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Wood Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.0M
Grant Range
Up to $1.5M00
Decision Time
2mo
0

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,040,571 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: ~23 grants annually
  • Grant Range: Varies widely - major grants up to $1,500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Odessa, TX and surrounding Permian Basin counties
  • Application Cycle: Spring (March 1) and Fall (August 1) deadlines
  • Total Community Investment: Over $18 million since founding

Contact Details

Wood Family Foundation

For Grant Questions: Contact Brenda Denton, Executive Director

Overview

Founded in 1999 by Clay and Louise Wood and their sons Jack and Don, the Wood Family Foundation supports causes that aid, empower, educate, and enrich the West Texas community. The family achieved financial success through diverse business ventures including fuel distribution, oil and gas, banking, real estate, and convenience stores. Since its formation, the Foundation has reinvested over $18 million into the community with major objectives focused on education and healthcare. The Foundation operates as a private foundation (EIN: 752806006) and primarily serves Odessa, Texas and the surrounding Permian Basin area. In 2023, the foundation distributed $2,040,571 across 23 awards, continuing its commitment to helping families and Odessa grow and prosper.

Funding Priorities

Primary Focus Areas

Education: Supporting educational institutions and initiatives that ensure opportunities for success for local residents

Healthcare/Medical: Funding medical facilities, equipment, and programs that provide healthcare benefits to citizens of Odessa and the Permian Basin

Family Support: Strengthening bonds and relationships within families through community services

Notable Past Recipients

  • University of Texas Permian Basin
  • Odessa College
  • Texas Tech University Health Science Center
  • Medical Center Health System Foundation
  • Odessa Crisis Center
  • Wagner Noël Performing Art Center

Recent Major Grants

  • $1.5 million to Medical Center Hospital for the Abdul Kadir, M.D. Stroke Center of Excellence
  • $1 million to Odessa Crisis Center for the Louise Wood Angel House (safe haven for domestic and sexual violence victims - will accommodate three times more families than previous facility)
  • Major funding to Texas Tech University Health Science Center Simulation Center (13,789 square foot facility with advanced medical training technologies and equipment)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
  • Must primarily benefit citizens of Odessa, Texas and surrounding Permian Basin counties
  • Organizations must demonstrate they are seeking funding from multiple sources
  • Cannot make grants to individuals

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Organizations cannot apply for same or similar funding more than once per fiscal year

Governance and Leadership

Foundation History

Founded by Clay and Louise Wood alongside their sons Jack and Don Wood. The family is described as achieving success through "old fashioned hard work and frugality" and being deeply rooted in the Permian Basin community.

Current Leadership

Brenda Denton - Executive Director

The foundation's leadership is committed to supporting West Texas community causes for generations to come, with a philosophy of reinvesting in the region that enabled their business success.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Wood Family Foundation uses a two-stage application process:

Stage 1: Pre-Application Request

  • Submit "Pre-Application Request" or "Intent to Apply" through online portal
  • Pre-applications are reviewed every 4-6 weeks
  • Organizations that previously received funding in the last two fiscal years OR nonprofits located within Ector County must submit an Intent to Apply before receiving the full application

Stage 2: Full Application (by invitation only)

  • If the foundation is interested after reviewing pre-application, organization receives full application instructions
  • Complete application through online portal using provided Adobe Acrobat PDF forms
  • All grant requests must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted

Application Portal: Available at woodfoundationodessa.org/grants

Application Deadlines

  • Spring Grant Cycle: March 1
  • Fall Grant Cycle: August 1

Special Requirements for Large Capital Campaigns

Organizations seeking funding for capital campaigns raising $1 million or more must have already raised approximately 50% of the needed funds prior to application to the foundation.

Decision Timeline

Pre-application requests are reviewed every 4-6 weeks. Specific timelines for final decisions after full application submission are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation states that "due to the number and magnitude of requests received each year, the Foundation cannot respond favorably to all requests," indicating a competitive application process. In 2023, 23 awards were made from an undisclosed number of applications. Specific acceptance percentages are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations cannot apply for the same or similar funding more than once per fiscal year. Specific waiting periods after denied applications are not publicly documented. Organizations with questions about reapplication should contact Brenda Denton directly.

Application Success Factors

Key Alignment Factors

Geographic Focus: The foundation strongly prioritizes organizations serving Odessa and the surrounding Permian Basin area. This is a critical alignment factor.

Priority Areas: Applications in education and healthcare/medical fields receive primary consideration, as these are the foundation's major objectives.

Financial Sustainability: Demonstrating that your organization is seeking funding from multiple sources is a requirement. The foundation wants to support organizations with diversified funding strategies.

Community Impact: The foundation's mission centers on helping "families, and Odessa, grow and prosper." Applications should clearly articulate local impact on residents' quality of life.

Capital Campaign Readiness: For major capital campaigns over $1 million, having already secured approximately 50% of needed funds demonstrates project viability and momentum.

Application Tips

  1. Use the Pre-Application Strategically: The pre-application is your opportunity to capture the foundation's interest. Be clear and compelling about your project's alignment with education or healthcare priorities.

  2. Follow the Digital Process: The foundation requires online submissions using their portal and Adobe PDF forms. Ensure you can complete applications digitally.

  3. Plan for Cycle Deadlines: With only two annual deadlines (March 1 and August 1), plan well in advance to prepare strong applications.

  4. Contact Before Applying: For questions or clarification, reach out to Executive Director Brenda Denton at (432) 200-6313 or brendad@woodfoundationodessa.org before submitting.

  5. Organizations with Previous Funding: If you've received funding in the last two fiscal years, you must start with an Intent to Apply rather than the standard pre-application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Local Focus is Critical: This foundation exclusively serves Odessa and the Permian Basin. If you're outside this geographic area, do not apply.

  • Two-Stage Process Requires Patience: You must first submit a pre-application and be invited to apply. Factor this into your fundraising timeline with 4-6 week review periods.

  • Education and Healthcare Have Priority: While other causes may be considered, the foundation's major objectives are education and healthcare. Frame your work within these priorities when possible.

  • Major Gifts Are Possible: With grants ranging from smaller awards to multi-million dollar commitments, the foundation has capacity for significant projects. Recent grants include $1 million and $1.5 million awards.

  • Capital Campaign Requirements: For campaigns over $1 million, secure 50% of funds before applying to demonstrate project momentum and viability.

  • Single Annual Request: You can only apply once per fiscal year for the same project, so make your application count.

  • Multiple Funding Sources Required: The foundation wants to see diversified fundraising efforts. Show your other funding sources and sustainability plan.

References

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