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Sumners Foundation is a private corporation based in IRVING, TX. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1998. The principal officer is Hugh C Akin. It holds total assets of $74.1M. Annual income is reported at $25.2M. Total assets have grown from $47.4M in 2011 to $74.1M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 8 officers and trustees. Promote the teaching, study, and practice of the fundamental principles of American self-governance and encourage responsible civic engagement. Tax records are available from 2016 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 9 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma. According to available records, Sumners Foundation has made 235 grants totaling $12.1M, with a median grant of $25K. The foundation has distributed between $2M and $5.4M annually from 2020 to 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $5.4M distributed across 98 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $727K, with an average award of $52K. The foundation has supported 93 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Texas, District of Columbia, Oklahoma, which account for 67% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 21 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Smallest Grant
$2K
Median Grant
$19K
Average Grant
$46K
Largest Grant
$727K
Based on 54 grants from the most recent 990-PF filing.
Professional development on founding documents and democratic principles
Academic competitions and contests targeting students, educators, and emerging leaders
Programs providing personal involvement in the political process, democracy reform, and civic education
Conferences addressing relevant public policy issues
Promote the teaching, study, and practice of the fundamental principles of American self-governance and encourage responsible civic engagement. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 235 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in TX, DC, OK.
Sumners Foundation has distributed a total of $12.1M across 235 grants. The median grant size is $25K, with an average of $52K. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $727K.
The application deadline is 2025-08-01. Does not fund individuals, religious purposes, or political activities. Grant funds restricted to specific purposes awarded for. No funding for indirect costs.
Sumners Foundation is headquartered in IRVING, TX. While based in TX, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 21 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Charles Pierson | Executive Dir. | $267K | $37K | $303K |
| Lon R Williams | VICE CHAIRMAN | $26K | $0 | $26K |
| Scott M Higginbotham | Director | $21K | $0 | $21K |
| David G Drumm | Treasurer | $17K | $0 | $17K |
| Jerry D Reis | Chairman | $10K | $0 | $10K |
| Brant Martin | Director | $10K | $0 | $10K |
| William W Meadows | Director | $10K | $0 | $10K |
| Beth Van Duyne | Director | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$74.1M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$73.8M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
235
Total Giving
$12.1M
Average Grant
$52K
Median Grant
$25K
Unique Recipients
93
Most Common Grant
$25K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Scholarships Giveneducational scholarships | Irving, TX | $577K | 2023 |
| Law Focused Educstate Bar Of TexasTEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE ON THE FOUNDING DOCUMENTS | Dallas, TX | $374K | 2023 |
| Ymca Of AustinTEXAS YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT | Austin, TX | $200K | 2023 |
| Ymca Albuquerque Central NmYOUTH AND GOVERNMENT | Albuquerque, NM | $113K | 2023 |
| Ymca Oklahoma CityYOUTH AND GOVERNMENT | Oklahoma City, OK | $106K | 2023 |
| Texas TribuneTEXAS TRIBUNE FESTIVAL | Austin, TX | $100K | 2023 |
| University Of DallasSUMNERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS | Irving, TX | $68K | 2023 |
| Texas Boys StateGENERAL SUPPORT | Austin, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| Fund For American StudiesSCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND 2024 TFAS DC SUMMER PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $44K | 2023 |
| Certell IncEQUIPPING STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN DEMOCRACY | Indianapolis, IN | $40K | 2023 |
| Braver AngelsDEPOLARIZATION PROJECT | New York, NY | $40K | 2023 |
| Texas Christian UniversityINEGAGE & TCU WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM | Fort Worth, TX | $33K | 2023 |
| Baylor UniversityiENGAGE SUMMER CIVICS | Waco, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| Dallas Holocaust Human Rights MuseuRULE OF LAW SERIES | Dallas, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| Ronald Reagan Presidential FoundatiREGIONAL GREAT COMMUNICATOR DEBATE SERIES COMPETITION | Simi Valley, CA | $25K | 2023 |
| Texas Public Policy FoundationGENERAL SUPPORT | Austin, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| Fort Worth ReportCIVIC ENGAGEMENT | Fort Worth, TX | $25K | 2023 |
| San Antonio ReportCIVIC ENGAGEMENT REPORTING | San Antonio, TX | $20K | 2023 |
| International Literacy DevelopmentROHINGYA LANGUAGE AND LITERACY PROGRAM | Duncanville, TX | $16K | 2023 |
| Libertas Academy-Scorro IsdCIVICS CAMP 8.0 | El Paso, TX | $15K | 2023 |
| Philanthropy RoundtableADVANCE CIVIC EDUCATION | Washington, DC | $10K | 2023 |
| Austin CollegePUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & CRIMINAL LAW SYMPOSIUM | Sherman, TX | $9K | 2023 |
| Schreiner UniversitySUMNERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | Kerrville, TX | $8K | 2023 |
| Texas Wesleyan UniversitySUMNERS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT | Fort Worth, TX | $5K | 2023 |
| Howard Payne UniversityCAMPUS AND COMMUNITY | Brownwood, TX | $4K | 2023 |
| Howard Payne Unversity2024 SCHOLAR TRAVEL | Brownwood, TX | $3K | 2023 |
| George W Bush Presidential CenterPROGRAMMING FOR SUMNERS SCHOLARS | Dallas, TX | $125K | 2022 |
| Institute For Policy InnovationHWS DISTINGUISHED LECTURES | Lewisville, TX | $100K | 2022 |