Martha Sue Parr Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information varies by year (actively grant-making)
• Decision Time: Following November 30 deadline
• Grant Range: Up to $150,000
• Geographic Focus: Texas (particularly Fort Worth area)
• Application Deadline: November 30 annually

Contact Details

• Application Portal: JPMorgan Foundation Finder (https://www.jpmorgan.com/private-bank/foundations/online-applications/search)
• Administrator: JPMorgan Private Bank
• Location: Chicago, IL (administrative address)

Overview

The Martha Sue Parr Trust (EIN: 41-6519559) is a private independent foundation established to honor the philanthropic legacy of Martha Sue Parr (1926-2003), a Fort Worth philanthropist. Administered by JPMorgan Private Bank from Chicago, the trust actively makes grants primarily to Texas-based organizations. The foundation focuses on supporting youth services, religious organizations, hospitals, and educational institutions. As part of JPMorgan's extensive foundation administration network, which distributes over $340 million annually, the trust maintains a structured application process with annual deadlines and clear eligibility requirements.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grant Program: Up to $150,000 (applications accepted annually through JPMorgan portal)
• November 30 annual deadline for all applications

Priority Areas

• Organizations benefiting young individuals and youth services
• Religious organizations and activities
• Hospitals and healthcare institutions
• Charitable organizations
• Educational institutions
• Scientific organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Organizations outside Texas (primary geographic restriction)

Governance and Leadership

The trust is administered by JPMorgan Private Bank as trustee. JPMorgan provides comprehensive oversight of the application process, including collection, processing, distribution, and all communications with applicants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through JPMorgan's Foundation Finder online portal. Organizations must:

1. Access the JPMorgan Foundation Finder at https://www.jpmorgan.com/private-bank/foundations/online-applications/search
2. Search for the Martha Sue Parr Trust
3. Complete the online application before the November 30 deadline
4. Ensure 501(c)(3) status is current and verifiable

Decision Timeline

Decisions are typically made following the November 30 annual deadline. Specific notification timelines are managed through JPMorgan's foundation administration process.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually. Specific restrictions on unsuccessful applicants are managed through JPMorgan's standard foundation administration policies.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic Alignment: Strong preference for Texas-based organizations, particularly in the Fort Worth area
• Mission Fit: Clear alignment with youth services, religious activities, or healthcare/hospital needs
• Established Operations: Demonstrated track record through 501(c)(3) status and organizational history
• Previous Recipients: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and The Artist Outreach have successfully received funding, suggesting cultural and arts organizations serving youth may be competitive

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit applications well before the November 30 deadline through JPMorgan's portal
• Emphasize Texas connections, particularly Fort Worth area ties
• Highlight youth impact even if your organization serves broader populations
• Ensure your 501(c)(3) documentation is current and easily verifiable
• Consider that religious organizations and hospitals have strong alignment with funding priorities
• Note that grants can be substantial (up to $150,000), making this a significant funding opportunity for qualified Texas organizations
• Applications from outside Texas are unlikely to be competitive given the foundation's geographic focus

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Martha Sue Parr Trust (EIN 41-6519559)
• Grantmakers.io - Martha Sue Parr Trust profile
• Candid Foundation Directory - Martha Sue Parr Trust listing
• Cause IQ - Martha Sue Parr Trust foundation data
• Instrumentl - Martha Sue Parr Trust grant profile
• JPMorgan Private Bank Foundations portal (https://www.jpmorgan.com/private-bank/foundations/online-applications/search)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023)
• Fort Worth philanthropic history records