSIONARIES, TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, AND EDUCATORS WHO WILL GO OUT AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL AND DISCIPLE THE NATIONS | Jackson, MS | $75K | 2023 |
| Family Legacy Missions InternationalPROVIDE HOPE TO CHILDREN IN ZAMBIA BY INVESTING INTO THEIR EDUCATION, SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING | Dallas, TX | $60K | 2023 |
| Bradley Impact FundTO SUPPORT WELL-CONSIDERED IDEAS AND STRATEGIC POLICIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION BY LEADERS AT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS | Milwaukee, WI | $60K | 2023 |
| Voice Of HopeHELP INNER-CITY FAMILIES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUPPORT, RESOURCES AND SKILLS NEEDED TO OVERCOME AND BREAK THE POVERTY CYCLE | Dallas, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| Samaritan'S PursePROVIDE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL AID TO HURTING PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE VICTIMS OF WAR, POVERTY, NATURAL DISASTERS, DISEASE AND FAMINE | Boone, NC | $50K | 2023 |
| First Liberty InstitueLEGAL ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO DEFENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY FOR ALL AMERICANS | Plano, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| Jewel CharityTO HELP MAKE SURE THAT ALL CHILDREN AT COOK'S CHILDREN ARE PROVIDED HEALTH CARE THEY NEED AND SESERVE | Fort Worth, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| Texas Parks And WildlifeSUPPORT TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT | Dallas, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| The NetworkUSING INTELLIGENCE TO COUNTER HUMAN TRAFFICKING | Arlington, PA | $50K | 2023 |
| The GatehouseGIVES WOMEN AND CHILDREN A HAND UP FOR PERMANENET, POSITIVE CHANGE AND PERMANENET SELF SUSTAINABILITY | Dallas, TX | $41K | 2023 |
| BienvenidoTO CELEBRATE AND UPLIFT CULTURAL VALUES FOUND IN THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY | Dallas, TX | $40K | 2023 |
| I Am A Golfer FoundationTRANSFORM SOUTH DALLAS THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF THE SPORT AND ACTIVITY TO DIVERSE COMMUNITIES | Dallas, TX | $35K | 2023 |
| Mission Aviation FellowshipPROVIDE AVIATION SERVICES TO MORE THAN 400 MISSION AGENCIES, CHURCHES AND HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD | Nampa, ID | $25K | 2023 |
| Elizabeth Toon FoundationSUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE EDUCATION, ASSISTANCE, COMFORT AND THERAPY TO CHILDREN IMPACTED BY GRIEF, POVERTY, ABUSE, DISABILITIES AND TERMINAL ILLNESS | Dallas, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| Billy Graham Evangelistic AssocTO SUPPORT AND EXTEND THE EVANGEKISTIC CALLING AND MINISTRY OF FRANKLIN GRAHAM | Charlotte, NC | $25K | 2023 |
| Council For LifeRAISE PUBLIC AWARNESS OF COMPLEX ISSUES THAT SURROUND UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES AND PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO AGENCIES THAT SHARE THE MISSION | Dallas, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| Hoover InstitutionSEEKS TO IMPROVE HUMAN CONDITION BY ADVANCING IDEAS THAT PROMOTE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPERITY WHILE SECURING AND SAFEGUARDING PEACE FOR AMERICA AND ALL MANKIND | Stanford, CA | $25K | 2023 |
| Md Anderson Cancer CenterPURSUE GROUNDBREAKING CANCER RESEARCH AND EXTEND INCOMPARABLE CARE TO PATIENTS AND THEIR LOVES ONES | Houston, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| BettermanTO HELP GENERATION OF MEN ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF BECOMING BETTER MEN IN GOD'S EYES | Dallas, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| American Enterprise InstituteTO SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARS TOP-FLIGHT RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Kappa Alpha ThetaTO HELP SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION TO NUTURE EACH MEMBER THROUGHOUT HER LIFETIME, OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTELLECTUAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH | Dallas, TX | $25K | 2023 |