O'Donnell Foundation
Accepts applications
O'Donnell Foundation is a private foundation in Dallas, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $187 million in 33 grants; the typical grant was $1.0 million and the largest $38.4 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$187 million
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$1.0 million
- Largest grant$38.4 million
- Assets$180 million
- New grantees73%
Giving in 2025 was up from $31.4 million 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $33.5 million | 9 | $122 million |
| 2024 | $31.4 million | 10 | $357 million |
| 2025 | $187 million | 33 | $180 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Tiffany Armstrong 100 Crescent Court Ste 880, Dallas, TX 75201 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (214) 871-5800 |
| What to submit | Applications should include a brief letter outlining the project, timetable, budget, funds already pledged to the project, and the specific contribution requested. Provide list of organization's governing board and copy of IRS determination letter of tax-exempt status. |
| Restrictions | In awarding charitable and educational grants, preference is given to local institutions. No grants are made to individuals and no scholarships, loans or prizes are awarded. |
What O'Donnell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 32 | $186 million |
| Virginia | 1 | $1.0 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas College Foundation | Operations | $38.4 million |
| Southern Methodist University | Operations | $25.3 million |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas | Operations | $17.3 million |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | Operations | $17.0 million |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Operations | $15.5 million |
| Dallas Symphony Association | Operations | $12.9 million |
| The Commit Partnership | Operations | $10.9 million |
| Dallas Museum of Art | Operations | $10.0 million |
| Perot Museum of Nature and Science | Operations | $10.0 million |
| Southwestern Medical Foundation | Operations | $5.0 million |
| Dallas Zoo | Operations | $4.0 million |
| At & T Performing Arts Center | Operations | $3.0 million |
| Housing Forward | Operations | $2.0 million |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Operations | $2.0 million |
| Church of the Incarnation | Operations | $1.1 million |
| Community Foundation of Abilene | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Dallas County Mental Health | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Parkland Health Foundation | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Teach for America | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Texas 2036 | Operations | $1.0 million |
| The Academy of Medicine Engineering & Science of Texas | Operations | $1.0 million |
| The Dallas Opera | Operations | $1.0 million |
| The Salvation Army | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Trinity Park Conservancy | Operations | $1.0 million |
| United Way of Metropolitan Dallas | Operations | $1.0 million |
| Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute | Operations | $750,000 |
| The Lamplighter School | Operations | $500,000 |
| United to Learn | Operations | $500,000 |
| Big Thought | Operations | $200,000 |
| Circuit Trait Conservancy | Operations | $100,000 |
| Methodist Health System Foundation | Operations | $30,000 |
| North Texas Council for the Arts | Operations | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William T Solomon
- Edward A Copley
- Ruth O'Donnell Mutch
- Jere Thompson Jr
- Robert Dedman Jr
- Caren Prothro
- Serena Ritch
- Tiffany Armstrong
Questions people ask
Does O'Donnell Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does O'Donnell Foundation give?
$187 million in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $1.0 million.
Who runs O'Donnell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William T Solomon (Chairman, President & Ceo), Edward A Copley (Director), Ruth O'Donnell Mutch (Director) and Jere Thompson Jr (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does O'Donnell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and faith communities.