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Broughton Foundation Trust

Annual Giving
$3.8M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.9M

Broughton Foundation Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,800,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $890,000
  • Grant Median: $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: West Texas, with emphasis on Big Spring, Dallas, Lubbock, San Angelo, Fort Worth, Stanton, and Abilene
  • Total Assets: $94,000,000

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

  • Jim Weaver, Trustee
  • PO Box 12774, Dallas, TX 75225

EIN: 75-6395131

Note: No website, phone number, or email address publicly available.

Overview

The Broughton Foundation Trust is a private foundation established in 1983 by G.C. Broughton, Jr., a Big Spring native who dedicated his life to the agriculture industry. After his passing in 2001, his wife Jean Broughton became a trustee, and the foundation continues to serve Howard County and West Texas communities. The foundation has grown substantially, with total assets of approximately $94 million and annual charitable distributions of $3.8 million in 2024. The foundation made 22 grants in 2024, focusing primarily on healthcare, education, community services, and emergency services across West Texas communities. G.C. Broughton, Jr. owned and operated Broughton Implement for over 25 years, numerous cotton gins, and was active in the oil and gas industry, which forms the basis of the foundation's endowment.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a trustee-discretionary basis without formal application deadlines or publicly defined grant programs. Grant awards in 2024 ranged from $5,000 to $890,000, with a median grant of $100,000.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking activity, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Healthcare: Children's hospitals, hospital foundations, and emergency medical services
  • Education: College and university programs, particularly nursing education and agricultural sciences
  • Community Services: YMCA programs and community development
  • Emergency Services: Fire departments and first responders
  • Youth Development: Programs serving children and teens

Geographic Focus

While based in Dallas, the foundation concentrates its giving in West Texas, with particular emphasis on:

  • Big Spring (Howard County) - the founder's hometown
  • Dallas
  • Lubbock
  • San Angelo
  • Fort Worth
  • Stanton
  • Abilene

Recent Grant Recipients (2024)

  • Howard County Volunteer Fire Department: $890,000
  • Children's Medical Center (Dallas)
  • YMCA Teen Center
  • UMC Foundation
  • Cook Children's Health Foundation (Fort Worth)
  • Martin County Hospital District

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified, though applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Jean Broughton (Trustee, unpaid) - Widow of founder G.C. Broughton, Jr.
  • Jim Weaver (Trustee, $60,000 annual compensation, 10 hours/week) - Primary contact for the foundation
  • Clifton Talbot (Trustee, $1,000 annual compensation)
  • John Grant (Trustee, $750 annual compensation)
  • John Marshall (Trustee, $750 annual compensation)

Foundation History

G.C. Broughton, Jr. (1923-2001) established the foundation in 1983 to continue service to the Howard County community. He was deeply involved in Big Spring's business and civic life, serving on multiple boards including Security State Bank, The Salvation Army, Howard County Tax Appraisal District, the Ruidoso Jockey Club, and the Advisory Board of Methodist Hospital in Lubbock. He was also a Rotarian and member of First Baptist Church in Big Spring. The G.C. Broughton Ag Complex on the Howard College Campus is named in his honor, reflecting his commitment to agricultural education.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Broughton Foundation Trust does not have a public application process or formal grant application system. The foundation operates through trustee discretion, and grants appear to be made based on relationships and the trustees' knowledge of community needs in West Texas.

Application Requirement: Applicants must provide the foundation with a current favorable IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status.

Contact: Organizations interested in being considered for funding may contact Jim Weaver at PO Box 12774, Dallas, TX 75225.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a trustee-discretionary foundation, decision timelines likely vary based on the trustees' meeting schedule and the nature of the request.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. In 2024, the foundation made 22 grants totaling $3.8 million. In 2023, there were 22 awards totaling $2,635,922. In 2022, there were 19 awards, and in 2021, there were 17 awards, showing a pattern of selective but consistent grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified.

Application Success Factors

Since the Broughton Foundation Trust does not have a formal application process, the following factors appear important based on their grantmaking patterns:

  • Geographic Connection: Strong preference for organizations serving West Texas, particularly Big Spring and Howard County where founder G.C. Broughton, Jr. lived and worked.

  • Mission Alignment: Organizations in healthcare, education (especially nursing and agriculture), emergency services, and youth development align with the founder's values and the foundation's giving history.

  • Operational Support: Many grants are designated for "OPERATIONS," suggesting the foundation is willing to provide unrestricted or general operating support rather than only project-specific funding.

  • Substantial Impact: With a median grant of $100,000 and grants ranging up to $890,000, the foundation appears to make significant investments in organizations rather than numerous small grants.

  • Established Organizations: Recent recipients include well-established institutions such as children's hospitals, hospital foundations, community organizations, and emergency services, suggesting a preference for proven organizations.

  • Community Infrastructure: The large grant to Howard County Volunteer Fire Department ($890,000 in 2024) and historical support for Howard College nursing programs demonstrate commitment to essential community services and workforce development.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this is an invitation-only, trustee-discretionary foundation. Building relationships with trustees, particularly Jim Weaver, is essential.

  • West Texas focus is paramount - organizations outside West Texas, particularly those without connections to Big Spring, are unlikely to be considered.

  • Founder's legacy matters - the foundation reflects G.C. Broughton, Jr.'s lifelong commitment to agriculture, healthcare, and community service in Howard County, established in 1983 and continuing after his 2001 passing.

  • Grants are substantial - with a $100,000 median grant and awards up to $890,000, this foundation makes significant investments rather than small grants, suggesting they fund major initiatives or operational support.

  • Healthcare and education are priorities - recent grantmaking shows strong support for children's hospitals, hospital foundations, nursing education, and agricultural programs.

  • Emergency services receive major support - the $890,000 grant to Howard County Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates commitment to first responders and community safety infrastructure.

  • Consistent but selective giving - approximately 20-22 grants annually from a $94 million endowment suggests careful selection and potentially multi-year relationships with grantees.

References

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