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High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.7M
Grant Range
Up to $3.0M

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: $575.8 million (2024)
  • Annual Giving: $12.7 million (2021)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation/relationship-based)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly (major grants of $3 million documented)
  • Geographic Focus: Texas Panhandle region, with broader focus on Texas and Southwest US

Contact Details

Address: 701 Park Place Ave. Amarillo, TX 79101

Phone: (806) 337-4159 Fax: (806) 337-4149 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Note: Contact through Baptist Community Services, the parent organization

Overview

High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation was established in 1996 as part of the Baptist Community Services family of organizations in Amarillo, Texas. The foundation's mission is to "make a difference for Christ in Amarillo, in Texas, and the World." With total assets exceeding $575 million (2024) and annual grant distributions of approximately $12.7 million, the foundation promotes Christian causes, programs, and healthcare services throughout the region. By 1998, just two years after its founding, the foundation had already distributed its first million dollars in gifts and grants. The foundation earned a Four-Star rating (94%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and accountability. In 2021, West Texas A&M University honored the foundation with the Pinnacle Award in recognition of its historic $3 million gift to support nursing education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates without fixed grant programs or application cycles. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion and in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Grant Distribution (2021):

  • 110 grants totaling $12,739,272
  • Distributed to 76 organizations
  • Major grants documented up to $3 million

Application Method: No public application process; grants awarded through trustee discretion and organizational relationships

Priority Areas

Geographic Focus:

  • Primary: Texas Panhandle region
  • Secondary: Broader Texas and Southwest United States

Funding Categories:

  • Development of new Christian ministries
  • Support for Baptist Community Services programs and initiatives
  • Healthcare and health promotion services
  • Christian educational programs
  • Existing Christian ministries and community programs
  • Nursing education and healthcare workforce development

Denominational Affiliation: Works in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, though grants extend beyond Baptist organizations to other Christian ministries and healthcare initiatives.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation's focus is clearly on Christian ministries, healthcare services, and programs aligned with Baptist values and mission.

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (as of 2024):

  • Stephen Dalrymple - President of High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation (previously served as President, CEO, and General Counsel of Baptist Community Services)
  • Mark Hotmann - President and CEO of Baptist Community Services (also serves as CFO)

Historical Leadership:

  • Carroll Bedwell - Chairman of the Board of Trustees (as of 2021)

The foundation operates under the broader Baptist Community Services organizational structure, which is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process.

Grants are awarded through trustee discretion and in partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The foundation primarily identifies grant recipients through:

  • Pre-existing relationships with Baptist Community Services
  • Partnerships with the Baptist General Convention of Texas
  • Direct identification of projects by the foundation's board of trustees

The foundation makes grants for the support of Baptist Community Services and its programs, as well as other existing Christian ministries and Christian/community programs in the region.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, as grants are awarded through board discretion rather than formal application cycles.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The foundation distributed 110 grants to 76 organizations in 2021, suggesting some organizations received multiple grants during the fiscal year.

Reapplication Policy

No formal reapplication policy exists, as there is no public application process. Grant recipients appear to receive ongoing support, as evidenced by the pattern of multiple grants to some organizations.

Application Success Factors

Since High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success in obtaining funding is based on:

Relationship-Based Factors:

  • Existing relationships with Baptist Community Services or affiliated organizations
  • Connection to the Baptist General Convention of Texas
  • Alignment with the foundation's mission to "make a difference for Christ in Amarillo, in Texas, and the World"

Mission Alignment:

  • Christian ministry focus, particularly Baptist-aligned initiatives
  • Healthcare and health promotion services in the Texas Panhandle
  • Community programs that serve the Amarillo region
  • Educational initiatives, particularly in healthcare fields

Examples of Recent Funding:

  • West Texas A&M University Nursing Program - $3 million (2021): The largest gift in the foundation's history, this grant supported the Baptist Community Services Nursing Education Floor in the Harrington Center. This demonstrates the foundation's interest in healthcare workforce development and educational partnerships.

Strategic Considerations: Organizations seeking funding should focus on building relationships with Baptist Community Services and demonstrating how their work aligns with Christian ministry and healthcare service goals in the Texas Panhandle region.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications; grants are awarded through trustee discretion
  • Relationship-Driven: Success depends on pre-existing relationships with Baptist Community Services or the Baptist General Convention of Texas
  • Significant Assets: With over $575 million in assets, this is a well-resourced foundation capable of making major grants
  • Healthcare Priority: Recent major grant to nursing education demonstrates strong interest in healthcare workforce and services
  • Regional Focus: Primary geographic focus is the Texas Panhandle, particularly Amarillo and surrounding areas
  • Baptist Affiliation: Works in conjunction with Baptist General Convention of Texas, though grants extend to broader Christian ministries
  • Proven Track Record: The foundation distributed 110 grants totaling nearly $13 million in 2021, demonstrating consistent grant-making activity

References

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