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Annette C Simmons Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.8M
Grant Range
$93K - $1.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,780,038 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $93,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Dallas and Mesquite, Texas

Contact Details

Address: 4925 Greenville Ave, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75206

Note: The foundation does not publicly list website, phone, or email contact information. Inquiries would need to be directed to the mailing address above.

Overview

The Annette C Simmons Foundation was established in December 2021 as a private foundation in Dallas, Texas. With total assets of approximately $18.8 million, the foundation awarded $1,780,038 in grants in 2023 through five awards. Led by Annette C. Simmons, widow of billionaire Harold Simmons, the foundation continues a family legacy of significant philanthropy in the Dallas area. The foundation focuses on supporting education, ministry, and community outreach organizations primarily in Dallas and Mesquite, Texas. Annette Simmons has long been recognized as one of Dallas's most generous philanthropists, including making annual $1 million donations to Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries for over 16 consecutive years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes discretionary grants primarily in three areas, with grant amounts ranging from approximately $93,000 to $1,000,000:

  • Ministry and Faith-Based Organizations: Significant support for religious organizations and faith-based community services
  • Education: Substantial grants to educational foundations and literacy programs
  • Community Outreach: Support for organizations serving vulnerable populations

Recent grant distribution shows a pattern of one or two large anchor grants ($500,000-$1,000,000) combined with several smaller grants (approximately $93,000-$100,000).

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant awards, the foundation actively funds:

  • Ministry and faith-based organizations serving the Dallas community
  • Educational foundations and programs, particularly those supporting local school districts and literacy initiatives
  • Community outreach programs addressing poverty, homelessness, and basic needs
  • Healthcare and social services for vulnerable populations (through Crystal Charity Ball support)
  • Organizations serving Dallas County residents, with particular focus on children and families in need

What They Don't Fund

The foundation only makes grants to U.S. public charities described in Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2). Based on this restriction and giving patterns:

  • Organizations outside the Dallas/Mesquite, Texas area
  • Private foundations
  • International organizations
  • Political organizations or advocacy groups
  • For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

Annette C. Simmons - Chair Widow of billionaire Harold Simmons and one of Dallas's most prominent philanthropists. Known for her consistent, substantial giving to Dallas-area causes, particularly through the Crystal Charity Ball where she has been an underwriter for 43 consecutive years, with 17 years of $1 million gifts.

Amy Fleck Simmons - President, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer Family member serving in leadership capacity.

Shannon Cagnina - Secretary

None of the leadership team receives compensation for their roles with the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not maintain a public application process or published guidelines. According to publicly available information, the foundation states it "does not accept applications."

Grant application requirements have been documented as follows for those who are invited to apply:

  • Mission statement of the organization
  • Copy of IRS determination letter or verification of tax-exempt status
  • Purpose of grant and amount requested
  • Summary of how the organization's mission and values align with the foundation
  • Brief history of the organization
  • Summary of prior grants received, if any
  • For requests exceeding $50,000: financial statements including budgets, balance sheet, and income statement with detailed lists of income by source for the most recently ended fiscal year

Getting on Their Radar

The Annette C Simmons Foundation operates primarily through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships. Based on the foundation's giving patterns and Annette Simmons' documented philanthropic activities, organizations can position themselves for consideration through:

Crystal Charity Ball Connection: Annette Simmons has been a consistent supporter of Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries, making annual $1 million donations. Organizations that are beneficiaries of the Crystal Charity Ball may have visibility with the foundation.

Focus on Dallas County Children and Families: Simmons has been described as having a particular interest in "helping the children of Dallas County." Organizations with strong track records serving vulnerable children and families in Dallas County align with her documented giving priorities.

Established Organizations with Track Records: Recent grant recipients include well-established organizations like The Salvation Army, Highland Park Education Foundation, and multi-year operating organizations. Building a strong organizational reputation in the Dallas area appears to be important.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation makes a small number of grants annually (5 grants in 2023, 1 grant in early 2024 data), suggesting decisions may be made on a rolling or periodic basis by trustees.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation awarded only 5 grants in 2023 and does not accept unsolicited applications, success rates for cold applications would be extremely low.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's restricted application process, the following factors appear most relevant based on giving patterns:

Geographic Focus: All documented grants have gone to organizations in Dallas and Mesquite, Texas. Organizations must serve this specific geographic area.

Organizational Size and Stability: Recent grant recipients include major established organizations (The Salvation Army, Highland Park Education Foundation) as well as smaller faith-based ministries. Financial stability and established track records appear important.

Mission Alignment with Family Values: The Simmons family philanthropy has historically focused on:

  • Education (major gifts to SMU, UT Southwestern)
  • Healthcare (Children's Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center)
  • Ministry and faith-based services
  • Civic improvement (Trinity River Park) Organizations whose missions align with these areas may have stronger alignment.

Serving Vulnerable Populations: The foundation's support of organizations like Sharing Life Community Outreach, Men of Nehemiah Ministry, and Salvation Army suggests interest in organizations serving populations experiencing poverty, homelessness, or other significant challenges.

Connection to Education: Both through the foundation and broader Simmons family giving, education has been a consistent priority, from university support to K-12 educational foundations to literacy programs like Catch Up & Read.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation operates through trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited applications. Building relationships and getting on the foundation's radar through other channels is essential.

  • Dallas-area focus only: All grants go to organizations serving Dallas and Mesquite, Texas. Organizations outside this area should not pursue this funder.

  • Large grants to fewer organizations: With only 5 grants totaling $1.78 million in 2023, the foundation makes fewer, larger grants rather than many small awards. Average grant size is substantial.

  • Three primary areas: Ministry/faith-based organizations, education, and community outreach serving vulnerable populations are the clear funding priorities.

  • Established relationships matter: Recent recipients include major Dallas institutions (Salvation Army) and established local organizations, suggesting relationship-building and organizational reputation are critical.

  • Crystal Charity Ball connection: Annette Simmons' long-standing support of Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries may provide one pathway to foundation visibility.

  • Family foundation with discretionary giving: As a private family foundation with three trustees and no staff, all decisions are made at the trustee level based on personal knowledge and relationships.

References

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