Scanlan Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• EIN: 74-1297212
• Founded: 1947
• Total Assets: Approximately $250 million
• Annual Giving: $5.5 million (2023)
• Grant Range: Varies widely (average ~$78,000 in 2023)
• Number of Awards: 71 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Texas only (all 15 Catholic dioceses)
• Religious Focus: 100% Catholic organizations
• Decision Time: Approximately 5-6 months per session
• Application Schedule: Two sessions annually (Spring and Fall)

Contact Details

Address: 4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 241, Houston, Texas 77027

Phone: 713-783-3169

Email: grants@scanlanfoundation.org

Website: https://scanlanfoundation.org

President: Larry W. Massey, Jr. (larrymassey@scanlanfoundation.org)

Office Hours: Meetings by appointment only

Overview

The Scanlan Foundation was established on January 25, 1947, by Lillian and Stella Scanlan, daughters of Thomas "Tim" Howe Scanlan, an Irish immigrant who arrived in Houston in 1853 and later served as Mayor of Houston in 1870. The unmarried Scanlan sisters dedicated their lives to Catholic charities and, upon their deaths, donated the entire Scanlan estate to establish this foundation. What began as a $4 million family fortune has grown to approximately $250 million in assets, with over $150 million awarded in grants throughout the foundation's 75+ year history.

The foundation's mission is to "contribute to the support of religious, charitable, and educational institutions and works within the fifteen Dioceses in the State of Texas, exclusively in order to further the Roman Catholic religion within the State of Texas." The foundation serves all 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas and operates as a supporting organization for various Catholic institutions including Assumption Seminary, multiple dioceses, universities, and Catholic schools. In 2022, the foundation celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving at Houston's Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Scanlan Foundation operates two grant sessions per year:

• Session A: Applications open October 1, deadline November 15; decisions announced by approximately April 30
• Session B: Applications open April 1, deadline May 15; decisions announced by approximately October 31

Average Grant Size: Approximately $78,000 (based on 2023 data), though the foundation makes awards across a wide range depending on project scope and organizational need.

Recent Grantmaking Activity:

• 2023: 71 awards totaling $5,539,715
• 2022: 75 awards totaling $6,133,473
• 2021: 113 awards
• 2020: 123 awards
• 2019: 130 awards
• 5-Year Total (2019-2023): 441 grants totaling $21,982,379

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on building "a culture of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and holy families" through four main mission-furthering pillars:

1. Marriage & Holy Families - Programs that strengthen Catholic family life and promote holy marriages
2. Catholic Education - Support for Catholic schools, universities, faculty faith formation, and student tuition assistance (represents approximately half of all foundation funding)
3. Evangelization & Discipleship - Programs that spread the Catholic faith and deepen discipleship, including campus ministry
4. Life & Human Dignity - Programs supporting the dignity of human life and corporal/spiritual works of mercy

Special Focus on Vocations: The foundation particularly seeks to support dioceses, organizations, and ministries developing or executing plans to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life, including:

• Education at the seminary level
• Support for discerners
• Ministries engaging parish vocation committees
• Catholic education curricula
• Campus ministry programs
• Vocation-focused retreats
• Youth programming

Within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, primary vehicles for impact include:

• Campus Ministry & Culture
• Faculty Faith Formation
• Scanlan Scholar Tuition Assistance

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated in comprehensive detail, the foundation's exclusive focus means they do not fund:

• Non-Catholic organizations
• Organizations outside the State of Texas
• Organizations outside the 15 Texas Catholic dioceses
• Secular programs without Catholic mission alignment

The foundation does not provide matching grants.

Notable Grant Recipients

Example Supported Institutions (as listed in foundation documents):

• Assumption Seminary
• University of St. Thomas (cumulative grants of nearly $9 million)
• Our Lady of the Lake University
• Multiple Texas Dioceses: Amarillo, Beaumont, Brownsville, El Paso, Galveston-Houston, Lubbock, San Angelo
• Christian Renewal Center
• Dominican Sisters
• Various Catholic High Schools: Cathedral High School, Central Catholic High, Duchesne Academy, Holy Cross High School

Governance and Leadership

Current Board of Trustees

• Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez - Archbishop of Galveston-Houston (Ex Officio Head)
• Daniel Cardinal DiNardo - Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston (served as metropolitan archbishop 2006-2025)
• Larry W. Massey, Jr. - President
• William H. Cravens - Executive Vice President (Secretary)
• Kirk M. Pfeffer - Treasurer
• Paul H. Layne - Secretary (Vice President)

The board includes both active diocesan leadership and experienced lay directors, reflecting the foundation's deep commitment to Catholic institutional governance. The inclusion of the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston as Ex Officio Head ensures alignment with diocesan priorities.

Leadership Insights

Larry W. Massey, Jr., President, has provided valuable insights in interviews about the foundation's approach:

On the foundation's philosophy: The Scanlan Foundation views its resources as "God's Money" and emphasizes prayer and careful review of applications. Approximately half of funds support Catholic education, while about one-third supports Catholic ministries more broadly.

Massey's advice to grant seekers:

• "Be grateful" - Send thank you letters and acknowledge support
• Keep your databases updated to maintain accurate communication
• Know the foundations you work with and their dynamics
• Maintain and cultivate relationships - don't give up after one rejection
• Don't simply copy last year's proposal - innovate and adapt your applications
• Get to know foundation trustees and build relationships when possible
• Create a "Nifty Fifty" - a list of 50 people you'd like to meet, and share it with colleagues to open doors

Characteristics Massey values in development officers:

• Great writing skills
• Manners and diplomacy
• Cultural understanding
• Computer literacy
• Strong organizational skills
• Sociable, outgoing, and conversational abilities

Application Process & Timeline

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Scanlan Foundation grant, organizations must meet ALL of the following criteria:

1. Must be a Roman Catholic organization
2. Must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
3. Must be located in the State of Texas
4. Must operate within one of the 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas

How to Apply

Application Limit: Organizations may submit only one unsolicited application per calendar year (dioceses may submit two applications per calendar year).

Application Process:

1. Review Strategic Materials: Before applying, thoroughly review the foundation's 25-year strategic plan and funding priorities at scanlanfoundation.org
2. Download Application Form: Download the appropriate PDF application form based on your organization type from the grants page
3. Complete Using Adobe Acrobat Reader: Fill out the form completely (do not modify or reorder application pages)
4. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all required attachments as individual PDF files
5. Submit via Email: Send completed application and attachments to grants@scanlanfoundation.org
6. Include Required Documentation:
   • Completed IRS W-9 form
   • Any additional required documentation

IMPORTANT: Late applications will NOT be accepted. The foundation strictly enforces application deadlines.

Application Timeline

Session A (Fall/Winter):

• Applications Open: October 1
• Application Deadline: November 15 at 11:59 PM CST
• Board Meeting: Winter/Spring
• Decision Notification: By approximately April 30

Session B (Spring/Summer):

• Applications Open: April 1
• Application Deadline: May 15 at 11:59 PM CST
• Board Meeting: Fall
• Decision Notification: By approximately October 31

Decision Timeline

From application submission to decision notification: Approximately 5-6 months

Notification Method: Decision letters and award checks are sent directly to organizations by the specified deadline dates (April 30 for Session A, October 31 for Session B).

Grant Award Management

Upon Receiving a Grant:

• Complete and submit the IRS Receipt Form
• Comply with all grant terms and conditions

Reporting Requirements:

• Submit Grant Report Form by the specified deadline
• Outstanding paperwork may prevent future funding eligibility
• The foundation takes compliance seriously and tracks reporting deadlines

Success Rates

While the foundation does not publish specific acceptance rates, available data suggests:

Application Volume: The foundation has steadily received applications, awarding:

• 71 organizations in 2023
• 75 organizations in 2022
• 113 organizations in 2021

Important Note: "Approval or denial of previous grant applications by the Board of Directors does not guarantee approval or denial of any future application." Past funding relationships do not ensure continued support, and the board evaluates each application on its current merits.

Reapplication Policy

Can Unsuccessful Applicants Reapply?: Yes

Restrictions:

• Organizations may submit one unsolicited application per calendar year
• Dioceses may submit two applications per calendar year
• There is no specified waiting period after an unsuccessful application
• The foundation encourages persistence: President Larry Massey advises applicants to "not get discouraged if not funded initially" and to "maintain and cultivate relationships - don't give up"

Returning Applicants: Organizations that have previously received grants must have submitted the Scanlan Foundation IRS receipt form for all prior grant awards to maintain eligibility for future funding.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission is Critical

Quote from the foundation: "Requests are prioritized based on alignment with the foundation's mission." The board explicitly evaluates how well proposed projects advance the foundation's four pillars and culture of vocations.

What the Foundation Looks For:

1. Clear Catholic Identity: Projects must clearly further Roman Catholic religious, educational, or charitable purposes within Texas
2. Alignment with One or More Pillars: Demonstrate how your project supports Marriage & Holy Families, Catholic Education, Evangelization & Discipleship, or Life & Human Dignity
3. Vocations Focus: Projects that build a "culture of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and holy families" receive particular attention
4. Innovation and Adaptation: As President Massey emphasizes, "Don't Xerox last year's proposal and send it again - you must innovate and adapt"
5. Strong Writing and Communication: The foundation values well-written, clear proposals that demonstrate professionalism
6. Organizational Stewardship: Compliance with past grant requirements and timely reporting demonstrates organizational capacity

Relationship Building Matters

From Larry Massey's guidance:

• "Know the foundations you work with and their dynamics" - Take time to understand the Scanlan Foundation's specific priorities and approach
• "Maintain/cultivate these relationships" - Stay in touch even between grant cycles
• "Get to know foundation trustees" - When appropriate and possible, build genuine relationships with board members
• Attend foundation events - The foundation hosts events where relationship building is possible

Gratitude and Communication

"Be grateful" - Massey specifically mentions sending thank you letters and acknowledging support as important practices. The foundation values organizations that demonstrate appreciation and maintain professional communication.

Understanding the Foundation's Philosophy

The foundation views its resources as "God's Money" and emphasizes prayer in its decision-making process. Applications should demonstrate:

• Prayerful consideration of the project
• Alignment with Catholic teaching and values
• Recognition that grant funds are a sacred trust

Common Success Patterns

While the foundation doesn't publish specific success factors, patterns suggest:

• Catholic Education Projects (representing ~50% of funding) have strong support
• Diocesan Requests are well-received (dioceses can submit two applications yearly)
• Multi-Year Relationships exist with many grantees, suggesting renewal opportunities
• Statewide Impact - The foundation serves all 15 Texas dioceses, not just Houston-area organizations

What NOT to Do

Based on foundation guidance:

• Don't submit late applications - they will not be accepted
• Don't modify or reorder application form pages
• Don't copy previous proposals without updating and innovating
• Don't ignore reporting requirements from past grants
• Don't assume past funding guarantees future funding
• Don't request matching grants (not available)

Important Foundation Statement

"Declining a grant does not reflect the ministry's value." The foundation acknowledges that not all worthy projects can be funded and encourages organizations to understand that rejection doesn't diminish their mission's importance.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Texas Catholic Organizations Only: You must be a Catholic 501(c)(3) operating within one of Texas's 15 Catholic dioceses. No exceptions to this requirement.

2. Align Explicitly with the Four Pillars: Structure your proposal to clearly demonstrate how your project advances Marriage & Holy Families, Catholic Education, Evangelization & Discipleship, or Life & Human Dignity. The vocations culture is foundational to their strategy.

3. Education Projects Have Strong Support: With approximately 50% of funding going to Catholic education, educational institutions and programs have significant opportunities. Consider how your project supports Catholic educational formation.

4. Build Relationships Over Time: President Larry Massey emphasizes not giving up after initial rejection. Cultivate relationships, stay in touch, and reapply with improved, innovative proposals. Persistence and relationship-building matter.

5. Strict Deadlines and Compliance: Late applications are never accepted, and outstanding reporting from previous grants will block future funding. Demonstrate organizational capacity through meticulous compliance and timely reporting.

6. Two Chances Per Year: With Session A (November deadline) and Session B (May deadline), you have two opportunities annually. Plan strategically about which session best fits your project timeline.

7. Average Award is Substantial: At approximately $78,000 average (2023), these grants can provide significant support. However, awards vary widely based on project scope, so request what you genuinely need while demonstrating good stewardship.

References

1. Scanlan Foundation Official Website - https://scanlanfoundation.org (Accessed February 5, 2026)

   • Grants Application Page: https://scanlanfoundation.org/grants/
   • Board of Trustees: https://scanlanfoundation.org/board-of-trustees/
   • About Us: https://scanlanfoundation.org/about-us/

2. "The Scanlan Foundation: Interview with Larry Massey on The Petrus Development Show" - https://www.petrusdevelopment.com/blog/the-scanlan-foundation-interview-with-larry-massey-on-the-petrus-development-show (Accessed February 5, 2026)

3. Cause IQ - Scanlan Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/scanlan-foundation,741297212/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

4. Instrumentl - Scanlan Foundation 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/scanlan-foundation (Accessed February 5, 2026)

5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Scanlan Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/741297212 (Accessed February 5, 2026)

6. Candid Foundation Directory - Scanlan Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SCAN006 (Accessed February 5, 2026)

7. "God's Money" - University of St. Thomas Encounter Magazine, 2021 - https://blogs.stthom.edu/encounter/2021/featured-stories/planned-giving-with-gods-money/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

8. "Scanlan Foundation Celebrates 70th Anniversary" - Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso - https://catholicfoundationelpaso.org/news/scanlan-foundation-celebrates-70th-anniversary (Accessed February 5, 2026)

9. Charity Navigator - Scanlan Foundation Rating - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/741297212 (Accessed February 5, 2026)

10. GuideStar Profile - Scanlan Foundation - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/74-1297212 (Accessed February 5, 2026)