The Roy F And Joann Cole Mitte Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $398,750 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (proactive selection)
• Grant Range: Average ~$13,000 per grant
• Geographic Focus: Central Texas (Austin area) and South Texas (Brownsville)

Contact Details

• Website: www.mittefoundation.org
• Phone: 512-233-5599
• Address: PO Box 15286, Austin, TX 78761
• Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Roy F And Joann Cole Mitte Foundation, established in 1994 and granted tax-exempt status in 1996, is a private grantmaking foundation based in Austin, Texas. With over $30 million in total grants distributed, including $25 million in Central Texas and nearly $5 million in Brownsville, the foundation has made significant impacts in education, elderly care, disability services, youth development, and the arts. Founded by Roy F. Mitte, a former insurance executive from Brownsville, and his wife Joann Cole Mitte, the foundation has awarded over 3,000 scholarships and supported dozens of community organizations. In 2023, the foundation distributed $398,750 across 30 awards to various nonprofit organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through invitation-only grants with no public application process. In 2023, they made 30 grants averaging approximately $13,000 each. The foundation has also committed to larger strategic investments, including $2.5 million for the Mitte Arts and Cultural Center in Brownsville over 18 months.

Priority Areas

• Education and educational programs
• Care for the elderly and aging populations
• Therapeutic and rehabilitative services for the mentally and physically disabled
• Youth development programs
• Arts and cultural programs
• Enhancement of the Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville, Texas

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation currently is "not making any additional scholarship, faculty, or research grants" beyond existing committed programs, suggesting limitations on new university-level academic funding.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was founded by Roy F. Mitte (born 1931), a Southwest Texas State Teachers College graduate and former insurance executive with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, and Joann Cole Mitte, who served as Executive Vice President and structured the foundation's giving program focused on the elderly, aging, arts, and educational services for disabled youth. Roy Mitte structured nationally recognized scholarship programs at multiple universities. The foundation experienced leadership challenges in 2008 when then-executive director Michael Scott Mitte faced legal issues, leading to severed ties with Texas State University.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through invitation only or at the discretion of the trustees. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications for funding.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation proactively identifies organizations aligned with their mission in Central and South Texas. Based on their grant history, they tend to support well-established organizations in their focus areas. Known recipients include Austin Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves and Fishes (specifically for Community First Village), Meals on Wheels, and Family Elder Care. Organizations serving similar populations and demonstrating excellence in their field may be identified through the foundation's community connections and networks in the Austin and Brownsville areas.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to invitation-only model

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, organizations that have received funding share common characteristics:

• Strong presence and reputation in Central or South Texas
• Clear alignment with foundation priorities (elderly care, disability services, education, youth, arts)
• Demonstrated effectiveness and community impact
• Established track record of service delivery
• The foundation appears to favor organizations with specific, tangible programs rather than general operating support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications - all funding is by invitation only
• Focus areas are highly specific: elderly care, disability services, education, youth development, and arts
• Geographic restriction to Central Texas (Austin area) and South Texas (Brownsville area)
• Average grant size is approximately $13,000, though larger strategic investments are possible
• The foundation has distributed over $30 million total, with significant investments in the Brownsville Cultural District
• Best strategy is to build organizational excellence and visibility in the Texas nonprofit community
• The foundation has awarded over 3,000 scholarships through various programs, though new scholarship programs are not being created

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-roy-f-joann-cole-mitte-foundation,742766058/ (Accessed February 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/74-2766058 (Accessed February 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=MITT005 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742766058 (Accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-roy-f-and-joann-cole-mitte-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
• Official Foundation Website: https://www.mittefoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Philanthropy Southwest: "Mitte Foundation Grants Its 5 Millionth Dollar to the Brownsville Mitte Cultural District Enhancements" (Accessed February 2026)
• Scholarship America Program Page: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/mittefoundation/ (Accessed February 2026)