The Sumners Foundation
Accepts applications
The Sumners Foundation is a private foundation in Irving, Texas. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.8 million in 30 grants; the typical grant was $36,912 and the largest $856,100. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$2.8 million
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$36,912
- Largest grant$856,100
- Assets$74.1 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.0 million the year before.
38% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2.2 million | 55 | $72.1 million |
| 2023 | $2.0 million | 28 | $72.2 million |
| 2024 | $2.8 million | 30 | $74.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Charles Pierson 2201 West Royal Lane 100, Irving, TX 75063 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (214) 220-2128, charles@sumnersfoundation.org |
| What to submit | Letter, resume of organization or person and other supporting material. |
| Deadlines | Various |
| Restrictions | Awards are limited to the study and teaching of the science of self-government. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Sumners Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 21 | $2.3 million |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $217,400 |
| Oklahoma | 2 | $145,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $125,000 |
| New York | 1 | $57,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $25,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $18,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $856,100 | |
| Law Focused Educstate Bar of Texas | Training the next generation | $666,190 |
| YMCA of Austin | Texas youth and government | $175,000 |
| United States Assn of Former Member | Sumners scholars | $132,000 |
| YMCA Albuquerque Central NM | Youth and government | $125,000 |
| YMCA Oklahoma City | Youth and government | $125,000 |
| Texas Tribune | Texas tribune festival | $100,000 |
| American Legion Texas Boys State | General support | $75,000 |
| Fund for American Studies | Scholarships to attend 2024 tfas dc summer program | $65,400 |
| Texas FFA Foundation | Legislative lead | $60,000 |
| Braver Angels | Depolarization project | $57,000 |
| Fort Worth Report | Civic engagement | $50,000 |
| University of Dallas | Sumners scholarship programs | $45,000 |
| Baylor University | iENGAGE SUMMER CIVICS | $40,000 |
| Texas Christian University | Inegage & tcu washington internship program | $38,825 |
| First Liberty Institute | Internship proram for sumners scholars | $35,000 |
| World Affairs Council | Sumners civics lectures | $30,000 |
| Dallas Holocaust Human Rights Museu | Rule of law series | $25,000 |
| Lucy Burns Institute DBA Ballotpedi | Summer ballotpedia fellowship | $25,000 |
| Philanthropy Roundtable | Advance civic education | $20,000 |
| Oklahoma City University | Candidate recruiting | $20,000 |
| Libertas Academy | Spring civics institute: instruction and curriculum | $18,000 |
| San Antonio Report | Civic engagement reporting | $15,000 |
| Cook Children's Hospital | General support | $15,000 |
| Austin College | Constitution day program on campus | $7,700 |
| Howard Payne Unversity | 2024 scholar travel | $7,685 |
| Schreiner University | Sumners scholarship program | $7,500 |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Sumners scholarship endowment | $5,000 |
| Power for Parkinson's | General support | $1,010 |
| University of Houston | Candidate recruiting | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David G Drumm
- Brant Martin
- Jerry D Reis
- Lon R Williams
- Scott M Higginbotham
- William W Meadows
- Shannon Hutcheson
- T Charles Pierson
Questions people ask
Does The Sumners Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Various.
How much does The Sumners Foundation give?
$2.8 million in tax year 2024, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $36,912.
Who runs The Sumners Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists David G Drumm (Treasurer), Brant Martin (Director), Jerry D Reis (Chairman) and Lon R Williams (Vice Chairman) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Sumners Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and community development.