Woody L. Hunt and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12.4 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: By September 15 each year (for applications submitted by April 15)
• Grant Range: $250,000 - $10,000,000+ (typical major grants; smaller grants also made)
• Geographic Focus: Borderplex region (El Paso County, TX; Southern New Mexico; Ciudad Juarez, Mexico); wider Texas and national scope for education and healthcare with regional impact
• Total Giving Since Inception: Over $169.3 million to 643 organizations across 3,104 initiatives

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Contact Details

• Website: huntfamilyfoundation.com
• Phone: 915-298-4296
• Mailing Address: PO Box 12220, El Paso, TX 79913-0220
• Grant Application Portal: GrantRequest.com (linked via foundation website)
• Grant Application Page: huntfamilyfoundation.com/our-focus/grant-application
• Grants Director: Mariana Benavides, CPA

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Overview

Established in 1987 and funded by shareholders of Hunt Companies, Inc. — a family-owned diversified holding company — the Woody L. Hunt and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation is one of El Paso's most prominent and long-standing philanthropic institutions. Over its 37-year history, the Foundation has committed over $169 million to 643 organizations across more than 3,100 initiatives, with over 87% of its giving directed to the Borderplex region of El Paso County, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The Foundation's mission is to support efforts that create economic prosperity and strengthen the competitiveness of the Borderplex region, while providing a better quality of life for its residents. It additionally invests in initiatives improving access to education and affordable healthcare at the state and national level. The Foundation operates as a place-based, multigenerational, strategic funder, intentionally structuring many of its commitments as challenge or matching grants to catalyze broader community investment. In 2024, the Foundation distributed $12.38 million across 92 organizations supporting 127 initiatives.

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Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation does not operate named grant programs with fixed tiers, but its giving is organized around six strategic focus areas. Based on 2024 data, grants have ranged from approximately $248,000 (Arts and Local Heritage) to multi-million-dollar commitments for anchor institutions. Examples of recent major grants include:

• CREEED (education nonprofit): $10 million commitment over five years (2024)
• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP): $3.545 million (2024); $25 million (2022)
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC): $2.28 million (2024)
• UTEP Athletics: $2.5 million (2024)
• NMSU Arrowhead Center (entrepreneurship): $2.5 million (2023)
• El Paso Children's Hospital ICU: $1 million challenge grant (matching $2 donated for every $1)
• Meadows Institute Paso del Norte Center (mental health): $500,000 (2025)
• El Paso Center for Diabetes: $250,000 (2025)

Applications are submitted online through GrantRequest.com. First-time applicants must adhere to the annual application window (January 1 - April 15). Previously funded organizations may apply year-round.

2024 Giving Breakdown by Focus Area

Focus Area	2024 Amount	% of Total
Economic Development	$3,912,500	31.60%
Education	$3,427,065	27.68%
Healthcare	$2,980,200	24.07%
Quality of Life	$1,438,094	11.61%
Elevating the Borderplex Region	$375,000	3.03%
Arts & Local Heritage	$248,809	2.01%

Priority Areas

• Education: Teacher scholarship programs, college financial aid, higher education institutional support, workforce development; nearly a third of all cumulative giving since 1987 has gone to education. Includes support for K-12 through post-secondary institutions.
• Healthcare: Preventative healthcare, access to care for underserved populations, bilingual healthcare workforce development; Foundation co-established the Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine and the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing at TTUHSC El Paso.
• Economic Development: Entrepreneurship, skills training, binational economic growth across the El Paso, Las Cruces, and Ciudad Juarez corridor.
• Quality of Life: Nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, and poverty; cultural institutions and community spaces.
• Arts & Local Heritage: After-school art and music programs; preservation of regional history and natural heritage.
• Elevating the Borderplex Region: Civic leader fellowships, bilateral Texas-Mexico advocacy, advancing regional interests in Austin and Washington, D.C.

What They Don't Fund

• Religious purposes or sectarian organizations
• Political purposes or campaigns
• Grants to individuals
• Organizations lacking current 501(c)(3) status
• Private foundations (must not be a private foundation under IRC section 509(a))
• Organizations not registered/verified on GuideStar by Candid

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Governance and Leadership

Woody L. Hunt — Chairman. Third-generation El Pasoan and Ysleta High School graduate. Co-founder and chairman of Hunt Companies, Inc. Named 2022 El Pasoan of the Year. Has articulated the Foundation's place-based philosophy: "I've always felt I didn't have to go very far to find a place to focus our charitable dollars, because the need is here." On the strategic interconnectedness of their work: "To have good educational access, good healthcare, arts and culture, and good jobs, you have to have a quality of life. Those are all interconnected." On multigenerational continuity: "Our hope is that we can institutionalize that process through second and third generations, where the foundation can continue to stay focused on the region, whether we're here or not."

Josh W. Hunt — President. Son of Woody and Gayle Hunt; third-generation El Pasoan. Articulated the 2024 UTEP athletics investment: "The Mountain West Conference will elevate UTEP's visibility and competitiveness, while energizing fans and inspiring community pride. This is not just an investment in athletics; it's an investment in UTEP's bright future and the economic vitality of El Paso."

Gayle G. Hunt — Vice President. Co-founder. Moved to El Paso with her family at a young age; Austin High School graduate. The Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing at TTUHSC El Paso bears her name.

Claudia Ivey, CPA — Treasurer

Susanne Smith, CLA — Secretary

Mariana Benavides, CPA — Grants Director. Joined Hunt Companies in December 2003. Over 30 years of private and public accounting experience. Primary point of contact for grant administration.

David J. Otero — Financial Analyst. Joined Hunt Companies in March 2014. Over 13 years of accounting experience; previously with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

The 2024 Annual Report includes the statement: "The past 37 years have shown that there is nothing we cannot accomplish when we are united by vision, constancy, and collective effort." — Woody L. Hunt and Josh W. Hunt

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Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via GrantRequest.com, accessible through the Foundation's grant application page at huntfamilyfoundation.com/our-focus/grant-application.

Pre-Application Requirements:

1. The applicant organization must be registered as a member of GuideStar by Candid. The Foundation uses GuideStar to verify compliance documents. Applications from organizations not registered with GuideStar are likely to be declined.
2. The organization must have current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and must not be a private foundation under IRC section 509(a).
3. A current IRS tax determination letter (issued within the last five years) is required.

Required Application Information:

1. Organization description and history
2. Full list of Board of Directors and senior staff
3. Specific funding amount requested and proposed payment structure
4. Fund receipt deadline
5. Purpose of funds and goals
6. Project timeline
7. Current and proposed budgets
8. Current and pending funding sources
9. Board contribution details
10. Current tax determination letter (within 5 years)

Geographic Eligibility: The primary region of interest is the Borderplex (El Paso, Southern New Mexico, Ciudad Juarez). Applications from outside this region will be considered only if they have a direct and demonstrable impact on the Borderplex region or the State of Texas.

Important Note: At the time of research, the Foundation indicated it was only accepting applications from previously supported organizations. Prospective first-time applicants should check the Foundation's website for updates on when open applications resume.

Decision Timeline

• Annual Application Window (New Applicants): January 1 - April 15
• Foundation Decision: By September 15
• Notification and Funding: Following the decision notification
• Previously Funded Organizations: May apply year-round

Success Rates

No public data on application success rates or volume is available. The Foundation funded 92 organizations across 127 initiatives in 2024, with total commitments of $12.38 million.

Reapplication Policy

Previously supported organizations are permitted to apply year-round and are not bound by the January 1 - April 15 annual application window. No formal reapplication waiting period for unsuccessful applicants has been publicly documented, but alignment with the Foundation's six focus areas and geographic priorities is essential.

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Application Success Factors

1. GuideStar membership is non-negotiable. The Foundation explicitly states that applications from organizations not registered with GuideStar by Candid are likely to be declined. This is an administrative prerequisite, not an optional step.

2. Geographic alignment with the Borderplex is paramount. Over 87% of cumulative giving is directed to El Paso County, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez. Organizations based outside this region must demonstrate a specific, direct, and articulated impact on the Borderplex community to be considered.

3. Use the Foundation's own language and framework. The Foundation describes its work in terms of "regional competitiveness," "binational community," "quality of life," and the "interconnectedness" of education, healthcare, economic development, arts, and civic life. Proposals should explicitly connect to these themes and use this vocabulary.

4. Demonstrate a multiplier or catalytic effect. The Foundation frequently structures grants as challenge or matching grants — for example, the $1 million challenge grant to El Paso Children's Hospital where the Foundation matched every $2 donated with $1. Proposals that explain how the Foundation's investment will leverage additional community funding are strongly aligned with this model.

5. Education is the top cumulative priority. Nearly one-third of all giving since 1987 has gone to education. Woody Hunt has stated directly: "We firmly believe that better education outcomes create new opportunities for our young people and are key to the long-term prosperity of our region." Education proposals that link outcomes to workforce development and regional economic competitiveness carry the strongest framing.

6. Healthcare proposals should address prevention and workforce. Woody Hunt has stated: "I've had a long-held view that our health system in the United States pays to treat people who are sick; it doesn't pay to prevent health issues in the first place." He has also noted that the region is underserved in virtually every medical specialty. Proposals addressing preventative care, bilingual healthcare workforce development, or access for underserved populations will resonate most strongly.

7. Long-term relationships are central to the Foundation's model. The Foundation's largest commitments go to organizations with established track records of partnership — for example, CREEED received $10 million in 2024 after a prior $12 million commitment, and has been funded by the Foundation since 2014. First-time applicants should seek to establish a clear, compelling entry point and indicate interest in multi-year engagement.

8. Board engagement matters. The application requires disclosure of board contribution details. Demonstrating that the applying organization's own board is financially committed to the work signals organizational health and shared investment.

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Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Regional identity is everything. This Foundation is explicitly place-based. Every application must frame its work in terms of the Borderplex region's competitiveness, prosperity, and quality of life. Generic national narratives will not resonate.
• Register on GuideStar before anything else. Applications without GuideStar membership will likely be declined automatically; this should be the first administrative step before preparing any application.
• Education and healthcare are the highest-volume priorities. Together they account for over 51% of 2024 giving. Economic development (31.6%) was the single largest category in 2024, reflecting growing interest in workforce and entrepreneurship pipelines.
• The Foundation favors large, anchor-institution investments. The three largest 2024 grantees — UTEP, TTUHSC, and CREEED — received $8.04 million of the $12.38 million total. Smaller organizations should be prepared to articulate how they complement or support the Foundation's major institutional priorities.
• Challenge grant and matching structures are preferred. Proposals that include a community matching component are philosophically aligned with how the Foundation structures its most visible gifts.
• First-time applicants must apply January 1 - April 15. Miss this window and the application cannot be considered until the following year (subject to re-opening of new applicant applications).
• Josh Hunt is the operational president. While Woody Hunt sets the philosophical direction, Josh Hunt leads day-to-day Foundation operations and makes key grant decisions. Press statements and grant announcements increasingly feature Josh Hunt's voice alongside Woody's.

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References

1. Woody L. Hunt and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation — Official Website

   • Homepage: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • About page: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/about (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • Leadership page: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/about/leadership (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • Our Focus page: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/our-focus (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • Grant Application page: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/our-focus/grant-application (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • 2024 Annual Report: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/about/annual-report (accessed February 17, 2026)
   • Media page: https://www.huntfamilyfoundation.com/media (accessed February 17, 2026)

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer — The Hunt Family Foundation (EIN 74-2489868) https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742489868 (accessed February 17, 2026)

3. Cause IQ — The Hunt Family Foundation https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-hunt-family-foundation,742489868/ (accessed February 17, 2026)

4. Inside Philanthropy — "The Need Is Here: How One Regional Funder Is Stepping Up for Public Health" (April 14, 2023) https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2023-4-14-the-need-is-here-how-one-regional-funder-is-stepping-up-for-public-health (accessed February 17, 2026)

   • Source of direct quotes from Woody Hunt on healthcare strategy and regional focus

5. CREEED — Hunt Family Foundation Boosts Education with $10M Commitment (September 25, 2024) https://www.creeed.org/2024/09/25/hunt-family-foundation-boosts-education-in-the-borderplex-region-with-new-10m-commitment-to-creeed/ (accessed February 17, 2026)

   • Source of Woody Hunt quote on education priorities

6. UTEP Newsfeed — Hunt Family Foundation Commits $2.5 Million to UTEP Athletics (December 9, 2024) https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/2024/december/woody-and-gayle-hunt-family-foundation-commits-2.5-million-to-support-utep-athletics-transition-to-mountain-west-conference.html (accessed February 17, 2026)

   • Source of Josh Hunt quote on UTEP athletics investment

7. El Paso Inc. — 2022 El Pasoans of the Year: Woody and Gayle Hunt https://www.elpasoinc.com/news/el_pasoan_of_year/2022-el-pasoans-of-the-year-woody-and-gayle-hunt-philanthropists/article_dca50e4a-822c-11ed-a965-5745e35b4fc6.html (accessed February 17, 2026)

8. Paso del Norte Community Foundation — Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation: Longstanding Partners in the Borderplex https://pdnfoundation.org/news/woody-and-gayle-hunt-family-foundation-longstanding-partners-in-the-borderplex (accessed February 17, 2026)