The James B. and Lois R. Archer Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.47M (2024)
• Total Assets: $37.8M
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $750,000
• Geographic Focus: National (United States), with at least one-third allocated to West Texas
• Application Cycles: Spring/Summer (March 1 - April 30) and Fall/Winter (September 1 - October 31)
• Typical Grant Split: 50% capital projects, 50% program support

Contact Details

Address: 5106 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, TX 76904

Phone: (325) 223-6203

Website: www.thearcherfoundation.org

Executive Director: Marcus Lopez

Application Method: Online portal through their website

Overview

Founded in 2011 by James B. Archer and Lois R. Archer, the foundation has grown into a significant philanthropic force with total assets of $37.8 million and annual giving of approximately $2.47 million. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 235 grants to 140 different organizations across the United States. James Archer founded Multi-Chem in his garage in Midland, Texas in 1993, growing it into the third largest specialty production chemical company in the world before selling it to Halliburton in 2011. The Archers' philanthropic philosophy is grounded in their faith, with Lois noting, "God would not give you more than you needed unless He wanted you to share it." The foundation's strategic approach focuses on initiatives that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children, senior citizens, and other underserved populations, with particular emphasis on projects that foster social equity, promote inclusivity, and create sustainable change.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates three main program initiatives:

General Operating Support - Financial support for operating expenses including staff salaries, administrative costs, facility upkeep, and essential program infrastructure. Grant amounts vary from $2,500 to $750,000.

Capital Assets and Equipment - Funding to help organizations enhance physical infrastructure, improve operational capacity, and invest in tools needed to achieve their mission and deliver high-quality services.

Long-Term Sustainability - Support directed toward strengthening an organization's ability to scale programs, reach new audiences, and expand services through the acquisition of essential capital and equipment.

Application Cycles:

• Spring/Summer Cycle: Applications open March 1, close April 30, decisions by June 30
• Fall/Winter Cycle: Applications open September 1, close October 31, decisions by December 31

Priority Areas

Five Key Program Areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Civic and Public Affairs
• Education
• Health
• Human Services

Target Populations: Youth, young adults, and the aging population

Geographic Priorities: Grants awarded throughout the United States, with at least one-third of grant resources allocated to organizations serving the West Texas area

Values Focus: The foundation prioritizes projects that promote social justice, equity, and inclusion, with particular emphasis on addressing systemic challenges and supporting underserved populations.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does NOT support:

• Church or seminary construction
• Annual fundraising drives
• Galas and similar fundraising events
• Support of single artistic events or performances
• Establishing or supporting endowments
• Grants to individuals
• Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) entities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• James B. Archer - Chairman
• Lois R. Archer - Director (also serves on the Board of Directors of West Texas Rehabilitation Center)

Executive Leadership:

• Marcus Lopez - Executive Director (serving since fall 2011, compensation $135,000 annually). Lopez previously joined Multi-Chem's executive team as Vice President and General Counsel in 2009, overseeing the company's legal affairs across 17 countries. He also serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for JBA Diversified Holdings, LLC.

The foundation is guided and stewarded by family members and trusted advisors, ensuring alignment with the Archers' vision of values-based philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts grant applications through their online portal at thearcherfoundation.org. Applications are accepted during two annual cycles with specific deadlines.

Pre-Application Support: Grant staff is available by phone or email to discuss projects and may schedule pre-application interviews with applicants as time permits. After receiving an application, a face-to-face meeting may be scheduled as needed.

Acknowledgment: The foundation acknowledges receipt of every proposal by email within one week.

Application Types Considered: Applications for specific programs or projects, capital projects, and general operations are all considered.

Decision Timeline

Spring/Summer Cycle:

• Applications open: March 1
• Applications close: April 30
• Notification: By June 30 (approximately 2 months)

Fall/Winter Cycle:

• Applications open: September 1
• Applications close: October 31
• Notification: By December 31 (approximately 2 months)

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the foundation awarded grants to 27 organizations in 2025, 11 organizations in 2023, 15 organizations in 2022, and 26 organizations in 2021. Over its 14-year history, the foundation has awarded 235 grants to 140 different organizations, indicating that many organizations have received multiple grants.

Reapplication Policy

Important Restriction: Organizations that receive grants from the foundation in two consecutive years must skip an entire year before reapplying. Additionally, organizations may not submit grant applications in any two consecutive grant cycles (e.g., if you apply in the Spring/Summer cycle, you cannot apply in the immediately following Fall/Winter cycle).

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Strong Financial Management: The foundation awards funds to organizations that demonstrate sound financial management practices, ensuring that funding supports effective and efficient operations. Fund recipients are expected to demonstrate transparency and accountability in how funds are spent, with regular reporting and monitoring.

Alignment with Mission: The Board of Directors looks for programs and projects that best meet the areas of interest outlined in their grant guidelines, with particular focus on initiatives that have direct and lasting impact on children, senior citizens, and underserved populations.

Clarity of Purpose: The foundation advises applicants to "determine your highest priority" - they prefer focused applications over scattered requests across multiple programs.

Evidence of Impact

The foundation prioritizes projects that foster social equity, promote inclusivity, and create lasting impact. Successful applications should demonstrate:

• How the project will create sustainable, long-term positive change
• Innovation in addressing community challenges
• Clear outcomes and measurable impact on target populations

West Texas Connection

With at least one-third of grant resources allocated to West Texas organizations, applicants from this region should emphasize their connection to and impact on the local community. The foundation relocated Multi-Chem's headquarters to San Angelo in 2004 and maintains strong ties to the region.

Examples of Funded Projects

• Angelo State University: $5 million gift to expand facilities supporting health and human services curriculum, resulting in the 50,000-square-foot Archer College of Health and Human Services building
• Belmont University: $5 million endowment (matched by Belmont for a $10 million fund) supporting the Archer Presidential Scholars program and values-based leadership development
• Partnerships with organizations focused on pediatric cancer research, Alzheimer's research through MD Anderson Children's Hospital and the Neuro-Degeneration Center

Communication and Engagement

The foundation maintains accessibility to potential applicants through phone and email consultation. They value dialogue and may schedule face-to-face meetings, indicating a preference for relationship-based grantmaking. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to discuss projects before applying.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Mind the calendar restrictions: You cannot apply in consecutive grant cycles or receive grants in consecutive years without skipping a year - plan your application timing strategically
• West Texas advantage: Organizations serving West Texas should emphasize regional impact, as at least one-third of funding is allocated to this area
• Split focus works: The foundation equally values capital projects and program support - either approach can succeed
• Pre-application engagement: Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss your project with grant staff before applying; they welcome these conversations
• Values alignment is crucial: Emphasize how your project promotes social equity, inclusivity, and creates sustainable impact on youth or elderly populations
• Think long-term: The foundation prefers projects that create lasting change over short-term interventions
• Financial transparency matters: Be prepared to demonstrate strong financial management practices and accountability measures
• Size matters less than impact: With grants ranging from $2,500 to $750,000, the foundation funds both small and large initiatives - focus on demonstrating impact rather than requesting a specific amount
• Quick turnaround: Two-month decision timelines are relatively fast for foundations of this size - have your documentation ready when you apply

References

• The James B. and Lois R. Archer Charitable Foundation official website (thearcherfoundation.org) - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings for EIN 45-3326925 (2020-2024) - Accessed February 2026
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation - Accessed February 2026
• Grantmakers.io Profile - James B And Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation - Accessed February 2026
• Angelo State University News: "Archer Foundation Gift for College of Health and Human Services" (October 2015) - Accessed February 2026
• Nashville Post: "Couple donates $5M to Belmont" - Accessed February 2026
• Belmont University News: "James and Lois Archer Gift Makes Possible $10 Million Belmont Endowment for Values-Based Leadership" - Accessed February 2026
• Instrumentl 990 Report - James B And Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation - Accessed February 2026