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Dora Roberts Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,989,217 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Texas, with emphasis on Big Spring
  • Number of Annual Awards: Approximately 25-28 grants

Contact Details

Dora Roberts Foundation 10 S Dearborn St # Il1-0111 Chicago, IL 60603-2300

Phone: 800-496-2583

Trustee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

EIN: 75-6013899

Note: The foundation does not appear to have a public website.

Overview

The Dora Roberts Foundation was established on April 29, 1948, when Mrs. Dora Nunn Roberts transferred oil-producing tracts to a trustee (originally Fort Worth National Bank, now JPMorgan Chase), with income designated to benefit her two daughters, universities, and other institutions. The foundation currently manages assets of approximately $72 million and distributes approximately $4 million in grants annually to organizations primarily in Texas, with particular emphasis on the Big Spring area. As a traditional private foundation, it maintains a consistent grantmaking program of 25-28 awards per year. The foundation operates under the stewardship of JPMorgan Chase as trustee, which manages the foundation's assets and oversees the grantmaking process.

Funding Priorities

Historical Funding Focus

Based on the founder's philanthropic legacy and the foundation's charter, priority areas include:

  • Higher Education: Historical support for Texas universities including McMurry College (now McMurry University), Texas Wesleyan University, and Southwestern University
  • Healthcare and Rehabilitation: Support for medical facilities and rehabilitation centers, particularly in the Big Spring area
  • Vocational and Technical Training: Educational programs focused on workforce development
  • Religious Institutions: Support for churches and faith-based organizations

Geographic Focus

The foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Texas, with particular emphasis on Big Spring and the surrounding West Texas region.

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly available. As a private foundation, grantmaking decisions are made at the discretion of the trustee.

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. serves as the custodian and trustee of the foundation, responsible for managing assets and overseeing the grantmaking program.

The foundation was established by Dora Nunn Roberts (1863-1953), a pioneering Texas rancher and philanthropist who built significant wealth through oil royalties on her ranch lands. Mrs. Roberts was known for her generosity to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community organizations in West Texas. She served as president and chairman of the board of Big Spring First National Bank and was actively involved in community development.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Dora Roberts Foundation does not have a public application process.

As a private foundation managed by JPMorgan Chase as trustee, grantmaking decisions are made at the discretion of the trustee. The foundation does not maintain a public website, published application guidelines, or an online grant portal. Based on the foundation's structure and historical patterns, grants are likely awarded to:

  • Organizations with which the foundation has established relationships
  • Institutions that align with the founder's historical philanthropic interests
  • Organizations identified by the trustee as meeting the foundation's mission

Organizations interested in being considered for funding may contact the foundation directly at the phone number listed above, though there is no guarantee that unsolicited inquiries will result in grant consideration.

Decision Timeline

Information about decision timelines is not publicly available.

Success Rates

With approximately 25-28 grants awarded annually from what is likely a much larger pool of potential beneficiaries, the foundation maintains a selective grantmaking program. However, specific application and success rate data is not available as there is no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about the Dora Roberts Foundation's current grantmaking practices, organizations seeking funding should consider:

  • Alignment with Historical Priorities: The foundation was established to benefit universities and other institutions, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, and religious organizations. Organizations working in these areas may be more likely to receive consideration.

  • Geographic Connection: Strong preference for organizations serving Texas, particularly the Big Spring area and West Texas region. The founder's deep connection to Big Spring and Howard County suggests ongoing interest in supporting this community.

  • Established Institutions: Historical giving patterns show support for established universities and healthcare facilities rather than startup organizations. Institutional stability and longevity may be important factors.

  • Direct Contact: Given the absence of formal application procedures, building a relationship with the trustee (JPMorgan Chase) may be important. Organizations may benefit from direct communication about their mission and needs.

  • Healthcare and Education Focus: The founder's legacy includes significant support for medical facilities (Methodist Hospital of Houston, Health Rehabilitation Center in Big Spring) and multiple universities, suggesting these sectors remain priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Dora Roberts Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications through a public process; grantmaking is managed at the trustee's discretion
  • With approximately $4 million distributed annually across 25-28 grants, average grant size is likely in the $140,000-$160,000 range
  • The foundation shows strong geographic preference for Texas organizations, particularly those serving the Big Spring area
  • Historical giving patterns emphasize higher education, healthcare/rehabilitation services, vocational training, and religious institutions
  • JPMorgan Chase, as trustee, manages all aspects of the foundation's operations and grantmaking
  • Organizations seeking funding should focus on demonstrating alignment with the founder's historical philanthropic interests
  • Direct contact with the foundation may be necessary, though there is no guarantee of consideration without an established relationship

References

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