1687 Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $4.7M - $8.7M
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: By June 30 deadline for calendar year
Grant Range: $20,000 - $580,000
Geographic Focus: Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma

Contact Details

Website: www.1687foundation.com
Phone: (214) 802-9885
Address: 7460 Van Tuyl Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070-3786
Grant Contact: Debbie Galloway, Director of Finance

Overview

The 1687 Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Danny "Woody" and Patti Jo Peck Wood. With assets of $162-202 million and annual charitable disbursements of $8.7 million, the foundation focuses on providing Christian literature, educational opportunities, and support services primarily in Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Since 2017, they have awarded 293 grants totaling over $11.4 million to organizations serving first responders, military personnel, at-risk populations, and religious organizations. The foundation has distributed over 20 million Christian books and operates multiple ministries including therapeutic retreats, scholarships, and specialized programs for veterans.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants: $20,000 - $580,000 (June 30 deadline for calendar year assistance)
Book Ministry: Distribution of free Christian literature (invitation only, currently paused)
Scholarship Program: IRS-approved program for outstanding students selected by teachers
Military Disability Assistance: Support for service members with life-changing injuries (rolling basis)
Charitable Retreats: Free facilities and accommodations at ranch near Abilene, TX

Priority Areas

Christian ministry and religious organizations
Education and scholarship programs
Military and veteran support services
First responders (police, firefighters, EMS)
Prison ministries
Healthcare facilities
Foster care and special needs programs
At-risk populations and homeless services
Food banks and soup kitchens
Disaster relief efforts

What They Don't Fund

Personal ministries
Street evangelism
Any distribution outside their stated target populations
Organizations outside primary geographic focus (TX, TN, OK)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

Patti Jo Peck Wood - Director, President (Co-founder, continues foundation after husband's passing in 2016)
Herbert L. Cartwright - Director, CEO
Mindy R. Johnson - Director of Grants, VP and Foundation Manager
Deborah J. Galloway - Director of Finance, VP

Foundation Manager Mindy Johnson states: "We truly feel like we just try to listen to where God points us" regarding their grant-making philosophy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder operates primarily through pre-selected charitable organizations and does not actively accept unsolicited requests for funds. However, organizations can submit inquiries through their website contact form at www.1687foundation.com/contact.

For Military Disability Assistance, submit written request including:

Description of disability
Military service documentation with life-changing injury
Nature of need
Amount requested

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation partners extensively with Texas Tech University's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences
They actively seek academic and charitable partnerships aligned with Christian values
Organizations serving veterans, first responders, and at-risk populations in Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma have the best alignment
Strong partnerships exist with organizations like Heartbeat International and Lifeline Children's Services

Decision Timeline

Annual grant deadline: June 30 for calendar year assistance
Military disability assistance: Rolling basis
Notification methods not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available. In 2024, the foundation made 117 grants; in 2022, they made 81 grants.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant patterns and foundation priorities:

Strong alignment with Christian mission and values is essential
Organizations serving military/veterans, first responders, or at-risk populations receive priority
Texas-based organizations receive the majority of funding, particularly near Abilene
Academic partnerships that combine education with service are highly valued
Multi-year relationships appear common (Texas Tech Foundation received multiple grants)
Organizations should demonstrate clear impact on foundation's target populations
Programs that provide direct services rather than advocacy are preferred

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

The foundation primarily works with pre-selected organizations but maintains an open contact form
Christian mission alignment is non-negotiable - secular organizations unlikely to receive funding
Geographic focus is strict - prioritize Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma projects
Military/veteran programs and first responder support are top priorities
Educational partnerships, especially with universities, receive significant support
Foundation prefers direct service programs over advocacy or awareness campaigns
Building relationships through their retreat programs or other ministries may improve chances

References

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - 1687 Foundation Profile (accessed January 2025)
Instrumentl 990 Report - 1687 Foundation (accessed January 2025)
Grantmakers.io Profile - 1687 Foundation (accessed January 2025)
Urban Awareness USA - Faith-Based Book Distribution Grant (accessed January 2025)
Texas Tech University Office of Advancement - "Turning Pages: The Impact of the 1687 Foundation"
CauseIQ - 1687 Foundation Profile (accessed January 2025)
Tax Exempt World - 1687 Foundation Profile (accessed January 2025)