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Constantin Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.2M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.5M
Success Rate
9%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,175,500 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Approximately 8-10% (estimated from available data)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed; decisions made annually after September 15 deadline
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $500,000
  • Grant Median: $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Dallas County, Texas only

Contact Details

Address: 4809 Cole Avenue, Suite 345, Dallas, TX 75205

Phone: (214) 522-9300

Email: kschlieve@constantinfoundation.com

Executive Director: Catherine (Katie) Schlieve

Application Portal: www.cftgrants.org (Note: Some sources reference September 15 deadline while others mention June 30; applicants should verify current deadline with the foundation)

Overview

The Constantin Foundation was established in 1947 by Eugene and Ruth Constantin for the charitable benefit of the people of Dallas County. The foundation was reincorporated under its current IRS identification number in 2007. With assets totaling approximately $46-67 million, the foundation distributed $3.18 million in grants through 18-21 awards in 2023. The Constantin family's philanthropic legacy is particularly notable in higher education - they were founding members of the University of Dallas, where the Constantin College of Liberal Arts was named in their honor in 1970. The foundation's mission focuses on improving quality of life through contributions to civic, cultural, educational, and medical charities, with a strong preference for capital building projects that create lasting impact in Dallas County communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Constantin Foundation operates a single general grant program with the following characteristics:

  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $500,000
  • Median Grant: $100,000
  • Average Grant: $176,417
  • Total Annual Giving: Approximately $3.2-3.4 million
  • Number of Grants: 18-21 annually
  • Application Cycle: Annual deadline (traditionally September 15; some recent sources indicate June 30 - verify with foundation)
  • Grant Limit: Up to 10% of the total project or campaign goal will be considered
  • Frequency Restriction: Only one grant will be awarded to any agency in a 3-year period

Priority Areas

Strong Preference Given To:

  • Capital building projects (highest priority)
  • Educational institutions and programs
  • Healthcare facilities and services
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
  • Youth development and after-school programs
  • Community development initiatives
  • Arts and cultural programs
  • Social services for economically disadvantaged populations
  • Public safety initiatives

Geographic Focus:

  • Grants awarded only to agencies located in Dallas County, Texas
  • Primary focus on Dallas, with some support to Irving, Plano, and Coppell

Recent Grant Examples (2024)

  • Nexus Family Recovery Center: $500,000 for Recovery Rising Campaign
  • Metrocare Services: $300,000 for Mental Health Innovation Center
  • Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute: $226,800 for after-school program expenses
  • Children's Medical Center: $200,000
  • Grant Halliburton Foundation: $200,000
  • Jubilee Park Community Center: $200,000

What They Don't Fund

  • Publicly tax-supported institutions
  • Individuals
  • Churches
  • Research projects
  • Endowments
  • Operating expenses (low preference)
  • Underwriting of fundraising events
  • Debt retirement
  • Second party requesters (re-granting)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Roy Gene Evans - Chairman/President
  • Robert B. Smith - Secretary/Treasurer (replaced Patrick McEvoy Jr.)
  • Catherine (Katie) Schlieve - Executive Director
  • Angie Burch - Former Executive Director (transition occurred between 2023-2024)

Additional board members include Gene H. Bishop, Harvey Berryman Cash, Henry C. Beck Jr., Joel T. Williams Jr., and Joseph Boyd Neuhoff.

The foundation maintains a relatively small, focused governance structure that allows for personalized review of applications. Board members typically have strong ties to Dallas County and deep knowledge of local nonprofit organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Initial Application: Submit a brief narrative letter (not exceeding three pages) that includes:

  • Description of the project for which funds are requested
  • Project justification
  • Cost based upon reliable estimates
  • Amount already realized or anticipated
  • Other sources of funding expected
  • Amount requested from Constantin Foundation

Required Documentation:

  • Proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code
  • Proof that the organization is "Not a Private Foundation" within the meaning of Section 509(a)

Application Method:

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: Letters must be received no later than September 15th to be considered for the current year (some sources indicate June 30 - verify with foundation)
  • Review Process: If the project falls within the foundation's areas of interest and funding policies, more detailed information may be requested
  • Decision Notification: Not publicly disclosed; decisions made annually after application review
  • Grant Distribution: Following approval

Success Rates

  • Applications vs. Awards: With 18-21 grants awarded annually and an estimated 200+ applications, the approximate success rate is 8-10%
  • Key Success Factor: Applications that align with capital building projects in Dallas County have significantly higher approval rates

Reapplication Policy

  • Organizations may only receive one grant every three years
  • Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years (no waiting period specified)
  • Organizations should time their applications strategically given the three-year restriction

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Capital Projects Priority: The foundation explicitly states "a strong preference is given to capital building projects over operating and endowment requests." Applications for building construction, renovation, major equipment purchases, or other tangible capital improvements have the highest likelihood of success.

Dallas County Geographic Requirement: Grants are awarded only to agencies located in Dallas County. Organizations must be physically located in and serving Dallas County communities.

The 10% Rule: The foundation will consider grants "up to 10% of the total project or campaign goal." This means:

  • For a $5 million project, the maximum request would be $500,000
  • For a $1 million project, the maximum request would be $100,000
  • Applications should demonstrate significant funding from other sources

Three-Page Letter Format: The foundation values concise, well-organized proposals. The three-page limit requires applicants to be strategic about what information to include, focusing on:

  • Clear problem statement and need
  • Specific project description and measurable outcomes
  • Realistic budget with other funding sources identified
  • Organization's capacity and track record

Recent Funded Projects as Models:

  • Mental health innovation centers
  • After-school educational programs
  • Recovery and substance abuse treatment facilities
  • Children's healthcare facilities
  • Community centers serving disadvantaged populations

Strategic Timing: Given the three-year restriction, organizations should:

  • Apply for their most significant capital project need
  • Ensure the project is ready to proceed if funded
  • Plan ahead for the three-year gap before the next application opportunity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Capital projects are king: With the foundation's "strong preference" for capital projects, organizations should prioritize building, renovation, and major equipment requests over operational needs
  • Think big but within limits: Aim for grants in the $100,000-300,000 range (median is $100,000) for projects of $1-3 million, staying within the 10% guideline
  • One shot every three years: Make your application count - choose your most compelling capital project and ensure it's fully developed before applying
  • Dallas County only: Organizations must be located in Dallas County; serving Dallas County is not sufficient
  • Concise is better: The three-page limit is strictly enforced; focus on clarity, specificity, and demonstrable impact
  • Show broad support: Given the 10% rule, demonstrate that other funders have committed to the project, showing the Constantin Foundation grant would be catalytic, not the sole source
  • Legacy matters: The foundation has a 75+ year history in Dallas and values organizations with strong community ties, proven track records, and long-term sustainability plans

References

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