Broughton Foundation Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,635,922 (2023 tax year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Varies (22 grants in 2023)
• Grant Median: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: West Texas, with emphasis on Big Spring, Dallas, Lubbock, San Angelo, Fort Worth, Stanton, and Abilene (based on historical grantmaking patterns)
• Total Assets: $67,494,992 (2023 tax year)

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-Powell 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 $67.5 million as of the 2023 tax year and annual charitable distributions of $2.6 million. The foundation made 22 grants in 2023, 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 Programmes

The foundation operates on a trustee-discretionary basis without formal application deadlines or publicly defined grant programmes.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking activity, the foundation prioritises:

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

Known Recent Grant Recipients

Based on 990-PF records and public sources:

• Howard County Volunteer Fire Department (multiple grants for equipment and communication systems)
• Children's Medical Center (Dallas)
• YMCA Teen Centre
• Howard College (nursing programme and facilities)
• Cook Children's Health Foundation (Fort Worth)
• Martin County Hospital District

What They Don't Fund

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

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Based on available records:

• Jean Broughton-Powell (Trustee, unpaid) - Widow of founder G.C. Broughton, Jr.
• Jim Weaver (Trustee, compensated) - Primary contact for the foundation
• Clifton Talbot (Trustee)
• John Grant (Trustee)
• John Marshall (Trustee)

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. The G.C. Broughton Ag Complex on the Howard College Campus is named in his honour, reflecting his commitment to agricultural education. Following his death in 2001, Jean Broughton-Powell retained leadership of the foundation and has carried out his original mission while expanding the reach to other areas of interest, including support of the healthcare industry.

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 favourable IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status.

Contact: Organisations 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 2023, the foundation made 22 grants totalling $2,635,922. In 2022, there were 19 grants totalling $2,205,808, and in 2021, there were 17 grants totalling $2,552,000, 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 organisations serving West Texas, particularly Big Spring and Howard County where founder G.C. Broughton, Jr. lived and worked.

• Mission Alignment: Organisations 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: The foundation appears to make significant investments in organisations rather than numerous small grants, with 22 grants totalling $2.6 million in 2023.

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

• Community Infrastructure: Historical grants to Howard County Volunteer Fire Department and support for Howard College nursing programmes 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 - organisations 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 22 grants totalling $2.6 million in 2023, 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 programmes.

• Emergency services receive major support - historical grants to Howard County Volunteer Fire Department demonstrate commitment to first responders and community safety infrastructure.

• Consistent but selective giving - approximately 17-22 grants annually from a $67.5 million endowment (2023) suggests careful selection and potentially multi-year relationships with grantees.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Broughton Foundation Trust (EIN 75-6395131). Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/756395131 (Accessed January 2026)

• Grantmakers.io Profile: Broughton Foundation Trust. Available at: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/756395131-broughton-foundation-trust/ (Accessed January 2026)

• Howard College News: "Broughton Foundation Continues to Invest in the Community" (December 18, 2020). Available at: https://howardcollege.edu/broughton-foundation-continues-to-invest-in-the-community/ (Accessed January 2026)

• Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home: Obituary for G.C. Broughton, Jr. (February 7, 2001). Available at: https://npwelch.com/obituary/g-c-broughton/ (Accessed January 2026)

• Instrumentl: Broughton Foundation Trust 990 Report. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/broughton-foundation-trust (Accessed January 2026)

• GrantStation: Broughton Foundation Trust. Available at: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/broughton-foundation-trust (Accessed January 2026)