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Arlington Tomorrow Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.5M
Decision Time
4mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,628,230 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $114.6 million (2024)
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months for Letter of Inquiry; up to 8 months total
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $500,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Arlington, Texas only
  • Endowment: $100 million (established 2006)

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 90231, Arlington, TX 76004-3231
Phone: 817-459-6419
Email: Available via online contact form
Website: www.arlingtonfoundation.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Executive Director: Carolyn Mentesana

Overview

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation was established in 2007 as Arlington's largest charitable endowment, created to ensure that revenues from the city's natural gas drilling activities benefit Arlington citizens for generations to come. The late Congressman Ron Wright, then a City Council member, was the driving force behind creating the foundation, proposing that the "unexpected financial windfall" from gas drilling should benefit future generations. Initially endowed with $100 million in 2006 from lease payments and royalties, the foundation now manages assets exceeding $114.5 million (2024). The foundation contributes to a thriving Arlington by supporting the diverse needs of the city's people and lifestyle. Since 2007, the foundation has underwritten more than 550 programs or projects totaling nearly $50 million for local nonprofits and City of Arlington departments. The foundation earned a 4-star (92%) rating from Charity Navigator and has evolved from a "check-writing organization" to a capacity-building partner that provides training and support to strengthen Arlington's entire nonprofit sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation awards grants in three broad categories:

People: Grants supporting safe and strong neighborhoods, youth and families, social services, and programs that improve residents' well-being

  • Recent examples: $50,000 to Arlington Urban Ministries for homelessness prevention; $50,000 to Cancer Care Services; $50,000 to Community Court for mental health/addiction services

Nature: Grants supporting environmental conservation, animal services, parks and recreation, and natural resources

  • Recent examples: $500,000 to Arlington Parks and Recreation for inclusive playground at Meadowbrook Park; $150,000 to Arlington Animal Services

Lifestyle: Grants supporting arts and culture, historic preservation, libraries, and programs enhancing city lifestyle

  • Recent examples: $4.1 million to Arlington Public Library Foundation; $1 million to River Legacy Foundation; $30,000 to National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation

Grant Characteristics:

  • Typically completed within 12 months
  • Range from $5,000 for smaller community projects to multi-million dollar awards for major infrastructure
  • Expects projects to leverage multiple funding sources
  • Conditional payments possible based on milestones

Priority Areas

  • Community improvement projects with lasting impact
  • Programs serving Arlington residents exclusively
  • Projects demonstrating organizational capacity and feasibility
  • Initiatives with diverse funding sources showing sustainability
  • Capital projects for facilities and infrastructure
  • Programs addressing critical community needs (food security, education, healthcare, housing)

What They Don't Fund

  • Debt retirement
  • Scholarships
  • Endowments
  • Event sponsorships
  • Religious or political efforts
  • Ongoing operating support
  • Grants to individuals

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors: The foundation has a unique governance structure with a nine-member Board of Directors comprised of the Arlington City Council members and mayor. This means all funding decisions are made by elected officials who serve dual roles.

Current City Leadership (serving as Foundation Board):

  • Mayor Jim Ross
  • Council members from all districts

Executive Director: Carolyn Mentesana brings more than 25 years of philanthropy, marketing, and communications experience. She oversees the foundation's $100+ million endowment and directs its charitable mission. Mentesana noted the foundation has "seen hundreds of grant applications and have funded hundreds of projects in our 15-year history" and emphasized the board's vision: "We have the potential to be more than a check-writing organization. What can we do to strengthen the entire sector to help ensure our grant-making efforts are creating a thriving community where the most effective programming is providing the greatest good?"

Citizens Advisory Committee: A five-member group of Arlington residents responsible for reviewing grant applications from local nonprofits and City of Arlington departments.

  • Chair: Nadia DiStefano
  • Vice Chair: Chris McMurrough

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

5-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Determine Project Eligibility

  • Review guidelines and funding priorities
  • Contact foundation staff with questions before applying
  • Confirm your organization serves Arlington residents

Step 2: Submit Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

  • Use online form only (no paper submissions)
  • No application deadlines - rolling basis
  • LOI processed within 3-4 months

Step 3: Final Application (Invitation Only)

  • Foundation contacts selected applicants to submit full proposals
  • Invitation does not guarantee funding
  • Not all LOI submitters will be invited

Step 4: Final Review

  • Executive Director reviews complete proposal
  • May include one-on-one meeting with applicant
  • Board makes final funding decision

Step 5: Grantee Reporting

  • Periodic reports required to demonstrate progress
  • Financial accountability documentation
  • Impact measurement

Decision Timeline

  • LOI Review: 3-4 months
  • Total Process: Can take up to 8 months depending on time of year and council availability
  • Note: Timeline may be longer when city council members (who serve as board members) are on break
  • The foundation has been working to streamline and shorten the application process

Success Rates

  • 2023: 9 awards made
  • 2022: 26 awards made
  • 2021: 29 awards made
  • Specific application-to-award ratios not publicly disclosed
  • Foundation is selective but funds a diverse range of project sizes

Reapplication Policy

No specific waiting period or restrictions documented. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation to discuss unsuccessful applications and potential for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Eligibility is Critical:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization OR a City of Arlington department
  • Organizations without tax-exempt status can partner with a qualified charity as fiscal sponsor
  • Must exclusively serve Arlington residents

Evaluation Criteria the Foundation Emphasizes:

  • Alignment with Foundation Priorities: Clear connection to People, Nature, or Lifestyle categories
  • Project Feasibility: Realistic timeline (typically 12 months), achievable goals, detailed implementation plan
  • Organizational Capacity: Demonstrated ability to execute the project successfully
  • Funding Diversity: Evidence of multiple funding sources, not relying solely on foundation support
  • Sustainability: Plan for long-term impact beyond the grant period

Strategic Considerations:

  • The foundation values projects that "leverage support from multiple sources" - show other funders or partners
  • Larger grants typically go to capital projects and infrastructure improvements
  • The foundation has shown willingness to fund both established organizations (Cook Children's, Texas Health Resources) and smaller community groups
  • Projects serving vulnerable populations (foster youth, homeless residents, cancer patients) have received consistent support
  • The foundation appreciates innovation in addressing community needs

Recent Strategic Shift: The foundation is evolving beyond check-writing to become a capacity-building partner. They now offer the free Impact Learning Series - workshops on board governance, HR/talent management, fundraising strategies, and storytelling - which may strengthen your relationship with the funder even if not currently seeking a grant.

Contact Before Applying: The foundation encourages organizations to contact staff with questions during the eligibility determination phase - use this opportunity to validate your project's fit.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is absolute: Only Arlington, Texas organizations or projects serving Arlington residents are eligible - no exceptions
  • City Council makes decisions: Since elected officials serve as the board, there may be political and community visibility considerations beyond typical foundation criteria
  • Rolling applications reduce time pressure: No deadlines means you can apply when your project is fully developed rather than rushing to meet a cutoff
  • Capacity building matters: Consider participating in the Impact Learning Series to build relationships and organizational strength before or between applications
  • Scale varies dramatically: Don't self-select out based on grant size - they fund everything from $5,000 community projects to multi-million dollar capital campaigns
  • Multi-source funding is essential: Clearly demonstrate other supporters and sustainability plan - the foundation expects to be one of several funders
  • Patience required: With potential 8-month timelines, plan your project timeline and cash flow accordingly - this is not a rapid-response funder
  • Unique funding source: Understanding that grants come from natural gas revenues (not private wealth) may help frame your appeal around community benefit from shared resources

References

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