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Foundations / Texas

Bess L Rayford Foundation

Preselected recipients only Henderson, Texas · EIN 311583091

Bess L Rayford Foundation is a private foundation in Henderson, Texas. In tax year 2024 it gave $125,000 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $45,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.

From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.

Giving in 2024 was up from $120,000 the year before.

7% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.

Giving by year

Tax yearGrants paidNumber of grantsAssets
2022$126,00015$2.2 million
2023$120,00015$2.7 million
2024$125,00014$2.8 million

How to apply

Bess L Rayford Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.

IRS filings on ProPublica

What Bess L Rayford Foundation funds

Where it gives

All of its grants went to recipients in Texas.

StateGrantsAmount
Texas14$125,000

Grants paid in 2024

All 14 grants
RecipientPurposeAmount
Boys Girls Club of Rusk County
Henderson, TX
General funds$45,000
Henderson Interchurch Ministry
Henderson, TX
General funds$17,000
Henderson Civic Theatre
Henderson, TX
General funds$10,000
Rusk County Historical Commission
Henderson, TX
General funds$6,000
Rusk County Children's Advocacy Cen
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
One Step at A Time Inc
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
Rusk County Friends Helping Friends
Henderson, TX
Prescription assistance program$5,000
Texas Shakespeare Festival
Kilgore, TX
General funds,& black box theater project$5,000
Henderson Food Bank
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
Rusk County Heritage Association
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
Rusk County United Way
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
Rusk County Child Welfare Board
Henderson, TX
General funds$5,000
SPCA of East Texas
Tyler, TX
General funds$5,000
Mosaic Counseling Centers
Tyler, TX
General funds$2,000

Officers and trustees

As listed in Part VIII of the 2024 filing.

Questions people ask

Does Bess L Rayford Foundation accept grant applications?

No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.

How much does Bess L Rayford Foundation give?

$125,000 in tax year 2024, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.

Who runs Bess L Rayford Foundation?

Its 2024 filing lists David R Alford (President), Woodie Tipps (Vice President) and Mary Frances Engle Alford (Secretary/Treas).

What does Bess L Rayford Foundation fund?

Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, arts and culture and human services.

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