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The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation for the Study and Teaching of the Science of Self-Government

Annual Giving
$0.9M
Grant Range
$4K - $0.4M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: $72.2M
  • Annual Giving: $930,800 in grants (plus $3M+ in scholarships)
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months (decisions in October/November)
  • Grant Range: $4,000 - $374,000
  • Median Grant: $32,000
  • Geographic Focus: Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma (primary); occasional grants in Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri

Contact Details

Website: https://www.sumnersfoundation.org/grants/
Address: 2201 W. Royal Lane, Suite 100, Irving, Texas 75063
Executive Director: T. Charles Pierson
Vice President of Programs: Eileen Resnik

Overview

The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation for the Study and Teaching of the Science of Self-Government was established in 1949 by former U.S. Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, who served 34 years in Congress (1913-1947) and chaired the House Judiciary Committee. With total assets of $72.2 million, the foundation has invested over $86 million in more than 200 organizations since its founding. The foundation's mission is to "encourage the study, teaching and research into the science and art of self-government" to help Americans understand democratic principles and actively participate in civic life. The foundation awards approximately $930,800 annually through 14 organizational grants and provides over $3 million in scholarships to undergraduate and law school students. Since 2013, the foundation has awarded 490 individual grants totaling $26,672,537.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates with a single annual grant cycle with applications accepted January 1 - August 1 at 5:00 PM CST through an online portal only.

Grant Amount Range: $4,000 - $374,000 (median: $32,000)

Priority Areas

The foundation supports programs that:

  • Civic Education and Engagement: Programs promoting understanding of democratic principles and constitutional government
  • Democracy Reform: Initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and processes
  • Teacher Training: Professional development for educators teaching civics, constitutional law, and democratic principles
  • Youth Development: Programs encouraging youth participation in political processes (e.g., Youth and Government programs)
  • Public Policy: Research and education related to self-government and civic responsibility
  • University Scholarships: Endowed scholarship programs at universities focusing on civic responsibility and leadership development

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct grants to individuals
  • Loans or fellowships
  • Grants for religious purposes
  • Grants for political campaigns or propaganda purposes
  • Indirect costs (grant funds must be used only for specific awarded purposes)
  • Capital campaigns or construction projects (rarely funded)
  • Multi-year grants (rarely approved)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Scott Higginbotham - Chairman (Dumas, TX)
  • Brant Martin - Vice Chairman (Fort Worth, TX) - Former Sumners Scholar
  • David G. Drumm - Treasurer (Dallas, TX)
  • Nathan Hecht - Trustee (Austin, TX) - Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, former Sumners Scholar
  • Shannon Hutcheson - Trustee (Austin, TX)
  • Bill Meadows - Trustee (Fort Worth, TX)
  • Jerry D. Reis - Trustee (Irving, TX)
  • Jarratt Watkins - Trustee (Fort Worth, TX)

Staff

  • T. Charles Pierson - Executive Director
  • Eileen Resnik - Vice President of Programs
  • Janemarie Clark - Staff Member

Leadership Philosophy

As Board Chairman Lon Williams (former chairman) noted: "It was important to Congressman Sumners for citizens to understand that the power of the government comes from the people." This principle guides the foundation's commitment to civic education and democratic engagement.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Application Method: Online portal only at www.sumnersfoundation.org/grants/
  • No Exceptions: The foundation will not accept applications via fax, email, or mail
  • Application Period: January 1 - August 1 at 5:00 PM Central Time
  • Annual Cycle: The foundation makes grants once per year
  • Completeness Required: Incomplete applications will not be considered

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: August 1 at 5:00 PM CST
  • Review Period: August - October
  • Decisions Made: October or November (2-3 months after deadline)
  • Funds Distributed: December
  • Notification: Applicants are advised once a decision has been made

Success Rates

While specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, the foundation awarded grants to 28 organizations in 2023 and 14 organizations in 2024, suggesting a selective but accessible process for organizations whose work aligns closely with the foundation's mission.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years. The foundation accepts new applications each annual cycle from January 1 - August 1.

Reporting Requirements

  • Interim Report: Due August 1
  • Final Report: Due December 1
  • Submission Method: Online through the grant portal

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Looks For

According to the foundation's guidelines: "A request determined to be within the Foundation's scope and statement of purpose will be reviewed carefully from the standpoint of program content, funding requirements, availability of funds, existing or future grant commitments, and geographic considerations."

Key Selection Criteria:

  1. Strong Alignment with Mission: Programs must clearly promote the study, teaching, or research of self-government. The foundation seeks organizations that help Americans understand democratic principles and participate actively in civic life.

  2. Geographic Fit: Priority given to programs primarily serving Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Programs in Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri are occasionally funded.

  3. Demonstrated Capacity for Leadership Development: The foundation values programs that develop civic leaders who are "civically engaged and possess a capacity for leadership."

  4. Academic Excellence Combined with Civic Purpose: Programs should demonstrate both intellectual rigor and practical application to democratic engagement.

  5. Clear, Specific Program Design: Applications must be complete and detailed, with specific funding requirements and measurable outcomes.

Recent Funded Projects (2023)

Understanding what the foundation has recently funded provides insight into their priorities:

  • State Bar of Texas ($374,000) - Law Focused Education and Teacher Training Institute on the Founding Documents
  • YMCA Albuquerque Central NM ($113,000) - Youth and Government program
  • YMCA Oklahoma City ($106,000) - Youth and Government program
  • Texas Tribune ($100,000) - Texas Tribune Festival
  • University of Dallas ($68,000) - Sumners Scholarship Programs
  • Fund for American Studies - Scholarships for TFAS DC Summer Program

These grants demonstrate the foundation's commitment to teacher training, youth civic engagement programs, public policy education, and scholarship support.

Application Tips

  • Review the Foundation's Purpose Carefully: The foundation emphasizes that applicants should thoroughly understand their mission focused on self-government education
  • Be Specific: Provide detailed program content and specific funding requirements
  • Complete Applications Only: Incomplete applications are automatically rejected
  • Focus on Civic Engagement: Demonstrate how your program will increase public understanding of individual freedom, civic responsibility, and active citizenship
  • Show Geographic Fit: Clearly indicate how your program serves the foundation's primary geographic areas
  • Avoid Indirect Costs: Do not include overhead or indirect costs in your budget; grants can only be used for specific program purposes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Single Annual Deadline: Mark August 1 at 5:00 PM CST as the only opportunity to apply each year; late applications are not accepted
  • Mission Alignment is Critical: Your program must clearly connect to teaching, studying, or researching self-government and democratic principles
  • Geographic Priority Matters: Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma programs receive priority; other Southwest states occasionally funded
  • Complete, Specific Applications Required: Incomplete applications are rejected immediately; provide detailed program design and specific budget needs
  • Decisions Take 2-3 Months: Expect notification in October or November, with funding distributed in December if approved
  • Grants Support Programs, Not Operations: Focus on specific programmatic activities rather than general operating support or indirect costs
  • Look at Recent Awards: The foundation's 2023 grants show strong support for teacher training ($374K), youth civic programs ($200K+), and public policy education ($100K)
  • Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond organizational grants, the foundation operates significant scholarship programs, so consider both pathways if eligible

References

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