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Stanley E Fulton Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$14.4M

Stanley E Fulton Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $14,352,400 (2023)
  • Assets: $203.3 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: Information not publicly disclosed
  • Number of Grants: Approximately 20-21 grants annually
  • Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on early childhood development
  • Application Process: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 2200 Ross Ave, Suite 3600, Dallas, TX 75201-7921

Phone: 214-855-7444

Website: Not publicly available

Note: This foundation does not have a public application process and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Overview

The Stanley E Fulton Family Foundation is a private independent foundation established in December 2018 and based in Dallas, Texas. With assets of $203.3 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $14.4 million (2023), the foundation focuses on supporting early childhood development for children ages 1-5. Founded by philanthropist Stanley Fulton, the foundation takes an integrated approach to children's wellbeing, recognizing that education, nutrition, health, and housing are interconnected. The foundation's strategy emphasizes supporting locally rooted organizations to strengthen systems rather than applying short-term fixes, working alongside families, educators, healthcare providers, and local leaders.

Funding Priorities

Focus Areas

The foundation provides funding and strategic backing for initiatives that address:

  • Early Education: Investments supplying classrooms with tools and training for children ages 1-5
  • Food Access: Programs providing nutritious meals and snacks
  • Housing Stability: Grants helping families maintain stable living arrangements
  • Healthcare: Preventive care and mental health resources
  • Safety: Family-centered services that support child wellbeing
  • Family Support Services: Holistic programs addressing interconnected family needs

Philosophical Approach

The foundation operates on an integrated model, understanding that children's needs cannot be addressed in isolation. As founder Stanley Fulton explains: "We don't look at a child's needs in isolation because we recognize that education, nutrition, health, and housing are all connected, and when one is missing, the others suffer."

The foundation's work is informed by economic research showing significant returns on early childhood investment - Fulton notes that "for every dollar invested early in a child's life there could be a return up to $16."

Grant Activity

  • 2023: 21 grants totaling $14,352,400
  • 2022: 16 grants
  • 2021: 21 grants
  • 2020: 20 grants

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

  • Glen J. Hettinger - Executive Director (compensation: $300,000 in 2024). Hettinger is Of Counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright's Dallas office.
  • Michael B. Fulton - Director (unpaid) - Co-trustee of various Fulton family trusts
  • Elizabeth F. Jones - Director (unpaid) - Co-trustee of various Fulton family trusts
  • Kenneth Creighton - Director (compensation: $17,500 in 2024)

Leadership Philosophy

The board provides strategic oversight, performance monitoring, and accountability focused on transparency. Funding decisions emphasize integrity, equity, and community trust.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation has explicitly indicated that it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grant decisions appear to be made through trustee discretion, with organizations selected based on the foundation's strategic priorities in early childhood development.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to invitation-only grantmaking process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, understanding the foundation's approach can be valuable:

Foundation's Core Values and Approach:

Stanley Fulton's own words provide insight into what the foundation values:

  • Holistic Solutions: "We don't look at a child's needs in isolation because we recognize that education, nutrition, health, and housing are all connected, and when one is missing, the others suffer."

  • Community-Driven Change: "Meaningful change can happen if we listen to communities and invest in solutions that can grow with them."

  • Removing Barriers: "I started The Each Child Foundation to help ensure that children's earliest years are shaped by opportunities, not by barriers."

  • System Strengthening: The foundation supports locally rooted organizations to strengthen systems rather than apply short-term fixes.

What the Foundation Values:

  • Organizations working with children ages 1-5 during formative years
  • Integrated programs addressing multiple interconnected needs
  • Community-based organizations with deep local knowledge
  • Long-term system strengthening rather than temporary solutions
  • Collaboration across sectors (families, educators, healthcare providers, local leaders)
  • Evidence-based approaches with measurable impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
  • Early Childhood Focus: All funding centers on children ages 1-5, with emphasis on formative years.
  • Integrated Approach Required: The foundation values programs that address education, nutrition, health, housing, and family support as interconnected needs rather than isolated issues.
  • Community-Rooted Organizations: Strong preference for locally-based organizations with deep community knowledge and relationships.
  • System Change Over Band-Aids: Focus on strengthening systems and creating sustainable change rather than short-term fixes.
  • ROI Matters: The foundation is influenced by research on the economic returns of early childhood investment.
  • Substantial Grants: With approximately 20 grants annually from a $14.4 million budget, average grant size is substantial (approximately $680,000-$720,000 per grant).

References

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