Mary Louise Dobson Foundation
Accepts applications
Mary Louise Dobson Foundation is a private foundation in Wharton, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $574,188 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $12,850 and the largest $300,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$574,188
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$12,850
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$18.5 million
- New grantees73%
Giving in 2025 was down from $735,882 the year before.
73% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $694,873 | 23 | $15.6 million |
| 2023 | $759,727 | 26 | $13.8 million |
| 2024 | $735,882 | 22 | $17.2 million |
| 2025 | $574,188 | 22 | $18.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mary Louise Dobson Foundatiion PO Box 588, Wharton, TX 77488 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (979) 533-2441 |
| What to submit | Applicants should include a one page description of the project and documentation of the tax status of the organization 501c3 letter. |
| Deadlines | continous |
| Restrictions | Limited to 501c3 organizations |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Mary Louise Dobson Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 22 | $574,188 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls Club-Greater Houston | General Operating-Wharton Campus | $300,000 |
| Just Do It Now Inc | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Wharton ISD-ROAR | Provide dual credit courses | $30,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of El Campo | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Wharton ISD-CIS | Community in Schools Program | $25,000 |
| Team Wharton Inc | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Wharton County Junior College | Scholarships | $24,000 |
| Wharton ISD-Advisor | Part time college career advisor | $17,157 |
| Blessing Cup Storehouse | Upgrade Interior lighting | $15,350 |
| 20th Century Technology Museum | General Operating Support | $15,141 |
| Wharton Police Officer Assoc | Blue Santa 2026 | $15,000 |
| Scholarships for Wharton Ag Students | Scholarships | $10,700 |
| Boys & Girls Club-Palacios | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Texas Hearing Institute | Provide Thearapy for 24 Wharton Co children | $7,840 |
| Girl Scouts of San Jacinto | Summer Camp 2026 | $6,500 |
| American Heart Association | Purchase equipment, training | $5,000 |
| WCJC-Pioneer Country Store | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Houston Brass Band | Student Instruction | $3,500 |
| 1st United Methodist Church-Wharton | Youth Program Assistance | $1,000 |
| Plaza Theatre | Fundraiser support | $1,000 |
| Wharton Lion's Club | Fundraiser support | $1,000 |
| Oak Bend Medical Center | General Operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Abby King
- Jimmy Schulz
- Don Hillis
- Ron Sanders
- Sarah Armour
- Jane Dobson
- Dwight D King
- John Dettling
- Terence Ward
Questions people ask
Does Mary Louise Dobson Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: continous.
How much does Mary Louise Dobson Foundation give?
$574,188 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $12,850.
Who runs Mary Louise Dobson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Abby King (Exec Dir), Jimmy Schulz (President), Don Hillis (Treas Dr) and Ron Sanders (Director) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Mary Louise Dobson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and arts and culture.