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Tres Grace Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$9.2M

Tres Grace Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $9,208,000 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only process)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Texas and the southern United States (preference for Texas)
  • Founded: 2019

Contact Details

Address: 200 Concord Plaza, Suite 240, San Antonio, TX 78216

Website: https://tresgraceff.org/

Note: The foundation operates by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Tres Grace Family Foundation was established in 2019 by Tom, Lynne, and Hugh Dobson to honor their mother Grace Dobson's philanthropic legacy. Grace Dobson became head of the Whataburger enterprise after her husband Harmon Dobson's death in 1967 and became a prominent philanthropic figure throughout South and Central Texas. The foundation operates independently from Whataburger and is not affiliated with Whatabrands LLC. With assets exceeding $100 million and annual giving of over $9.2 million in 2023, the foundation focuses on "mindful giving" to support vulnerable populations across Texas. The foundation's six strategic focus areas are expected to evolve as the organization grows, maintaining flexibility to address emerging community needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates within six primary focus areas:

  1. Food & Nutrition (Hunger & Food Security) - Direct food assistance, general operating support, programming, capital projects, and disaster relief for organizations addressing food insecurity

  2. Health & Human Services - Organizations that help heal the body, mind, and soul, including mental health services, medical assistance, and emergency services

  3. Housing & Homelessness (Unhoused) - Shelter provision and programs addressing root causes of homelessness for individuals and families

  4. Education - Scholarships, vocational programs, summer camps, literacy enhancement, special education programs, and after-school programs

  5. Parks & Green Space - Park beautification, conservation of natural spaces, wildlife protection and rehabilitation

  6. Arts & Culture - Arts programming, inclusive education, increased access to the arts, and preservation initiatives

Types of Support

The foundation provides funding for:

  • Capital campaigns
  • General operations
  • Emergency support
  • Specific programs

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) or 170(c) entity
  • Not be a private foundation under section 509(a)
  • Not support political purposes or influencing legislation
  • Preference given to organizations in Texas and the southern United States

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Political purposes or legislative lobbying activities
  • Private foundations under section 509(a)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Tom Dobson - Co-founder and Trustee (son of Grace Dobson)
  • Lynne Dobson - Co-founder and Trustee (daughter of Grace Dobson)
  • Hugh C. Dobson - Co-founder and Trustee (son of Grace Dobson)
  • Anne Dobson - Board member
  • Heather Dobson - Board member
  • Claire McLean - Board member
  • Greg Wooldridge - Board member

The foundation is led by Grace Dobson's three children, who created the organization to continue their mother's legacy. Grace Dobson was known for living simply and dedicating the Whataburger profits to charitable causes. She served in numerous philanthropic capacities including the USO, Coastal Bend Youth City, the Kidney Foundation, and the Texas State Aquarium during her lifetime.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Tres Grace Family Foundation provides grants to organizations by invitation only. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's board of trustees, who identify organizations aligned with the foundation's six focus areas and mission to support vulnerable populations in Texas.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with decisions made by the board of trustees.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation gave $9.2 million in grants in 2023, with IRS filings indicating 1 award in each year from 2020-2023, though this may reflect consolidated reporting rather than actual number of grantees.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Tres Grace Family Foundation operates by invitation only, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, based on the foundation's stated priorities and history, the following factors appear to be important:

  • Alignment with focus areas: Organizations working in food security, health and human services, housing and homelessness, education, parks and green spaces, or arts and culture
  • Texas connection: Strong preference for organizations benefiting Texans, particularly in South and Central Texas where Grace Dobson was active philanthropically
  • Service to vulnerable populations: The foundation has been "instrumental in providing grants and donations to vital programs for the most vulnerable," including after-school and summer programs for children, safe shelters for the unhoused, and food banks
  • Mission alignment: Organizations that embody "mindful giving" and serve communities Grace Dobson loved
  • Proper legal status: Must be 501(c)(3) or 170(c) entity that is not a private foundation
  • Variety of support needs: The foundation funds capital campaigns, general operations, emergency support, and specific programs, showing flexibility in funding types

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications - organizations must be invited to receive grants
  • Texas focus is critical: While the foundation considers organizations in the southern United States, preference is strongly given to Texas-based organizations, particularly those serving South and Central Texas communities
  • Vulnerable populations are the priority: The foundation's work centers on supporting the most vulnerable, including children, unhoused individuals, and those experiencing food insecurity
  • Significant funding capacity: With over $100 million in assets and $9.2 million in annual giving, this is a substantial foundation despite its invitation-only approach
  • Family legacy drives mission: Understanding Grace Dobson's philanthropic history and values may provide insight into the foundation's priorities and approach to "mindful giving"
  • Flexibility in funding types: The foundation supports various funding needs including capital, operations, programming, and emergency support
  • Relationship-based grantmaking: As an invitation-only funder, building relationships with board members or being known in the Texas philanthropic community may be the pathway to consideration

References

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