Greater Texas Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9.9 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2+ months from full proposal submission
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $3,000,000 (typical: $150,000 - $300,000)
• Geographic Focus: Texas (statewide)

Contact Details

• Website: www.greatertexasfoundation.org
• Phone: 979-779-6100
• Toll-Free: 866-914-7268
• Address: 6100 Foundation Place Drive, Bryan, TX 77807
• Media/Program Contact: Leslie Gurrola, Vice President of Programs & Strategy

Overview

The Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) is a private foundation established in 1973 with approximately $286 million in assets, dedicated to ensuring all Texas students have equal opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. Having evolved from the Greater East Texas Higher Education Authority founded in 1981, GTF transitioned from a student loan secondary buyer to a fully charitable foundation in 2005. The foundation has approved over $148 million in grants since inception, with annual giving of approximately $9.9 million in 2023 across 109 awards. Under the leadership of President & CEO Sue McMillin since 2017, GTF focuses on data-driven strategies to support underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations throughout Texas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• GTF Scholars Program: $25 million+ committed since 2012, supporting Early College High School graduates with wraparound services and scholarships at 8 partner universities
• General Grants: $1,000 - $3,000,000 (typical range $150,000 - $300,000) for multi-year projects supporting postsecondary education initiatives
• Rural Education Initiatives: Support for rural school districts and community colleges
• Competency-Based Education: Supporting innovative education models at Texas universities

Priority Areas

1. Sustainable, Data-Driven Student Supports - Helping Texans of all backgrounds earn postsecondary credentials
2. Transition Policies and Practices - Creating affordable, clear postsecondary pathways
3. Partnerships with Rural Communities - Ensuring rural students have academic resources and support
4. Scalable Math Education Models - Preparing students for postsecondary credential completion
5. Innovation Portfolio - Projects with significant potential outside the four main goal areas

What They Don't Fund

• Initiatives unrelated to their mission and strategy
• Lobbying, political activities, or legislative influence attempts
• Direct donations or grants to individuals
• Grants to businesses
• General operating expenses

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Ralph Rushing (Chair)
• A.D. James, Jr. (Vice Chair)
• Bill Youngkin (Secretary)
• Dr. Alonzo Sosa (Chair, Charitable Activities)
• Dr. Donald Thompson (Chair, Strategy & Learning)
• Janet Handley (Chair, Finance & Investment)

Key Staff:

• Sue McMillin, President & CEO: "Our vision is for all Texas students to have equal opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education."
• Amber Bass, Chief Financial Officer
• Leslie Gurrola, Vice President of Programs & Strategy
• Chris Woodruff, Learning and Evaluation Officer
• Carol Miller, Director of Grants Management

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Three-stage invitation-only process through online portal (works best with Google Chrome):

Stage 1: Initial Inquiry

• Complete online form with organizational information and 300-word project description
• Response within 6 weeks

Stage 2: Concept Paper (By invitation only)

• Brief concept paper introducing your idea
• Reviewed by foundation staff

Stage 3: Full Proposal (By invitation only)

• Detailed project information including outcomes, evaluation plans, and sustainability
• Maximum indirect costs: 15% of eligible direct costs
• May include site visits

Decision Timeline

• Initial Inquiry Response: Within 6 weeks
• Full Proposal Review: 2+ months minimum (varies by complexity)
• Grant Agreement: Within 2 weeks of board approval

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly disclosed, but process is highly competitive with multiple screening stages.

Reapplication Policy

• Only ONE application per organization within any 12-month period
• Previous grantees must submit full and timely reports before new applications will be considered
• No additional waiting period for unsuccessful applicants beyond the 12-month rule

Application Success Factors

Based on GTF's guidance and funded projects, successful applications:

• Directly align with GTF's four strategic priority areas - Review their strategic plan before applying
• Include specific, measurable outcomes with clear evaluation plans demonstrating impact, influence, and leverage
• Focus on systems-level change rather than individual programs
• Demonstrate scalability and evidence-based practices
• Include sustainability plans showing how impact will continue beyond grant funding
• Address rural communities or underserved populations - GTF specifically seeks projects serving these demographics
• Build on existing research or successful models - Like their support for Texas A&M's Rural Student Success Initiative or Competency-Based Education Network
• Include collaborative partnerships - Many successful grants involve multiple institutions or organizations

GTF advises: "First step: Discuss concept with GTF's Director of Programs and Strategy" before submitting an initial inquiry. They emphasize becoming familiar with current goals and intended impacts before applying.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact program staff early - GTF encourages discussing concepts with their Director of Programs & Strategy before applying
• Multi-year funding is common - Design projects with 3-year timeframes as this is their typical grant length
• Rural focus is a major advantage - GTF has dedicated priority area for rural communities
• Data and evaluation are critical - Foundation is explicitly data-driven; include robust evaluation plans
• One chance per year - With only one application allowed per 12-month period, timing and preparation are crucial
• Budget carefully - 15% indirect cost cap is strict; plan accordingly
• Focus on Early College High Schools - GTF has major commitment to ECHS graduates through their Scholars Program

References

• Greater Texas Foundation Official Website (www.greatertexasfoundation.org) - Accessed March 2026
• Greater Texas Foundation Annual Reports 2022, 2023, 2024 - Available on foundation website
• Greater Texas Foundation Strategic Plan - Available on foundation website
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Greater Texas Foundation Form 990-PF filings
• GuideStar/Candid Foundation Directory - Greater Texas Foundation profile
• Cause IQ - Greater Texas Foundation organizational data
• Texas A&M University GTF Aggie Scholars Program website
• University of Houston-Downtown GTF Scholars Program website