Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,329,500 (2023)
• Total Assets: $77.2 million (2023)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $666,000
• Number of Awards: 35 grants (2022)
• Geographic Focus: San Antonio/Bexar County TX (priority), Texas Hill Country, also Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee
• Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
405 N. St. Mary's Street, Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: 210-404-2211

Contact Person: Tina A. Pawelek

EIN: 74-2833381

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation was established in 1998 as a private family foundation honoring Joan Negley Kelleher and Herbert D. "Herb" Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines. With total assets of $77.2 million as of 2023, the foundation distributed $2.3 million across 35 grants in its most recent filing year. The foundation's mission reflects the Kelleher family's deep roots in San Antonio and commitment to preserving Texas history, supporting human services, advancing healthcare, promoting arts and culture, fostering education, protecting the environment, and serving children and youth. The foundation operates through trustee discretion, making strategic investments in organizations aligned with the family's philanthropic values. Their signature recent contribution was a $3 million gift to the Alamo for the Mission Gate and Lunette exhibit, demonstrating their commitment to preserving Texas heritage.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with structured application cycles. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on alignment with the foundation's mission and geographic priorities.

Grant Range: $2,500 - $666,000

Priority Areas

Primary Focus Areas:

• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking - Supporting infrastructure for the nonprofit sector
• Human Services - Organizations providing direct services to vulnerable populations
• Healthcare - Medical facilities, health programs, and health-related services
• Arts & Culture - Museums, cultural institutions, historic preservation (notably the $3M Alamo gift)
• Education - Educational institutions and programs
• Environment & Conservation - Environmental protection and conservation efforts
• Children & Youth Services - Programs serving young people

Geographic Priorities:

1. Primary: San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas
2. Secondary: Brewster and Presidio counties, Texas Hill Country region
3. Occasional: Nevada, Ohio, and Tennessee

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, as a private foundation operating through trustee discretion without a public application process, the foundation does not fund unsolicited proposals from organizations unknown to the trustees.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

J. Michael Kelleher - Co-Trustee

Ruth K. Agather - Co-Trustee

David N. Kelleher - Co-Trustee

Foundation Statement

In announcing their $3 million gift to the Alamo, the foundation stated: "As natives of San Antonio, the Kelleher family has always appreciated the importance of the Alamo to the story of Texas independence."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees based on their philanthropic priorities and existing relationships. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or maintain an online application portal.

Organizations typically come to the trustees' attention through:

• Pre-existing relationships with trustees or family members
• Previous grantee relationships
• Trustee-initiated research and identification of funding opportunities
• Board members' involvement in the San Antonio philanthropic community

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on trustee discretion rather than scheduled decision cycles.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation without an open application process, traditional success rate metrics do not apply.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of the foundation's grantmaking.

Application Success Factors

While organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications, understanding what attracts the foundation's support is valuable:

Alignment with Foundation Values:

• Deep Texas roots and history - The foundation's $3 million Alamo gift demonstrates strong interest in preserving Texas heritage
• San Antonio community impact - Priority given to organizations serving the San Antonio area
• Multi-generational benefit - Projects that serve the community for years to come
• Quality and excellence - High-impact projects with lasting community benefit

Strategic Considerations:

• Geographic location matters - San Antonio and Bexar County organizations receive priority
• Established organizations - The foundation appears to support institutions with proven track records
• Transformational projects - Willingness to make major gifts for significant projects
• Cultural and historic preservation - Strong demonstrated interest in Texas and San Antonio history

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process exists - This is a private family foundation that awards grants through trustee discretion only
• San Antonio is the heart of their giving - Organizations in the San Antonio/Bexar County area receive priority consideration
• Historic preservation resonates strongly - The $3 million Alamo gift demonstrates commitment to preserving Texas history
• Size varies dramatically - Grants range from $2,500 to $666,000, showing flexibility
• Relationship-based grantmaking - Focus on building authentic relationships within the San Antonio philanthropic community
• Multi-sector approach - The foundation supports diverse causes united by community benefit
• Legacy and long-term impact - Projects creating lasting benefit align well with foundation priorities

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation (EIN: 74-2833381). Accessed February 4, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742833381

2. The Alamo - "Preserving History: Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation's $3 Million Gift." Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-trust/pressroom/joan-and-herb-kelleher-charitable-foundations

3. Instrumentl Foundation Database - Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation 990 Report. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/joan-herb-kelleher-charitable-foundation

4. Charity Navigator - Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/742833381

5. Cause IQ - Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation Profile. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/joan-and-herb-kelleher-charitable-foundation,742833381/