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Amon G. Carter Foundation

Annual Giving
$36.3M
Grant Range
$85K - $15.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Amon G. Carter Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $36.3 million (2023)
  • Total Assets: $527.3 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies; Board meets 3 times annually (February, May, November)
  • Grant Range: $85,000 - $15 million (recent awards show wide variation)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Tarrant County, Texas; other areas considered case-by-case

Contact Details

Address: 201 Main Street, Suite 1945, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Mailing Address: PO Box 1036, Fort Worth, TX 76101-1036
Phone: 817-332-2783
Email: mwallace@agcf.org
Website: https://www.agcf.org

Application Contact: John H. Robinson, Executive Vice President

Overview

The Amon G. Carter Foundation is a Texas non-profit corporation established in 1945 by Amon G. Carter and his wife, Nenetta Burton Carter. Following an initial oil sale in 1947, the foundation received $8.5 million in founding capital. Upon Amon Carter's death in 1955, the foundation received the major portion of his estate valued at $7.4 million, including his art collection which led to the 1961 opening of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. As of December 31, 2024, the foundation has distributed over $860 million in charitable gifts. With current assets of approximately $527 million and annual giving of $36.3 million (2023), the foundation embodies Carter's philosophy that "they who acquire wealth are more or less stewards in the application of that wealth to others." The foundation dedicates half of its annual grant budget to the Amon Carter Museum for operations, capital improvements, and permanent collection additions, with the remaining funds supporting a broad range of community initiatives primarily in Tarrant County, Texas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates with a rolling application process rather than fixed grant cycles. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope:

  • Major Capital/Challenge Grants: $10-15 million (e.g., TCU Burnett School of Medicine challenge grant, Texas A&M Fort Worth campus)
  • Institutional Support: Variable amounts for established partners like Cook Children's Medical Center, Texas Health Harris Methodist, Baylor Scott & White
  • Community Programs: $85,000+ (e.g., Texas Center for Arts + Academics)
  • Amon Carter Museum: Approximately 50% of annual grant budget (~$18 million annually)

Application Method: Rolling basis with no standardized application form; Board reviews three times annually

Priority Areas

The foundation funds work across six primary categories:

  • Arts & Humanities: Museums, performing arts organizations, cultural institutions (Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Amon Carter Museum of American Art)
  • Education: Universities, schools, educational programs (Texas Christian University, K-12 initiatives)
  • Health & Medicine: Hospitals, medical centers, health services (Cook Children's Medical Center, Texas Health Harris Methodist, Carter BloodCare, Baylor Scott & White)
  • Social Services: Youth programs, elderly services, human services organizations
  • Civic & Public Affairs: Community endeavors that enhance quality of life
  • Museum Support: Dedicated funding for Amon Carter Museum operations and collections

The foundation recognizes that "quality of life is improved through a variety of organizations and interests" and acknowledges that "modest financial support plus guidance and encouragement allow a fledgling organization to flourish."

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status or other appropriate IRS exemption
  • Email grant submissions (not accepted)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Mark L. Johnson - President
  • Kate Johnson - Vice President
  • Sheila B. Johnson - Secretary/Treasurer

Staff

  • John H. Robinson - Executive Vice President (primary application contact)
  • Grant W. Harris - Senior Vice President
  • Chad McNeal - Senior Vice President of Investments
  • Kelly Fears - Assistant Controller
  • Mel Wallace - Executive Assistant

The foundation operates with a streamlined staff focused on stewardship of the founder's legacy while maintaining flexibility in grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Amon G. Carter Foundation operates a rolling application process with no set deadlines and no standardized application form.

Submission Requirements:

  • One copy of proposal with narrative summary and budget for the program
  • Current year organizational budget
  • Prior year budget with actual results
  • Most recent Annual Report
  • Latest audit report or tax return
  • Board member list
  • IRS Tax Determination Letter

Important Notes:

  • Grant submissions are not accepted via email
  • The foundation prefers in-person meetings with applicants when possible
  • Submit materials to: John H. Robinson, Executive Vice President, Amon G. Carter Foundation, PO Box 1036, Fort Worth, TX 76101-1036

Decision Timeline

  • Board Meetings: Three times annually, typically in February, May, and November
  • Review Process: Applications are received and processed throughout the year
  • Decision Time: Varies depending on when submission is received relative to Board meeting schedule; could range from a few weeks to several months

Success Rates

The foundation made approximately 192 awards in 2022 from total giving of $33.7 million and contributed $36.3 million across grants in 2023. Specific success rate percentages and total application numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is publicly documented. Organizations should contact John H. Robinson for guidance on resubmission.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not publish detailed evaluation criteria, research reveals several key considerations:

Geographic Alignment: The foundation prioritizes Tarrant County, Texas projects, though other geographic areas are considered on a case-by-case basis. Strong Fort Worth connections increase competitiveness.

Established Relationships: Major grants frequently support long-standing institutional partners (Cook Children's Medical Center, Texas Christian University, Texas Health Harris Methodist). The foundation's preference for in-person meetings suggests relationship-building is valued.

Scale and Impact Philosophy: The foundation's own statement that "modest financial support plus guidance and encouragement allow a fledgling organization to flourish" indicates openness to both major capital projects and smaller community initiatives. Recent grants range from $85,000 to $15 million, demonstrating flexibility based on organizational capacity and project scope.

Mission Alignment: Projects should clearly align with the foundation's six funding categories: Arts & Humanities, Education, Health & Medicine, Social Services, Civic & Public Affairs, or Museum Support.

Organizational Capacity: Required documentation (audits, budgets, annual reports) suggests the foundation evaluates fiscal health and management capacity.

Recent Examples of Funded Projects:

  • TCU Burnett School of Medicine: $15 million challenge grant (required school to raise $30 million to unlock foundation funding)
  • Texas A&M Fort Worth Campus: $10.75 million including land gift and construction support
  • Texas Center for Arts + Academics: $85,000 for arts education programming

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Tarrant County focus is critical: While exceptions exist, the strongest applications demonstrate clear benefit to Fort Worth and Tarrant County communities
  • No deadlines means strategic timing: With only three Board meetings annually (February, May, November), time your submission to allow adequate review before the next meeting
  • Relationship-building matters: The foundation's preference for in-person meetings and long-standing institutional partnerships suggests relationship development should precede major grant requests
  • Wide funding range requires realistic asks: Match your request to organizational capacity and project scope; foundation funds both $85,000 community programs and multi-million dollar capital campaigns
  • Challenge grants are a tool: The $15 million TCU challenge grant demonstrates the foundation's willingness to use matching structures to leverage additional community support
  • Mail-only submissions: Plan for postal delivery times; email submissions are not accepted
  • Museum commitment is substantial: Remember that 50% of annual giving supports the Amon Carter Museum, meaning approximately $18 million is reserved, leaving ~$18 million for all other community grants

References

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