← Back to US Funders Directory

Welborn-Payne Endowment Trust

Annual Giving
$1.8M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.1M

Welborn-Payne Endowment Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,831,020 (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: $80,000-$96,000
  • Total Assets: $37-74 million
  • Number of Annual Awards: 19 (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Lubbock, TX and Colorado Springs, CO
  • Application Method: Written application with required documentation

Contact Details

Address: Prosperity Bank Trust Department, 1401 Ave Q, Lubbock, TX 79401

Phone: (806) 741-2174

Email: [email protected]

Trustee: Prosperity Bank

Overview

Established in 2006 upon the death of Ernestine Payne Welborn, the Welborn-Payne Endowment Trust is a private foundation based in Lubbock, Texas. The trust holds assets of approximately $37-74 million and has been tax-exempt since December 1993. Managed by Prosperity Bank as trustee, the foundation distributes approximately $1.8-1.9 million annually in grants to nonprofit organizations. The trust is perhaps best known for funding the Ernestine Payne Welborn Community Speaker Series at the Lubbock Women's Club, which has brought prominent speakers including Barbara Bush, Hoda Kotb, and Jay Leno to the Lubbock community. The foundation focuses primarily on supporting organizations in Lubbock, Texas and Colorado Springs, Colorado, with emphasis on faith-based initiatives, education, and human services addressing basic needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust awards grants averaging $80,000-$96,000 per award, with approximately 19 grants distributed annually. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis using a structured application form.

Priority Areas

  • Education: Educational programs and institutions
  • Religion: Particularly Christian organizations and faith-based initiatives
  • Human Services: Organizations providing direct services to individuals and families
  • Basic and Emergency Aid: Food banks, emergency assistance programs
  • Food Aid: Food distribution and food security programs
  • Family Services: Programs supporting families and children

The trust operates primarily in Lubbock, Texas and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Non-government political organizations
  • Organizations that attempt to influence legislation
  • Organizations not exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3)
  • Organizations that do not qualify under Code Section 170(c)(1) or (c)(2)(B)
  • Any person or entity that would cause such grant to be a taxable expenditure under the Internal Revenue Code

Governance and Leadership

The Welborn-Payne Endowment Trust is managed by Prosperity Bank Trust Department, which serves as trustee. The bank receives compensation of approximately $122,799 annually for trust management services. The foundation has no direct employees and operates through the professional trust management services of Prosperity Bank.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted in writing to Prosperity Bank Trust Department. The application process requires:

Application Form: A one-page form including:

  • Organization name, address, and contact information
  • Statement addressing why the grant is being requested

Project Description (not to exceed 5 pages) addressing:

  1. Background of the organization
  2. Description of proposed project
  3. Plan for sustaining the project after grant funds are exhausted
  4. Plan for maintenance and upkeep of building or equipment (if applicable)
  5. Plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the project

Budget Information including:

  1. How requested funds will be used
  2. Total cost of project
  3. Other sources of funds
  4. Applications pending with other funders
  5. Whether the organization files IRS Form 990

Required Attachments:

  1. Copy of IRS federal tax exemption letter
  2. List of board members with occupation and community affiliations
  3. List of key staff with qualifications
  4. Timeline for project/program completion
  5. Copy of the first two pages of the most recent IRS Form 990

Applications should be submitted to: Prosperity Bank Trust Department 1401 Ave Q Lubbock, TX 79401 Phone: (806) 741-2174 Email: [email protected]

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The trust awards approximately 19 grants annually from its annual distribution of approximately $1.8 million.

Success Rates

With approximately $1.8 million distributed annually across 19 grants, the trust maintains a selective grantmaking approach. Specific success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's funding patterns and requirements:

  • Geographic alignment: Strong preference for organizations operating in Lubbock, TX or Colorado Springs, CO
  • Faith-based emphasis: Particular interest in Christian organizations and faith-based service providers
  • Sustainability planning: Applications must demonstrate clear plans for project sustainability beyond the grant period
  • Comprehensive documentation: Complete applications with all required attachments and detailed project descriptions
  • Focus on basic needs: Priority given to organizations addressing fundamental human needs such as food security, emergency assistance, and family support
  • Evaluation capacity: Demonstrated ability to measure and evaluate project effectiveness
  • Sound fiscal management: Evidence of financial stability and good governance through Form 990 and board composition
  • Connection to founder's values: The trust honors Ernestine Payne Welborn's legacy of community enrichment, particularly in education and supporting vulnerable populations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The trust requires a detailed but concise application (5-page maximum project description) with comprehensive supporting documentation
  • Average grant size is substantial ($80,000-$96,000), suggesting applicants should request significant funding for well-developed projects
  • Geographic focus is clearly defined—organizations outside Lubbock, TX or Colorado Springs, CO are unlikely to be funded
  • Faith-based organizations, particularly Christian ministries, appear to be a strong funding priority
  • Sustainability and evaluation plans are explicitly required and likely heavily weighted in decision-making
  • Contact Prosperity Bank Trust Department directly at (806) 741-2174 or [email protected] with questions about application suitability
  • The trust has consistent annual giving patterns, distributing approximately 19 grants per year, suggesting a stable and predictable grantmaking program

References

← Back to US Funders Directory