Semmes Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $26,566,572 (2024)
Success Rate: Not available
Decision Time: Within 6 months
Grant Range: Not specified
Geographic Focus: San Antonio, Texas (primarily local)

Contact Details

Mailing Address: Cory Albracht
Semmes Foundation, Inc.
800 Navarro Suite 210
San Antonio, Texas 78205

Phone: (210) 225-0887
Website: www.semmesfoundation.org

Overview

The Semmes Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1952 by D. R. Semmes. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the foundation has been operating as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization since August 1954. With net assets of approximately $14.9 million and annual charitable disbursements exceeding $26 million in 2024, the foundation focuses on supporting charitable, scientific, and educational purposes primarily within the San Antonio area. The foundation dedicates nearly 98% of its total expenses to charitable giving, demonstrating a strong commitment to its philanthropic mission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. Specific grant amounts and programs are not publicly detailed.

Priority Areas

Education initiatives
Health-related organizations
Museums
Nonprofit organizations serving San Antonio

What They Don't Fund

Grants to individuals
Projects outside the directors' areas of interest

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

Thomas R Semmes (President)
Patricia Semmes (Vice President/Secretary)
Cory Albracht (Secretary Treasurer)
William M Fisher (Director)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited proposals submitted via regular mail. Applications should include:

A concise written proposal describing the project and justifying its funding
IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status
No elaborate proposals needed - brevity is preferred

Decision Timeline

Applications reviewed periodically throughout the year
No fixed deadlines for submission
Response expected within six months
Foundation will contact applicants if additional information is needed

Success Rates

The foundation notes that "most requests will not be able to be funded," indicating a competitive process with limited awards relative to applications received.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's guidelines:

Keep proposals concise and focused - elaborate proposals are discouraged
Clearly demonstrate alignment with the directors' interests
Focus on San Antonio-based initiatives
Ensure proper IRS tax-exempt documentation is included
Justify the project's funding need clearly and directly

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Submit proposals via regular mail only - no in-person presentations
Focus on brevity and clarity in proposals
Emphasize local San Antonio impact
Be prepared for a competitive process with most requests not funded
Allow up to six months for a response
No application deadlines means you can submit anytime
The foundation has substantial giving capacity with over $26 million in annual disbursements

References

Semmes Foundation official website: www.semmesfoundation.org (accessed December 2024)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Semmes Foundation Inc Profile (accessed December 2024)
GuideStar Profile for EIN 74-6062264 (accessed December 2024)
Foundation Guidelines page: www.semmesfoundation.org/guidelines.htm (accessed December 2024)