John Henry Dean III and Shirley Lawson Dean Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $5,226,033 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: Multi-state (TX, AZ, CO, NY, UT, DC and others)
Contact Details
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Website: Not available
Email: Not publicly available
Phone: Not publicly available
Overview
The John Henry Dean III and Shirley Lawson Dean Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in Fort Worth, Texas, receiving tax-exempt status in April 2015. With total assets of approximately $107 million, the foundation distributed $5.2 million in grants during 2024. The foundation is led by John H. Dean III and his wife Shirley Lawson Dean, who are descendants of Colonel C.C. Slaughter, a notable Texas cattleman and philanthropist. The board operates without compensation and includes Raymond B. Kelly III and David Neal alongside the founders.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not maintain publicly advertised grant programs or funding streams. Based on available data, the foundation made 21 grants in 2024, 29 in 2023, and 26 in 2022, suggesting consistent annual grantmaking activity.
Priority Areas
While specific focus areas are not publicly documented, the foundation's geographic reach extends across multiple states including Texas, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Utah, and Washington D.C., with grants distributed to organizations in cities including Arlington, Aspen, Dallas, Fort Worth, and New York.
What They Don't Fund
No public information available regarding funding exclusions.
Governance and Leadership
Board of Directors:
- John H. Dean III - Founder/Trustee
- Shirley Lawson Dean - Founder/Trustee
- Raymond B. Kelly III - Trustee
- David Neal - Trustee
All board members serve without compensation. The foundation maintains a small governance structure typical of family foundations focused on discretionary grantmaking.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding through an open application system.
Getting on Their Radar
As a private family foundation without a public application process, relationship building with board members and alignment with the foundation's interests would be essential. The foundation's connection to Texas Health systems suggests healthcare may be an area of interest.
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - no public application process exists.
Success Rates
Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no formal application process exists.
Application Success Factors
Since this foundation operates through trustee discretion rather than an open application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with board members or be identified through the foundation's own research and networks.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is a private family foundation with no public application process
- All grants are made at the discretion of the board of trustees
- The foundation distributes approximately $5 million annually across 20-30 grants
- Geographic scope includes multiple states but maintains ties to Texas
- Board members serve without compensation, suggesting a commitment to maximizing charitable impact
- Without a public application process, organizations cannot directly apply for funding
- Relationship building and trustee connections would be essential for consideration
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - John Henry Dean III and Shirley Lawson Dean Foundation (accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar Profile for EIN 47-1631698 (accessed January 2026)
- Charity Navigator Profile for EIN 471631698 (accessed January 2026)
- Candid Foundation Directory Profile (accessed January 2026)
- CauseIQ Organization Profile (accessed January 2026)
- Instrumentl 990 Report Database (accessed January 2026)