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The Beal Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.9M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.5M
Decision Time
2mo
Success Rate
50%

The Beal Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6,898,306 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $81.4 million (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: Approximately $84,000 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 82 awards in 2023
  • Geographic Focus: Midland, Texas area exclusively
  • Organizations Funded: 186 organizations since inception
  • Application Method: Online via Submittable (two fixed deadlines annually)

Contact Details

Address: 104 S Pecos St, Midland, TX 79701-5021

Phone: 432-682-3753

Website: https://thebealfoundation.org

Application Portal: https://thebealfoundation.submittable.com/submit

Overview

The Beal Foundation was established in 1963 by Keleen and Carlton Beal with a mission to contribute to the betterment of Midland, Texas. As a private family foundation, it focuses on improving education, health, humanities, and welfare in the Midland area. The foundation has grown significantly over six decades, with total assets of $81.4 million as of 2024 and annual giving exceeding $6.8 million. Carlton Beal (1914-1994) was a prominent Midland businessman who, along with his wife Keleen, moved to Midland in 1954 and became deeply invested in the community's development. The foundation continues to be managed by the Beal family, with board members including Elizabeth Beal Davenport (Chairman/President), Spencer Beal, Barry Beal Jr., Stuart Beal (Secretary/Treasurer), Michael Beal, and Alex Beal. Since its founding, the foundation has supported 186 organizations throughout the Midland community, maintaining a consistent commitment to local impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Beal Foundation operates a single general grantmaking program with two annual cycles rather than separate named programs. Grants are considered for qualified nonprofit organizations in the Midland area.

  • Winter Cycle: Applications open January 1, due February 15, decisions made at April board meeting
  • Autumn Cycle: Applications open August 1, due September 15, decisions made at November board meeting
  • Application Method: Online submissions through Submittable platform (rolling applications not accepted)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four core areas within the Midland, Texas geographic region:

  • Education: Support for schools, educational programs, scholarships, and learning initiatives
  • Health: Healthcare facilities, medical services, and health-related programs
  • Humanities: Arts, culture, history, and humanities organizations
  • Welfare: Social services, community development, and programs supporting vulnerable populations

The foundation has historically supported major Midland institutions including Midland College, Midland Memorial Hospital, Trinity School, and numerous other community organizations.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual applicants (organizations only)
  • Lobbying organizations
  • Organizations outside the Midland, Texas area
  • Organizations that are not tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
  • Organizations that are not classified as public charities under IRS Section 509(a)

Governance and Leadership

The Beal Foundation is governed by a board of trustees composed entirely of Beal family members, reflecting its status as a private family foundation:

  • Elizabeth Beal Davenport - Chairman/President
  • Stuart Beal - Secretary/Treasurer
  • Spencer Beal - Trustee
  • Barry Beal Jr. - Trustee
  • Michael Beal - Trustee
  • Alex Beal - Trustee

Board members serve without compensation, and the foundation maintains its commitment to the original vision of founders Carlton and Keleen Beal to improve the Midland community across multiple sectors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Beal Foundation accepts applications exclusively through their online Submittable portal at https://thebealfoundation.submittable.com/submit. Applications are accepted only during two specific windows each year:

Winter Cycle:

  • Applications open: January 1
  • Deadline: February 15
  • Board meeting: April

Autumn Cycle:

  • Applications open: August 1
  • Deadline: September 15
  • Board meeting: November

Technical Requirements:

  • Applicants must create a free Submittable account
  • Applications can be saved as drafts and completed later
  • Supported browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari (Internet Explorer not supported)
  • For technical assistance, consult the Submittable Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support

Eligibility Documentation Required:

  • IRS Letter of Determination showing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Classification as a public charity under IRS Section 509(a)
  • Government entities must provide evidence of tax-exempt status

Decision Timeline

The foundation makes grant decisions during board meetings held in April (for winter cycle applications) and November (for autumn cycle applications). Based on the submission deadlines and meeting schedules:

  • Winter Cycle: Approximately 6-8 weeks from February 15 deadline to April decision
  • Autumn Cycle: Approximately 6-8 weeks from September 15 deadline to November decision

Applicants are notified via email through the Submittable platform. The foundation advises applicants to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check their email regularly for updates.

Success Rates

The Beal Foundation has demonstrated consistent grantmaking activity with the following statistics:

  • 2023: 82 grants awarded from $6,898,306 total giving
  • 2022: 91 grants awarded
  • 2021: 95 grants awarded
  • 2020: 91 grants awarded
  • 2019: 101 grants awarded

While specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed, the foundation's consistent support of approximately 80-100 organizations annually from a pool of 186 organizations historically funded suggests that established relationships with the foundation and alignment with Midland community priorities are important factors.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. However, the semi-annual application cycles (two opportunities per year) suggest that organizations can reapply in subsequent cycles. Given the foundation's long history with 186 organizations and consistent annual grantmaking, relationship building over time appears to be valued.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated evaluation criteria and 60+ years of grantmaking history, the following factors are critical for application success:

Geographic Alignment: The foundation exclusively funds organizations serving the Midland, Texas area. Applications from organizations outside this geographic focus will not be considered.

Mission Alignment with Four Core Areas: Applications must clearly demonstrate how the project aligns with education, health, humanities, or welfare - the foundation's four explicit priority areas established by founders Keleen and Carlton Beal.

Organizational Qualifications: The foundation evaluates three key organizational factors:

  • The organization's mission and how it serves the Midland community
  • The demonstrated need for the proposed project or program
  • The organization's existing support base and financial sustainability

Historical Relationship: The foundation considers its historical relationship with applicant organizations. Since the foundation has funded 186 organizations over its history and makes 80-100 grants annually, many grants likely go to repeat grantees. New organizations should clearly articulate how they complement or fill gaps in the existing Midland nonprofit landscape.

Clear Community Impact: Given the foundation's roots in the Beal family's commitment to "the betterment of Midland," applications should demonstrate tangible, measurable impact on the Midland community within one or more of the four priority areas.

Proper Documentation: Applications must include required IRS documentation proving 501(c)(3) status and public charity classification under Section 509(a). Incomplete applications lacking proper documentation will not be considered.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Midland-only focus: This foundation exclusively funds Midland, Texas organizations. Do not apply if your organization primarily serves other communities, even within Texas.

  • Two annual opportunities: With application windows opening January 1 and August 1, plan your applications well in advance to meet the February 15 or September 15 deadlines.

  • Substantial but not massive grants: With average grants around $84,000 (based on 2023 data) and total giving of nearly $7 million annually across 82 grants, expect moderate to mid-sized awards rather than six-figure transformational gifts, though grant sizes likely vary.

  • Family foundation stability: As a well-established family foundation with $81.4 million in assets and multi-generational leadership, the Beal Foundation represents a stable, long-term funding partner for Midland organizations.

  • Four clear pillars: Every application must clearly fit within education, health, humanities, or welfare. If your project spans multiple areas, articulate this clearly in your application.

  • Relationship-building matters: With 186 organizations funded historically and 80+ grants made annually, many grants likely go to organizations with established track records. First-time applicants should clearly demonstrate organizational credibility and community impact.

  • Technical preparedness: Ensure you have your 501(c)(3) and 509(a) documentation ready before starting your Submittable application, and familiarize yourself with the platform in advance of deadlines.

References

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