Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $12,546,638
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not available
- Grant Range: Not specified
- Geographic Focus: Primarily Lubbock, TX area
Contact Details
- Mailing Address: PO Box 53665, Lubbock, TX 79453
- Phone: Not available
- Email: Not available
- Website: None identified
Overview
The Helen Jones Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1984 and based in Lubbock, Texas. With total assets of approximately $256 million and annual charitable disbursements of $12.5 million, the foundation represents one of the significant philanthropic entities in the West Texas region. The foundation generates revenue primarily through investment income, including dividends ($4.9 million) and sales of assets ($11 million), allowing it to maintain substantial grant-making capacity. Operating as a private foundation, it focuses on making grants to exempt organizations, though specific program areas and funding priorities are not publicly detailed.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available. The foundation's sole stated activity is "making grants to exempt organizations."
Priority Areas
Specific priority areas have not been publicly disclosed by the foundation.
What They Don't Fund
No explicit exclusions have been documented.
Governance and Leadership
The foundation is led by:
- James C. Arnold - President/Director (Compensation: $218,870)
- Marianna Markham - Vice President
- Samuel Hawthorne - Treasurer
- Chris Crews - Director (Compensation: $140,000)
- Barbara Bush - Board Member
- John W. Shanklin II - Board Member
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not appear to have a public application process. As a private foundation, grants are likely made at the discretion of the board of directors based on their established relationships and strategic priorities.
Getting on Their Radar
As a private foundation without a public application process, organizations seeking support would need to establish connections through board members or trusted advisors. Given the foundation's location in Lubbock and significant local presence, engagement through West Texas philanthropic and nonprofit networks may be beneficial.
Decision Timeline
Information about decision timelines is not publicly available.
Success Rates
Application and success rate data is not publicly disclosed.
Reapplication Policy
No information available regarding reapplication policies.
Application Success Factors
Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application process, success factors are difficult to determine. However, based on typical private foundation patterns:
- Geographic proximity to Lubbock, Texas may be advantageous
- Established relationships with board members or their networks
- Alignment with West Texas community needs
- Strong organizational track record and financial stability
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is a private foundation with substantial assets ($256 million) and significant annual giving ($12.5 million)
- No public application process exists - grants are made at board discretion
- The foundation maintains a low public profile with limited information available about specific funding priorities
- Building relationships with board members or their professional networks would be essential for consideration
- Organizations in the Lubbock/West Texas region may have geographic advantage
- With compensated leadership positions, the foundation appears professionally managed rather than purely volunteer-run
- The lack of public information suggests a preference for privacy and selective grantmaking
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Helen Jones Foundation Inc Profile (accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar Profile for Helen Jones Foundation Inc, EIN 75-1977748 (accessed January 2026)
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization data showing 501(c)(3) status since November 1984