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The Allbritton Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.0M

The Allbritton Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,020,254 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (varies by project)
  • Geographic Focus: National (particularly Texas, Virginia, Hawaii)
  • Application Method: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 5615 Kirby Dr Ste 650, Houston, TX 77005-2460

Phone: 713-522-4921

Website: Not publicly listed

Note: This foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

The Allbritton Foundation was established in 1958 (though some sources indicate operational activities beginning around 1960) as a private family foundation in Texas. With total assets of approximately $6.9 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $11,020,254 in charitable grants during its most recent fiscal year. The foundation was created by Joe Allbritton (Baylor University class of 1949) and his wife Barbara Allbritton, and is now led by their son Robert L. Allbritton and other family members. The foundation's mission focuses on supporting arts and culture, education (elementary through higher education), and religious initiatives. The Allbritton family has a distinguished history of philanthropy, particularly at Baylor University where they have supported projects including the Moody Memorial Library, Baylor Ballpark, the Allbritton House, the Law School Faculty Fund, and the establishment of the Allbritton Art Institute. The family's philanthropic reach extends to medical education through longstanding support of Baylor College of Medicine, where Joe served as former chairman of the board and Barbara continues to serve as a trustee.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Allbritton Foundation operates as a private family foundation without formal grant programs or public application processes. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on the foundation's strategic priorities and existing relationships.

Known Areas of Support:

  • Higher Education: Major support to Baylor University and Baylor College of Medicine, including capital projects, endowed funds, and programmatic initiatives
  • Arts and Culture: Founded and supported the Allbritton Art Institute, which provides funded field studies, scholarships for art students, and research grants for art faculty
  • Religious Organizations: Support for faith-based institutions and initiatives
  • K-12 Education: Elementary and secondary educational programs

Priority Areas

Based on documented giving patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Arts Education: Promoting the appreciation and comprehensive study of 19th and 20th century artists and art movements; funding student research travel studies and art scholarships
  • Higher Education: University capital projects, endowed programs, academic departments, and medical education
  • Religious Initiatives: Faith-based educational and charitable organizations
  • Geographic Connections: Organizations in Texas (particularly Houston), Arlington, Virginia, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications, the foundation does not publicly list funding exclusions. However, their documented giving patterns suggest they focus exclusively on education, arts, and religious causes aligned with the family's values and existing relationships.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Robert L. Allbritton - Trustee and President: Son of founders Joe and Barbara Allbritton; successful media entrepreneur who founded and sold Politico for over $1 billion in 2021; now focuses on journalism philanthropy through the Allbritton Journalism Institute
  • Barbara B. Allbritton - Trustee: Co-founder of the foundation; former Vice President of Allbritton Communications; director of Riggs Bank, N.A., and Houston Financial Services; serves on the board of trustees of Baylor College of Medicine
  • Elena H. Allbritton - Trustee and Vice President: Family member involved in foundation governance
  • Janet Hall - Assistant Secretary: Administrative support

All listed officers serve without compensation ($0 reported compensation).

Family Legacy: The late Joe Allbritton (1924-2012) was a Baylor University distinguished alumnus and former regent who served as trustee of the Houston Symphony Society and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. In 2003, Baylor University presented Joe and Barbara Allbritton with the Founders Medal, the university's most distinguished award, recognizing their significant contributions to the university's growth and prosperity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Allbritton Foundation does not have a public application process and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on the family's philanthropic priorities and existing relationships with organizations. The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation where funding decisions are made internally by the board of trustees.

Organizations seeking support from this foundation cannot submit applications through any formal process. Grants appear to be initiated by the trustees based on their knowledge of organizations, strategic interests, and long-term relationships in the communities where the family has connections.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, there is no traditional application process to optimize. However, understanding the foundation's giving patterns can provide insight into their philanthropic values:

Documented Funding Patterns:

  • Long-term Relationships: The Allbritton family has demonstrated multi-decade commitment to institutions like Baylor University and Baylor College of Medicine, suggesting they value sustained partnerships over one-time grants
  • Transformational Gifts: Their giving includes major capital projects (libraries, athletic facilities, art institutes) rather than small operating grants
  • Educational Excellence: Strong preference for supporting academic excellence in higher education and arts education
  • Family Connections: Geographic giving in Houston (family base), Arlington, Virginia, and Hawaii suggests personal or family connections to these communities
  • Legacy Building: Naming opportunities and endowed programs (Allbritton Art Institute, Allbritton House) indicate interest in creating lasting institutional impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications; they operate exclusively through trustee discretion and invitation
  • Family Foundation Model: As a private family foundation, giving decisions are made internally by family members who serve as trustees
  • Focus on Major Gifts: Historical giving patterns show preference for substantial, transformational gifts to institutions rather than numerous small grants
  • Education and Arts Priority: Strong documented commitment to higher education institutions and arts programs, particularly those connected to Baylor University
  • Long-term Partnerships: The foundation appears to value sustained, multi-year relationships with recipient organizations rather than one-time funding
  • Geographic Focus: Primary activity in Texas (Houston), with additional interests in Virginia and Hawaii based on documented giving
  • Not Accessible for Most Organizations: Unless your organization has existing connections to the Allbritton family or their known areas of interest, this foundation is not a viable funding prospect

References

All sources accessed December 2025.

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