Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $22,829,500 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Dallas County, TX (primarily)

Contact Details

• Website: http://hbrf.org
• Phone: 214-599-0300
• Address: 4809 Cole Ave., Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75205
• Application Portal: Online grantmaking portal (accessed through website)

Overview

The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation is a substantial private grantmaking foundation established in 1983 with current assets of $99,027,945 (2023). The foundation distributes approximately $22.8 million annually in charitable grants, focusing primarily on youth and education initiatives with a specific emphasis on early childhood literacy for ages 0-8. Based in Dallas, Texas, the foundation serves predominantly Dallas County organisations, though it occasionally considers grants outside this geographic area for exceptional programmes aligned with its mission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation operates a competitive grant programme focused on:

• Early Childhood Literacy Programmes: Supporting initiatives for children ages 0-8
• Youth and Education: Primary funding area
• Occasional Support For:
  • Health & Human Services
  • Civic & Community
  • Science & Research
  • Arts & Culture

Priority Areas

• Early childhood education and literacy (ages 0-8)
• Youth development programmes
• Educational initiatives in Dallas County

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Organisations without 501(c)(3) status (except qualified public entities and churches)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Doris L. Bass – Trustee
• Michael L. Calhoun – President & Trustee
• Linda Staley – Trustee

Staff

• F. David Calhoun – Executive Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Applications accepted year-round through online grantmaking portal
• Foundation recommends contacting them at 214-599-0300 before submitting to determine advisability
• Two-stage process: Submit Letter of Inquiry (LOI) first through online portal; if approved, you will be invited to submit a full grant application
• Submit application at least five months before funding is needed
• Required attachments include:
  • Recent 501(c)(3) determination letter
  • Organisation history
  • Detailed programme description
  • Project budget
  • Evaluation plans
  • Board/officer list
  • Financial statements
  • Latest Form 990

Decision Timeline

• Board meets three times annually: late spring/summer, late summer, and late November/early December
• Requests typically processed within 3-4 months
• All applicants receive written communication about proposal status

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Only one application allowed per organisation per 12-month period

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and guidelines:

• Strong alignment with early childhood literacy mission - The foundation specifically focuses on ages 0-8, so programmes targeting this age group will be most competitive
• Dallas County location - While exceptions are made, local organisations have priority
• Detailed programme specifics over general operating support - The foundation prefers funding specific programmes with clear outcomes
• Comprehensive evaluation methodology - Applications should include clear metrics for measuring success
• Sustainability planning - Demonstrate how the programme will continue beyond the grant period
• Pre-application contact - The foundation explicitly encourages calling before applying to determine fit

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact the foundation at 214-599-0300 before applying to confirm alignment with priorities
• Focus applications on early childhood literacy programmes for ages 0-8
• Submit applications at least 5 months before funding is needed
• Only one application per year is permitted, so make it count
• Emphasise specific programmes rather than general operating support
• Ensure your organisation serves Dallas County or can make a compelling case for exception
• The foundation has substantial assets ($99M) and gives generously ($22.8M annually), indicating capacity for significant grants
• Begin with a Letter of Inquiry through the online portal; full applications are by invitation only

References

• Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Official Website (http://hbrf.org) - Accessed December 31, 2025
• Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Application Guidelines (http://hbrf.org/application-guidelines-and-faq/) - Accessed December 31, 2025
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Harry Bass Foundation Profile (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/751876307) - Accessed December 31, 2025
• GuideStar Profile - Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/75-1876307) - Accessed December 31, 2025