Palmer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Palmer Foundation is a private foundation in Houston, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $350,000 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $70,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$350,000
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$70,000
- Assets$8.1 million
- New grantees77%
Giving in 2025 was up from $312,000 the year before.
77% 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 | $320,000 | 19 | $6.5 million |
| 2024 | $312,000 | 20 | $7.4 million |
| 2025 | $350,000 | 17 | $8.1 million |
How to apply
Palmer 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.
What Palmer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 14 | $335,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $7,500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Braufels Food Bank | Organizational support | $70,000 |
| St John's School | Organizational support | $45,000 |
| Depelchin Children's Center Office of Advancement | Organizational support | $35,000 |
| Casa de Esperanza | Organizational support | $35,000 |
| The University of Texas Foundation James P Allison Institute | Support for cancer research | $30,000 |
| Kid's Meals | Organizational support | $25,000 |
| Interfaith Ministries Houston | Support for meals of wheels | $20,000 |
| Magellan International School Siempre Magellan Capital Campaign | Operational support to school | $15,000 |
| Girls Scouts of Southern Texas | Organizational support | $15,000 |
| Alamo Area Boy Scouts of America | Support for boy scouts | $15,000 |
| Museum of Fine Arts Houston | Organizational support | $10,000 |
| Texas A&m University Kingsville Fou Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Resarch Institute | Scholarship fund | $10,000 |
| Michael J Fox Foundation | Organizational support | $7,500 |
| Trinidad State Junior College Ed F | Organizational support | $5,000 |
| New Braunfels Parks Foundation | Organizational support | $5,000 |
| The Houston Zoo | Organizational support | $5,000 |
| Dna Doe Project | Organizational support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- William Palmer Hayes
- John Raymond Palmer
- Shelley Palmer Hayes
- Patrick John Hayes
Questions people ask
Does Palmer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Palmer Foundation give?
$350,000 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Palmer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William Palmer Hayes (President), John Raymond Palmer (Vice Preside), Shelley Palmer Hayes (Director) and Patrick John Hayes (Secretary/Tr).
What does Palmer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, education and youth programs.