M S Doss Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• EIN: 75-1945227
• Annual Giving: $5,012,760 (2023)
• Total Assets: $73.4 million
• Founded: 1984 (IRS ruling year)
• Grant Range: Varies (specific range not publicly disclosed)
• Geographic Focus: Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado (with special emphasis on Gaines County, TX)
• Application Process: Rolling basis, two-step process

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 1677, Seminole, TX 79360

Phone: (432) 758-2770

Website: msdoss.org

Grants Manager: Lori Bagwell
Email: Lori@msdoss.org

Executive Director: Sharla Jeter

Contact for Applications: Organizations must contact the Grants Manager via email or phone for application instructions

Overview

The M S Doss Foundation Inc was established following the death of pioneering couple Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Doss, who despite having no children of their own, held an abiding love for young people and left their life estate to assist charitable youth organizations. Mr. Doss passed away in 1964 and Mrs. Doss in 1983, and the foundation received its IRS tax-exempt ruling in July 1984. With current assets of $73.4 million and annual giving of over $5 million, the foundation's mission is "to uplift the unfortunate, ameliorate the sufferings of the afflicted, and encourage, improve, and better mankind." The foundation maintains deep roots in Gaines County, Texas, where it operates several facilities including a youth center (built 1961), a chapel, and a museum, while extending its grant-making activities throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The foundation continues the Dosses' legacy of supporting youth development, education, and community welfare.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The M S Doss Foundation provides grants through a rolling application process with no fixed deadlines. While specific grant ranges are not publicly disclosed, the foundation distributed $5,012,760 in grants during 2023. Scholarships are awarded directly to colleges and universities on behalf of selected students, with eight students receiving scholarship support in recent filings.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on:

• Youth Organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts, YMCA/YWCA, youth centers and camps
• Children's Services: Children's homes, CASA, advocacy centers
• Mental Health and Counseling: Behavioral health centers, therapy centers, rehabilitation centers
• Human Services: Food banks, food pantries, homeless services, domestic violence programs, veterans services, Meals on Wheels, senior citizen centers
• Education: Scholarships for higher education, particularly for Gaines County youth
• Arts and Culture: Theatres, symphony organizations

The foundation shows special commitment to Gaines County, Texas, where it maintains facilities and provides scholarship opportunities for local youth.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish a comprehensive list of exclusions, funding is restricted to:

• Organizations in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado only
• Programs that align with youth services, family services, education, and community welfare
• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations

Organizations outside the three-state geographic area or those not focused on the foundation's priority areas would be ineligible.

Governance and Leadership

The M S Doss Foundation is led by a board of trustees who oversee its grant-making and facility operations:

• Jeannie Marrow: President and Board Chair
• Julia Narvarte Romanow: Secretary
• Karla Morton: Vice President
• Sidney R Beal: Treasurer
• Blake Johnston: Trustee

Key Staff:

• Sharla Jeter: Executive Director
• Lori Bagwell: Grants Manager

The foundation maintains a hands-on approach to its community roots through the operation of local facilities in Seminole, including the M.S. Doss Youth Center (established 1961, renovated 1975 and 1989 with addition of pool and racquetball courts), a chapel open to the community for concerts, programs, weddings, and funerals, and a museum housing the Doss collections.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The M S Doss Foundation uses a two-step application process with no fixed deadlines (rolling basis):

Step 1 - Letter of Inquiry: Organizations must first submit a brief letter of inquiry. Applicants should contact the Grants Manager, Lori Bagwell, at Lori@msdoss.org or (432) 758-2770 for specific instructions on submitting the initial inquiry.

Step 2 - Detailed Application: If the initial inquiry is favorably received, applicants will be invited to submit detailed information about their organization and proposed project.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations
• Organizations must operate within Texas, New Mexico, or Colorado
• Programs should align with the foundation's focus areas (youth services, education, human services, etc.)

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Because the foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines, decision times may vary. Applicants should inquire about expected timelines when contacting the Grants Manager.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish success rates or application statistics. With annual giving of approximately $5 million distributed among various organizations and programs, the foundation appears to maintain an active grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly documented. Organizations should inquire with the Grants Manager about reapplication procedures and any waiting periods if an initial application is not successful.

Application Success Factors

While the M S Doss Foundation does not publish detailed guidance for applicants, several factors emerge from understanding the foundation's history and priorities:

1. Alignment with Founders' Vision: The foundation was created by Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Doss, who despite having no children, devoted their estate to helping young people. Applications that demonstrate clear impact on youth development and community welfare align with this founding vision.

2. Geographic Connection: With special emphasis on Gaines County and facilities in Seminole, Texas, organizations with presence or impact in the foundation's home area may have stronger connections. However, the foundation actively supports organizations throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

3. Focus on the Vulnerable: The foundation's mission specifically mentions "uplifting the unfortunate" and "ameliorating the sufferings of the afflicted." Programs serving at-risk youth, families in crisis, individuals facing behavioral health challenges, food insecurity, homelessness, or domestic violence align with this mission.

4. Direct Service Impact: The foundation's support of children's homes, food banks, counseling centers, and similar direct-service organizations suggests preference for programs with measurable community impact.

5. Education and Development: The foundation's scholarship program and support of youth organizations indicate commitment to long-term development and educational opportunities.

6. Initial Contact is Key: Because the foundation requires initial contact with the Grants Manager before submitting applications, demonstrating professionalism, clarity, and mission alignment in that first communication is critical.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact the Grants Manager first: Do not send unsolicited full proposals. Email or call Lori Bagwell at Lori@msdoss.org or (432) 758-2770 to inquire about application procedures
• Rolling deadlines work in your favor: With no fixed deadlines, you can apply when your organization is ready rather than rushing to meet cutoffs
• Geographic eligibility is strict: Ensure your organization operates in Texas, New Mexico, or Colorado before inquiring
• Youth focus is paramount: While the foundation supports various program areas, youth services and family support are central to its mission
• Direct service matters: The foundation appears to favor organizations providing direct services to vulnerable populations rather than advocacy or research
• Local connection may help: Organizations with ties to Gaines County or Seminole, Texas, may have additional affinity with the foundation's roots
• Be prepared for two steps: Start with a concise letter of inquiry that clearly articulates mission alignment before being invited to submit detailed proposals

References

• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/751945227
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/751945227
• Foundation Directory (Candid): https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=DOSS003
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/m-s-doss-foundation,751945227/
• Grantmakers.io: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v1/751945227-m-s-doss-foundation-inc/
• The Grantsmanship Center: https://www.tgci.com/funder/ms-doss-foundation-inc
• GrantStation: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/ms-doss-foundation
• New Mexico Grant Administration: https://www.nmgrants.com/m-s-doss-foundation/
• M.S. Doss Foundation Website: https://msdoss.org/
• City of Seminole - M.S. Doss Youth Center: https://cityofseminoletx.org/services/m-s-doss-youth-center/
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/m-s-doss-foundation-inc

Information accessed March 2026