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CH Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.1M
Grant Range
Up to $0.1M00
00

CH Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8,106,083 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $175.8 million
  • Grant Range: Varies by program (Texas Tech requests capped at $75,000)
  • Median Grant: $50,000
  • Number of Grants: 95 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: South Plains of Texas (5-county primary area: Lubbock, Hockley, Yoakum, Cochran, and Terry counties; extends to 24 counties)
  • Total Distributed: Over $212 million since founding

Contact Details

Address: 6102 82nd Street, #8A, Lubbock, TX 79424

Phone: 806-792-0448

Website: www.chfoundationlubbock.com

Online Application Portal: www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=chfoundation

Key Personnel:

  • Kevin G. McMahon, President
  • Sandy Ogletree, CFRE, Executive Director

Overview

The CH Foundation was founded in 1969 by Christine DeVitt and fully funded upon her death in 1983. Christine DeVitt, who lived to age 98, inherited wealth from the Mallet Ranch and oil royalties. A former music teacher in Fort Worth public schools, she was renowned for her unwavering support for the education and development of children and young people. The foundation's mission is to significantly improve human services and cultural and educational opportunities for the residents of the South Plains of Texas. With total assets of $175.8 million and annual giving of approximately $8.1 million (2023), the foundation supports initiatives driven by innovative, energetic leadership that are designed for long-term viability. Christine's passion for education, music, and children's development continues to guide the foundation's grantmaking philosophy.

Funding Priorities

Geographic Service Area

Primary Service Area: Lubbock, Hockley, Yoakum, Cochran, and Terry counties

Extended Service Area: The foundation serves 24 counties in the South Plains region including Bailey, Borden, Briscoe, Castro, Crosby, Dawson, Dickens, Floyd, Gaines, Garza, Hale, Kent, King, Lamb, Lynn, Motley, Parmer, Scurry, and Swisher counties.

Grants are limited to organizations whose services benefit the South Plains area of Texas.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three main areas reflecting Christine DeVitt's passions:

Human Services: Programs that improve quality of life and support vulnerable populations in the South Plains region

Cultural Opportunities: Support for arts, music performance, and cultural institutions (reflecting Christine's background as a music teacher and her passion for the arts)

Educational Opportunities: Programs supporting education and development, particularly for children and young people (reflecting Christine's dedication to education)

The foundation particularly values:

  • Innovative, energetic leadership
  • Projects designed for long-term viability
  • Initiatives serving children and youth
  • Music education and performance programs

Special Requirements for Higher Education Institutions

  • Texas Tech University/Texas Tech Health Sciences Center: Requests must be coordinated through the System Institutional Advancement Office and are capped at $75,000 per proposal
  • All Other Higher Education Requests: Also capped at $75,000 per proposal

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside the South Plains service area
  • Unrestricted funds (projects must specify use of funds)
  • Special events, banquets, dinners, or fundraising events
  • Building projects with long delays prior to construction

Governance and Leadership

President: Kevin G. McMahon

Executive Director: Sandy Ogletree, CFRE - Experienced nonprofit professional overseeing daily operations and grantmaking

The foundation was established by Christine DeVitt, whose legacy continues to shape its priorities. Christine was known for her personal frugality despite her wealth, her eccentric ways, documented procrastination, but also her extraordinary generosity toward educational institutions and programs supporting children. Her insistence during the Great Depression that her family maintain the Mallet Ranch (despite economic pressures) secured the wealth that now funds the foundation's work.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application Portal: Applications are submitted through Grant Interface at www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=chfoundation

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations must hold tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) or qualify under Code Section 170(c)(1) or (c)(2)(B)

Application Deadlines

The foundation operates on fixed annual deadlines:

  • May 1: Deadline for community grant requests (general nonprofit organizations)
  • April 1: Deadline for Texas Tech University/Texas Tech Health Sciences Center proposals (must be coordinated through the System Institutional Advancement Office)
  • April 1: Deadline for all other higher education institution requests

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly published. Applicants should expect board review following the annual deadlines.

Success Rates

In 2023, the foundation made 95 awards from the applications received. The foundation has maintained consistent grantmaking:

  • 95 awards in 2023
  • 65 awards in 2022
  • 90 awards in 2021

Specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Applicants should consult the foundation's guidelines through the online portal or contact the Executive Director for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and stated priorities, successful applications should demonstrate:

Alignment with Christine DeVitt's Legacy: The foundation honors Christine's commitment to education, children's development, and the arts. Projects supporting these areas, particularly music education, children and youth programs, and educational advancement, align strongly with the foundation's heritage.

Geographic Focus: Services must clearly benefit residents of the South Plains region, particularly the 5-county primary service area. Applications should explicitly demonstrate local impact.

Long-Term Viability: The foundation seeks to support initiatives "designed for long-term viability." Applications should demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period, showing how the project will continue to benefit the community.

Innovative, Energetic Leadership: The foundation values creative approaches and dynamic leadership. Applications should highlight the leadership team's vision, energy, and innovative strategies.

Specific Use of Funds: The foundation does not provide unrestricted funding. Applications must clearly specify how grant funds will be used and what specific outcomes will be achieved.

Avoid Construction Delays: For capital projects, demonstrate readiness to proceed. The foundation does not want to fund building projects with long delays before construction begins.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Honor the Heritage: The foundation reflects Christine DeVitt's lifelong commitment to children, education, and music—applications aligned with these areas have strong historical resonance
  • Geographic Boundaries Matter: Ensure your organization serves the 5-county primary area or broader 24-county South Plains region; services must benefit this specific geographic area
  • Demonstrate Sustainability: Show how your project will achieve long-term impact, not just short-term results; the foundation seeks lasting community benefit
  • Be Specific About Funding Use: Clearly articulate exactly how grant funds will be used; unrestricted funding requests are not considered
  • Use the Online Portal: All applications must be submitted through Grant Interface; familiarize yourself with the system well before the deadline
  • Respect Annual Deadlines: May 1 for community organizations, April 1 for higher education; plan accordingly as these are fixed annual deadlines
  • Showcase Leadership: Highlight the innovative vision and energy of your leadership team; the foundation values dynamic, forward-thinking leaders

References

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