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James N. McCoy Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.1M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.2M
Decision Time
2mo

James N. McCoy Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,106,810 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Grant allocations in May and November
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $206,000
  • Geographic Focus: Wichita County, Texas (primarily Wichita Falls)
  • Awards Made: 71 grants (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 3711 Maplewood Ave, Suite 200, Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Phone: 940.263.1308
Email: grants@jamesnmccoyfoundation.org
Website: https://jamesnmccoyfoundation.org
Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=twav

Overview

The James N. McCoy Foundation was established in 1995 by James Neal McCoy (1933-2021), a petroleum engineer who founded Echometer Company and was committed to giving back to his community. Since its founding, the foundation has demonstrated strong growth, with a 216% increase over five years and a 120% year-over-year increase in 2024. Currently led by President Vicki McCoy, the foundation supports nonprofit and educational organizations focused on creating and sustaining a vibrant community in Wichita Falls and Wichita County. With $7.1 million distributed across 71 awards in 2024, the foundation honors James N. McCoy's legacy by supporting Christian organizations, crime prevention, community development, education, healthcare, and social services agencies. Notable achievements include providing initial funding in 2004 for the McCoy School of Engineering at Midwestern State University, with continued support leading to the 2018 naming of the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates two grant cycles annually with the following timeline:

  • Letter of Intent Deadlines: February 15 and August 15
  • Application Windows: January 1 – March 15 and June 1 – September 15
  • Funding Decisions: May and November

Funding Types:

  • General operating expenses
  • Special projects
  • Capital campaigns

Grant Range: $2,000 - $206,000 (typical range based on recent award data)

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations in six key areas:

  • Christian organizations
  • Crime prevention initiatives
  • Community development
  • Education (including higher education and K-12)
  • Healthcare
  • Social services agencies

Geographic Focus

Applications are primarily accepted from organizations located in Wichita County, Texas, with a strong focus on Wichita Falls.

Eligibility Requirements

The foundation considers applications from:

  • Organizations exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3)
  • Other qualifying tax-exempt organizations
  • Organizations must be primarily located in Wichita County, Texas

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not detailed on the foundation's website. Contact the foundation directly to confirm eligibility for specific project types.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership

Vicki McCoy - President
As foundation president, Vicki McCoy is "committed to understanding the evolving needs of the community and enjoys visiting with local nonprofits." She continues the legacy established by her late husband, James Neal McCoy.

James Neal McCoy (1933-2021) - Founder
Born in Oklahoma, McCoy earned degrees in Petroleum Engineering from Oklahoma University and a Master of Science from Penn State. He founded Echometer Company and established the foundation to ensure his family's legacy of generosity would continue supporting the Wichita Falls community. According to the foundation, McCoy "came from a very humble background and understood the importance of giving back" to his community.

Board

The foundation's board members are described as "devoted to continuing the family legacy of generosity and uplifting the community," though individual board member names are not publicly listed on the website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For First-Time Applicants: Organizations that have not previously received a grant from the foundation must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) before being invited to submit a full application.

For Previous Grant Recipients: Organizations with prior grants from the foundation may submit applications directly without an LOI.

Application Submission:

Decision Timeline

Cycle 1:

  • Letter of Intent Deadline: February 15
  • Application Window: January 1 – March 15
  • Funding Decision: May

Cycle 2:

  • Letter of Intent Deadline: August 15
  • Application Window: June 1 – September 15
  • Funding Decision: November

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 71 grants in 2024. However, specific data on the total number of applications received or overall success rates is not publicly available.

Post-Award Requirements

  • The foundation may request phone or in-person visits with your organization to learn more about programs
  • Grant recipients may be required to complete a brief follow-up report several months after receiving funding
  • These visits and reports help the foundation understand community impact

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply once per calendar year. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years, though there is no stated waiting period for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Guidance

Geographic Alignment: The foundation prioritizes organizations "primarily located in Wichita County, Texas." Ensure your application clearly demonstrates local impact and community benefit in the Wichita Falls area.

Relationship Building: Foundation President Vicki McCoy "enjoys visiting with local nonprofits" and is "committed to understanding the evolving needs of the community." The foundation values direct connection with grantees and may conduct site visits, indicating that relationship-building is important.

Legacy and Values: The foundation honors James N. McCoy's legacy, who came from a humble background and valued giving back. Applications that align with the founder's values of community upliftment and addressing genuine local needs may resonate with decision-makers.

Multi-Year Partnership Potential: The foundation's long-term support of Midwestern State University (from 2004 through at least 2018) demonstrates willingness to invest in organizations over time. First-time applicants should view the initial grant as a potential starting point for an ongoing partnership.

Communication and Accessibility: The foundation provides direct phone and email support (940.263.1308 or grants@jamesnmccoyfoundation.org) for questions, emergency needs, or help with applications. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.

Application Requirements

Letter of Intent Process: New applicants must go through the LOI process before submitting a full application. Use this as an opportunity to clearly and concisely articulate your organization's mission, the specific need, and how it aligns with the foundation's priorities.

One Application Per Year: With only one opportunity annually to apply, ensure your application is well-prepared, thoroughly reviewed, and represents your organization's most pressing need aligned with foundation priorities.

Follow-Up Reporting: The foundation may require brief follow-up reports. This indicates they value accountability and measurable impact. Be prepared to demonstrate outcomes and community benefit.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic requirement is strict: Your organization must be primarily located in Wichita County, Texas, with strong preference for Wichita Falls-based organizations.

  • Strong growth trajectory: The foundation has grown 216% over five years, signaling expanding capacity and potential for increased grant opportunities.

  • Wide grant range offers flexibility: With grants ranging from $2,000 to $206,000, the foundation supports both small projects and major initiatives—tailor your request to genuine need rather than perceived limits.

  • Relationship matters: President Vicki McCoy values personal connection with nonprofits. Be responsive to requests for site visits or phone calls, and view these as partnership-building opportunities.

  • First-time applicants start with LOI: The Letter of Intent process for new applicants allows the foundation to manage volume and ensures fit before requesting full applications—make your LOI compelling and aligned with priorities.

  • Multiple funding types supported: General operating support, special projects, and capital campaigns are all eligible, providing flexibility in how you approach funding requests.

  • One shot per year: With only one application allowed per calendar year and two cycles annually, strategic timing and thorough preparation are essential—choose your strongest alignment with foundation priorities.

References

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