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Ewing Halsell Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.7M
Grant Range
$81K - $0.2M
Decision Time
3mo

Ewing Halsell Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,667,700 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $147,397,048
  • Grant Range: $81,400 (median) - $164,900 (average)
  • Number of Grants (2023): 42 awards
  • Decision Time: Approximately 3 months
  • Geographic Focus: San Antonio and South Texas, with emphasis on Bexar County
  • Application Status: Currently invitation only

Contact Details

Executive Director: Jackie Moczygemba
Email: Jackie@EwingHalsell.org
Phone: 210-223-2649
Address: 711 Navarro St. Ste 737, San Antonio, TX 78205
Website: www.ewinghalsell.org
Online Application Portal: grantinterface.com (when accepting applications)

Overview

Established on June 29, 1957, by Texas cattle rancher Ewing Halsell and his wife Lucile Fortner, the Ewing Halsell Foundation is a private charitable trust with approximately $147 million in assets. The foundation was significantly enhanced in 1971 when Grace Fortner Rider, Lucile's sister, bequeathed a large portion of her estate to the organization. The foundation upholds the vision "to improve the quality of life for all Texans, especially those less fortunate than ourselves," reflecting the founders' values of hard work, strong moral character, and social compassion. Having no children of their own, the Halsells chose to dedicate their wealth to helping disadvantaged populations. The foundation operates with a strategic "seasons" approach to grantmaking, concentrating resources on particular focus areas for maximum impact. Currently, the foundation is in a season focused exclusively on K-12 education in Bexar County, making large, long-term commitments to improve educational opportunities for students, families, and educators in San Antonio.

Funding Priorities

Current Strategic Focus (Invitation Only)

The foundation is currently focused on K-12 Education initiatives in Bexar County through large, long-term commitments. During this strategic season, grants are being considered by invitation only and the foundation is NOT currently accepting new grant applications.

Historical Grant Programs

When accepting applications, the foundation operates on a semi-annual review cycle with deadlines of March 31 and August 31.

Priority Areas (Historical)

The foundation's broad mission encompasses seven key sectors reflecting the Halsell family's interests:

  • Arts & Culture - Including major support for institutions like the San Antonio Museum of Art
  • Education (PK-12) - Current primary focus, including support for charter schools
  • Higher Education - Support for colleges and universities in Texas
  • Environment & Conservation - Including grants for San Antonio Botanical Gardens
  • Faith-Based Organizations - Supporting religious institutions aligned with mission
  • Human & Social Services - Programs serving disadvantaged populations
  • Medical, Health & Wellness - Including the founding grant for South Texas Medical Center

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals (grants only to organizations)
  • Propaganda or legislative influence activities
  • General operating expenses
  • Debt reduction
  • Sponsorships
  • Endowments
  • Private foundations under section 509(a)

Geographic Focus

The foundation primarily serves San Antonio and Southwest Texas, particularly areas where the foundation owns income-producing property. Strong preference for Bexar County organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Edward H. Austin, Jr. - Director (Since 1995)
  • William Scanlan, Jr. - Director (Since 2010)
  • William S. Harte - Director (Since 2010)
  • Steve C. Lewis - Director (Since 2017)
  • Henry B. Gonzalez, III - Director (Since 2023)

Staff

  • Jackie Moczygemba, Executive Director (Full-time, leads foundation operations)

The board consists of Halsell family members and business associates who maintain the founders' vision and values in their grantmaking decisions.

Leadership Perspective

Jackie Moczygemba has expressed the foundation's commitment to education, stating about IDEA Public Schools: "We could not be proud of what IDEA Public Schools has brought to children and families in San Antonio." This reflects the foundation's focus on organizations demonstrating measurable impact on underserved populations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CURRENT STATUS: The Ewing Halsell Foundation does NOT currently accept public applications. Grants are being considered by invitation only as the foundation focuses on K-12 Education initiatives in Bexar County through large, long-term commitments.

When Applications Are Accepted (historical information for future reference):

  • Applications must be submitted through the online grant application system at grantinterface.com
  • Organizations may submit one application per 12-month period
  • Applicants must be IRC Section 501(c)(3) or 170(c) entities that are not private foundations under section 509(a)
  • The foundation requires organizations to demonstrate alignment with their mission and partner characteristics

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines (when accepting applications):

  • March 31 (for review by June 30)
  • August 31 (for review by November 30)

Review Period: Approximately 3 months from submission deadline to decision

The foundation operates on a semi-annual grant review cycle, with the Board of Directors evaluating applications twice per year.

Success Rates

With 42 grants awarded in 2023 from a total distribution of $7,667,700, the foundation makes selective, strategic investments. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed, but the foundation's current invitation-only status suggests a highly competitive environment when open applications are accepted.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organizations may submit one application per 12-month period when the foundation is accepting applications.

Application Success Factors

Desired Partner Characteristics

The foundation explicitly seeks organizations that are:

  1. Visionary - "Exhibit core competencies and visionary efforts in their area of expertise"
  2. Dynamic - "Demonstrate creative models for achieving success"
  3. Impactful - "Attempt to make a meaningful impact and measure results"
  4. Collaborative - "Align with other strategic partners"
  5. Financially Secure - "Show evidence of financial stability"

Strategic Approach

The foundation employs a "seasons of grantmaking" philosophy, concentrating support on particular areas to achieve larger impact. This means the foundation may shift focus areas over time, making it essential to understand their current strategic priorities.

Examples of Funded Projects

  • IDEA Public Schools - $10 million grant to support expansion in San Antonio, resulting in IDEA Ewing Halsell Academy and College Prep being named in the foundation's honor
  • San Antonio Museum of Art - Funding to rescue the Lone Star Brewery for reuse as the museum
  • San Antonio Botanical Gardens - Grants to establish the gardens
  • South Texas Medical Center - First grant to establish this major healthcare institution

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Based on the foundation's stated criteria and funding history:

  • Measurable outcomes - Organizations must demonstrate meaningful impact with quantifiable results
  • Innovation - Creative models and visionary approaches to solving problems
  • Strategic partnerships - Evidence of collaboration with other organizations to maximize impact
  • Financial sustainability - Strong financial management and stability
  • Alignment with current focus - During strategic "seasons," proposals must align with the foundation's current priority area (currently K-12 education in Bexar County)
  • Service to underserved populations - Clear connection to helping "those less fortunate," reflecting the founders' core values
  • Long-term thinking - The foundation favors "large and long-term commitments" over small, one-time grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation only currently: The foundation is NOT accepting unsolicited applications. They are focused exclusively on K-12 education in Bexar County through invitation-only grants.

  • "Seasons" approach: The foundation concentrates resources on specific focus areas for extended periods. Understanding their current strategic season is critical for alignment.

  • Significant investment philosophy: With a median grant of $81,400 and average of $164,900, the foundation makes substantial investments in fewer organizations rather than spreading resources thinly.

  • Partner, not just funder: The foundation seeks organizations that embody their values of "hard work, strong moral character, and social compassion" - they're looking for long-term partners, not just grant recipients.

  • Texas-focused: Strong geographic preference for San Antonio and Southwest Texas, particularly Bexar County. Out-of-area organizations are unlikely to receive funding.

  • Proven impact essential: Organizations must demonstrate creative models, measurable results, and financial stability - the foundation invests in established, effective organizations.

  • Monitor for strategy shifts: When the current K-12 education season concludes, the foundation may shift to another focus area. Organizations in other sectors should monitor the foundation for strategic changes.

References

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