← Back to US Funders Directory

TND Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.3M
Grant Range
$500K - $3.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,325,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Estimated $500,000 - $3,500,000 (based on available data)
  • Geographic Focus: San Antonio, Texas region
  • Total Assets: $74,093,282 (2024)

Contact Details

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

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website, phone number, or email address for grant applications.

Overview

The TND Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2020 by Tom and Nora Dobson of San Antonio, Texas. Tom Dobson is the son of Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson and previously served as CEO and president of Whataburger before transitioning to focus on philanthropy and real estate through Las Aguilas, an investment company established by the Dobson family. The foundation holds assets of approximately $74 million and distributes over $3.3 million annually in charitable grants. Classified under Health — General and Rehabilitative by the IRS, the foundation has demonstrated support for vulnerable children, foster care organizations, and educational facilities. Leadership includes Tom E. Dobson (President), Nora Dobson (Vice President), and Heather B. Dobson (Secretary), none of whom receive compensation for their service.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate structured grant programs with published guidelines. Based on available information, the foundation makes large, strategic grants to select organizations rather than numerous small grants.

Known Grant Activity:

  • SJRC Texas (St. Jude's Ranch for Children Texas) - foster care and family support services
  • West Oso Elementary School - inclusive playground donation (described as "phase one" of ongoing support)

Priority Areas

Based on available evidence, the foundation appears to focus on:

  • Children's welfare and education - Support for schools and educational infrastructure
  • Foster care and family services - Funding for organizations serving vulnerable children
  • Health-related causes - Aligned with IRS classification
  • Community development - Infrastructure and facility improvements in underserved areas

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly documented. As a private family foundation without public application processes, funding priorities are determined at the discretion of the board.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Tom E. Dobson, President - Former CEO and President of Whataburger, currently focused on philanthropy through Las Aguilas investment company
  • Nora Dobson, Vice President
  • Heather B. Dobson, Secretary

All officers serve without compensation. Nora Dobson has been quoted regarding the foundation's commitment to multi-phase support for beneficiary organizations, stating about the West Oso Elementary playground that "this is just phase one of what is to come."

The Dobson family maintains separate philanthropic vehicles, including the Tres Grace Family Foundation (established 2019 to honor Grace Dobson, Tom's mother), which focuses on vulnerable populations including after-school programs, shelters, and food banks.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The TND Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation operates as a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its board of directors. There is no online application portal, published guidelines, or formal RFP process.

Based on IRS filings, the foundation has made between 1-2 grants annually since its inception in 2020, suggesting a highly selective approach focused on strategic partnerships rather than broad grantmaking.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than competitive application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications. The foundation made 1 award in 2023, 1 award in 2022, 1 award in 2021, and 2 awards in 2020.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's private nature and discretionary grantmaking approach, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, the limited public information suggests:

Characteristics of Known Grantees:

  • Organizations serving vulnerable children and families
  • Texas-based, particularly in the San Antonio and Corpus Christi regions
  • Projects involving tangible infrastructure or program development
  • Long-term relationships with potential for multi-phase support (as evidenced by Nora Dobson's comments about "phase one")

Grantmaking Patterns:

  • Large, strategic grants rather than numerous small awards
  • Focus on organizations aligned with children's welfare, health, and education
  • Support for both established organizations (SJRC Texas) and direct community infrastructure (school playgrounds)
  • Potential for ongoing, multi-year partnerships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - This foundation awards grants through board discretion, not competitive applications
  • Highly selective grantmaking - With only 1-2 grants per year and $3.3 million in annual giving, grants are substantial but rare
  • Focus on children and families - Known grants support foster care, education, and child welfare initiatives
  • Geographic focus on Texas - Particularly the San Antonio and South Texas regions
  • Multi-phase commitment - Foundation representatives have indicated willingness to provide ongoing support beyond initial grants
  • Family foundation structure - Part of the broader Dobson family philanthropic ecosystem, which includes separate foundations with different focus areas
  • Relationship-driven - As with most private family foundations, grants likely flow from existing connections, board member interests, and strategic initiatives identified by trustees

References

← Back to US Funders Directory