Potts And Sibley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,690,400 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $210,000
• Geographic Focus: Texas and Massachusetts

Contact Details

• Website: pottsandsibleyfoundation.org
• Phone: 432-686-7051
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8907, Midland, TX 79708-8907
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

Founded in 1967, the Potts and Sibley Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Midland, Texas, with assets of approximately $29.8 million. The foundation distributed $1,690,400 in grants in 2024 across 32 recipient organizations. As a private foundation with apparent mineral rights holdings in the oil-rich Midland region, the foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on education, human services, and supporting other philanthropic initiatives. The foundation maintains a targeted geographic approach, primarily supporting organizations in Texas and Massachusetts, noting that "because of their size, they cannot monitor grants in places distant from them."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a general grant program with awards typically ranging from $5,000 to $210,000. Grant application information and forms are available through their website at pottsandsibleyfoundation.org/grant-information.

Priority Areas

• Education
• Human Services
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
• Healthcare access for underserved populations

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Robert W. Bechtel
• Hiram Sibley
• Allen G. McGuire

In 2020, the foundation underwent legal proceedings to extend the trust's life and add governance members, demonstrating long-term planning for continued philanthropic impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation maintains a website with dedicated grant information page. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from pottsandsibleyfoundation.org/grant-information. Applications must be complete, with any missing information requiring full explanation.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

The foundation makes approximately 29-32 grants per year. Specific success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified

Application Success Factors

Based on available information and grant patterns:

• Geographic proximity to Texas (particularly the Midland area) or Massachusetts appears advantageous
• The foundation values its ability to maintain relationships with and monitor grant recipients
• Complete applications with thorough explanations for any missing information are required
• Projects aligning with education, human services, or healthcare for underserved populations fit their mission
• Grant requests within the $5,000-$210,000 range are typical

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation has a clear preference for organizations in Texas and Massachusetts due to their stated need to monitor grants effectively
• With approximately 30 grants annually from a $1.69 million distribution, the foundation maintains an active grant program
• Grant sizes vary widely from $5,000 to $210,000, allowing for both smaller operational grants and larger project funding
• Healthcare projects serving underserved populations align with their giving, as evidenced by their $120,000 grant to Midland Community Healthcare Services
• As a foundation with apparent oil and gas royalty income, they maintain stable annual giving
• Applications must be meticulously complete, with full explanations required for any missing elements

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Potts and Sibley Foundation profile and tax filings (accessed February 2025)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Potts and Sibley Foundation profile (accessed February 2025)
• Instrumentl Foundation Profile - Potts and Sibley Foundation grants and activities (accessed February 2025)
• GuideStar - Potts and Sibley Foundation organizational profile (accessed February 2025)
• Texas Tribune - Midland Community Healthcare Services grant announcement, January 2025
• Potts and Sibley Foundation website - pottsandsibleyfoundation.org (referenced February 2025)