Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Data not publicly disclosed in specific grant amounts
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (Competition described as "strong")
• Decision Time: Varies by program; reviewed after application deadlines
• Grant Range: $600 - $5,000 (primary programs)
• Geographic Focus: International (U.S. and international scholars eligible)

Contact Details

Website: https://lbjfoundation.org

Phone: (512) 721-0265

Email: info@lbjfoundation.org

Grants Contact: Samantha Stone, Deputy Director
Email: grants@lbjfoundation.org
Phone: (512) 721-0263

Archives Department (for pre-application inquiries):
Phone: (512) 721-0212
Email: johnson.library@nara.gov

Address: 2313 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78705

Overview

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation was established in 1969 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson as a non-profit organization supporting the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. The foundation's mission is to continue President Johnson's legacy of transformational progress by supporting scholarship and citizenship initiatives that help realize his vision of a great society. Led by a 34-member board of trustees including President Johnson's daughters, Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Johnson Robb, the foundation administers grants for researchers and scholars, awards prizes to leaders who exemplify exceptional public service, and programs lecture series that expose students to great thinkers and policymakers. The foundation has total net assets of approximately $265 million (2023) and holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Moody Research Grant: $600 - $3,000
Supports archival research at the LBJ Library for dissertations, theses, senior papers, publications, and other projects. Funds cover living, travel, and related expenses during research at the library. Includes travel funding (airfare or mileage) and $180 per diem for research days. Underwritten by the Moody Foundation of Galveston, Texas.
Application Method: Rolling basis with two annual deadlines (March 15 and September 15)

Harry Middleton Fellowship in Presidential Studies: Generally $5,000 (two fellowships awarded annually)
Supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers conducting research on how history can illuminate current and future policy issues. Larger amounts may be awarded when special circumstances, such as international travel, warrant it. Fellows must conduct research at the LBJ Library and at least one other National Archives facility.
Application Method: Rolling basis with two annual deadlines (March 15 and September 15)

Priority Areas

• Archival research utilizing LBJ Presidential Library collections
• Presidential studies and policy research
• Scholarship related to President Johnson's legacy and the Great Society
• Research on topics including civil rights, domestic policy, foreign policy, and presidential leadership
• Rural communities and sustainable development (through the Willie Nelson Endowment)
• Educational initiatives and public service leadership

What They Don't Fund

• Research for political purposes
• Projects that do not utilize LBJ Library archives or relate to presidential studies
• General operating support for organizations
• Capital campaigns or building projects

Governance and Leadership

Leadership:

• Larry E. Temple, Chairman (former White House Counsel to President Johnson, 1967-1969)
• Ben Barnes, Vice Chairman
• Elizabeth Christian, Vice Chairman
• Lyndon L. Olson, Jr., Vice Chairman
• W. Thomas Johnson, Chairman Emeritus
• Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO (also Presidential Historian for ABC News and former director of the LBJ Presidential Library, 2009-2017)

Notable Board Members (34-member board):

• Stacey Abrams
• Joseph A. Califano, Jr.
• Julián Castro
• Tom Daschle
• Rodney Ellis
• William P. Hobby
• Kay Bailey Hutchison
• Luci Baines Johnson (President Johnson's daughter)
• Lynda Johnson Robb (President Johnson's daughter)
• Jim Jones
• Ron Kirk
• Vilma Martinez
• Evan Smith
• Roy M. Spence, Jr.

Key Quote from Leadership:

Larry Temple on Mark Updegrove's appointment: "He brought distinction in his role as LBJ Library Director, as an accomplished author, as a public speaker, and as a leader of the historic Civil Rights Summit."

Foundation motto (from President Johnson): "Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose. I am resolved that we shall win the tomorrows before us."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Moody Research Grant:

1. Pre-Application Requirement: Contact the LBJ Library Archives department (512-721-0212 or johnson.library@nara.gov) to obtain information about materials available for your proposed research topic
2. Submit online application including:
   • Resume or CV (one page)
   • Research proposal (maximum 4 double-spaced pages) including: project title, description, methodology, and relation to LBJ Library holdings
   • List of references
   • Optional: Up to 5 publication citations
3. Submit via online application form at lbjlibrary.org/foundation/grants/moody-research-grant

Harry Middleton Fellowship:

1. Pre-Application Requirement: Contact the LBJ Library Archives department to obtain information about materials available
2. Submit online application including:
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • Research proposal (5-10 double-spaced pages) describing project scope, objective, methodology, and research done to date
   • Proposed budget
   • List of references
   • Three letters of recommendation
3. Submit via online application form at lbjlibrary.org/foundation/grants/harry-middleton-fellowship

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Term (June 1 - December 31): Application deadline March 15
• Spring Term (January 1 - August 31): Application deadline September 15

Review Process: Applications are reviewed by a special faculty committee appointed by the President of The University of Texas at Austin at the request of the LBJ Library.

Decision Timeline: Not publicly disclosed; applicants should expect notification after the faculty committee review process is completed.

Success Rates

Specific acceptance rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation notes that "competition for Moody Research Grants has been strong in recent years; general and vague proposals or those written in haste will not be competitive."

The foundation awards a "limited number" of Moody Research Grants annually and generally two Harry Middleton Fellowships per year.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are mentioned. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent funding cycles.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Direct Advice:

The LBJ Foundation explicitly states: "Competition for Moody Research Grants has been strong in recent years; general and vague proposals or those written in haste will not be competitive."

Key Success Factors:

1. Pre-Application Contact is Essential: Applicants MUST contact the Archives department before submitting proposals to verify that relevant materials exist for their research topic. This demonstrates preparation and ensures feasibility.

2. Specificity is Critical: Proposals must clearly articulate the relationship between the research project and the LBJ Library holdings. Generic or vague proposals will not succeed.

3. Research Quality: The foundation emphasizes that proposals are reviewed by a faculty committee at the University of Texas at Austin, indicating a high academic standard.

4. Alignment with Mission: Research should connect to President Johnson's legacy, presidential studies, or policy issues that can be illuminated by historical research.

5. Thoroughness: The 4-page limit for Moody proposals and 5-10 page requirement for Middleton fellowships should be used to provide comprehensive detail about methodology, objectives, and expected outcomes.

6. Grant Conditions Compliance: Research products cannot be used for political purposes—this is a firm requirement stated in grant conditions.

For Harry Middleton Fellowship Specifically:

• Preference given to doctoral students (though postdoctoral fellows may apply)
• Must demonstrate willingness to conduct research at multiple National Archives facilities, not just the LBJ Library
• Should show how historical research illuminates current or future policy issues

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact archives first: This is not optional—you must verify collection relevance before applying, and the review committee will expect you to demonstrate this knowledge
• Competition is significant: Invest time in a detailed, well-researched proposal; rushed applications will fail
• Be specific about LBJ Library holdings: Generic research proposals will not be competitive; demonstrate exact knowledge of what materials you need
• Two chances annually: With March 15 and September 15 deadlines, plan your application timeline accordingly
• Modest funding amounts: Grants are designed to offset research expenses, not provide stipends—budget realistically for travel and per diem costs
• Academic rigor expected: Faculty committee review means proposals should meet high scholarly standards
• International scholars welcome: Both U.S. and international researchers are eligible for all programs

References

1. LBJ Foundation Grants and Initiatives page, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/foundation/grants (accessed January 2026)
2. Moody Research Grant program page, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/foundation/grants/moody-research-grant (accessed January 2026)
3. Harry Middleton Fellowship program page, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/foundation/grants/harry-middleton-fellowship (accessed January 2026)
4. LBJ Foundation homepage, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/foundation (accessed January 2026)
5. Board of Trustees page, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/foundation/board-of-trustees (accessed January 2026)
6. LBJ Foundation profile, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/741774063 (accessed January 2026)
7. "Mark K. Updegrove to Return to LBJ Foundation as President and Chief Executive Officer," LBJ Library press release, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/news-and-press/mark-updegrove-to-return-to-lbj-foundation-as-president-and-ceo (accessed January 2026)
8. Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities, https://lbj.utexas.edu/willie-nelson-endowment-uplifting-rural-communities (accessed January 2026)
9. Charity Navigator profile for Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation, EIN 74-1774063 (accessed January 2026)