R H Pickering Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $240,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A - invitation only
• Decision Time: Not applicable - no public application process
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000+
• Geographic Focus: Lubbock and West Texas

Contact Details

No public website, email, or phone number available. The foundation maintains privacy and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The R H Pickering Family Foundation is a private independent foundation established as a 501(c)(3) organization based in Lubbock, Texas. With annual giving of approximately $240,000 in 2023, the foundation has demonstrated consistent growth, showing a 189% increase since 2021 and 107% growth over five years. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, proactively selecting grant recipients rather than accepting applications. In 2021, the foundation received the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the 25th Annual National Philanthropy Day in Lubbock, recognizing their commitment to West Texas communities where the family has deep roots.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes strategic grants ranging from $5,000 to over $100,000 to preselected organizations. Recent examples include:

• FiberMax Center for Discovery: Nearly $300,000 over two phases for irrigation exhibit
• Lubbock Lights: $11,000 (December 2025)
• Typical annual distribution: 3-4 grants totaling approximately $240,000

Priority Areas

• Health and medical organizations (Alzheimer's Association, American Diabetes Association, Covenant Health Foundation)
• Education and discovery centers (67% of grants to educational institutions)
• Agriculture and water conservation (LEPA, FiberMax Center)
• Community development and infrastructure
• Nonprofit journalism and media

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and only funds preselected charitable organizations. No specific exclusions are publicly documented, but funding patterns suggest focus on established 501(c)(3) organizations within their geographic area.

Governance and Leadership

Jenea Stone serves as Foundation President, bringing legal expertise from Texas A&M University School of Law. Family members Troy Pickering and Chad Pickering, grandchildren of Lucille Pickering, are actively involved in the foundation's work and serve on boards of recipient organizations including the FiberMax Center for Discovery. The foundation represents multi-generational family philanthropy with leadership deeply engaged in the Lubbock community through programs like the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lubbock.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. According to Grantmakers.io, the foundation "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees based on their identification of community needs and organizational relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations seeking support should focus on building visibility within the Lubbock philanthropic community through:

• Participation in the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lubbock program, which has proven successful for past grant recipients
• Building relationships with foundation board members who serve on various nonprofit boards in the community
• Demonstrating strong impact in the foundation's priority areas, particularly health, education, and agriculture in West Texas
• Engaging with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Lubbock Area Chapter events where the foundation has been recognized

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to invitation-only model.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation proactively selects all grant recipients.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no formal application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations cannot apply directly. However, analysis of past grants reveals patterns that suggest successful recipients:

• Have strong connections to the Lubbock business and philanthropic community
• Demonstrate clear impact in West Texas region
• Often have board members who participate in Leadership Lubbock or similar civic programs
• Focus on sustainable, long-term projects (foundation has shown willingness to fund multi-phase projects)
• Align with foundation's demonstrated interests in health, education, agriculture, and community infrastructure
• Maintain strong local reputation and visibility in Lubbock area

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation does NOT accept unsolicited applications - all grants are invitation-only
• Focus on relationship building within Lubbock's philanthropic ecosystem rather than direct outreach
• Foundation shows preference for organizations with deep West Texas roots and impact
• Multi-year, multi-phase funding is possible for aligned projects (as demonstrated by FiberMax Center grant)
• Annual giving has grown significantly (189% increase from 2021 to 2023), suggesting expanding philanthropic capacity
• Foundation values community recognition, having received AFP Outstanding Foundation award in 2021
• Board members' involvement in recipient organizations suggests importance of governance connections

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - R H Pickering Family Foundation Profile. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/208442734
• Grantmakers.io - R H Pickering Family Foundation grant data and policies. Accessed February 27, 2026
• "Lubbock Lights receives $11,000 gift from R.H. Pickering Family Foundation." Lubbock Lights, December 2025
• "Nonprofit spotlight: FiberMax Center for Discovery introduces new irrigation exhibit." EverythingLubbock.com (KLBK/KAMC), January 24, 2025
• Association of Fundraising Professionals Lubbock Area Chapter - 2021 National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients. November 10, 2021
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for R H Pickering Family Foundation (2009-2023). Available through ProPublica and Foundation Directory Online
• Instrumentl Grant Database - R H Pickering Family Foundation profile and grant history. Accessed February 27, 2026
• Charity Navigator - R H Pickering Family Foundation overview. Accessed February 27, 2026