Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation is a private foundation in Dallas, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $536,955 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $284,000. 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$536,955
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$284,000
- Assets$12.0 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $458,894 the year before.
40% 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 | $460,892 | 27 | $10.1 million |
| 2024 | $458,894 | 26 | $11.2 million |
| 2025 | $536,955 | 30 | $12.0 million |
How to apply
Vin and Caren Prothro 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 Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 1 | $284,000 |
| Texas | 28 | $250,455 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yale University | Multi-year funding for the School of the Environment | $284,000 |
| Southern Methodist University | Multi-year funding towards the Owens Art Center Renovation in honor of Nancy McMillan Dedman | $71,420 |
| Southern Methodist University | Multi-year funding towards the Gerald and Gail Turner ScholarsProgram | $25,000 |
| Trinity Park Conservancy | Multi-year funding for Harold Simmons Park Capital Campaign | $25,000 |
| Southern Methodist University | Multi-year funding towards the Caren and Vin Prothro Organ for Perkins Chapel | $20,000 |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center | Multi-year funding towards the Outpatient Cancer Care Tower | $20,000 |
| George W Bush Foundation | Leadership Circle general support | $10,000 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Dallas | Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society | $10,000 |
| Individual | General operating and special event underwriting | $7,500 |
| ATT Performing Arts Center | General operating support | $5,334 |
| Methodist Health System Foundation | Folsom Leadership Award support | $5,000 |
| SM Wright Foundation | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Southern Methodist University | Towards the Distinguished Alumni Award event | $5,000 |
| Southern Methodist University | Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs | $5,000 |
| Southwestern Medical Foundation | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Texas Women's University Foundation | General operating suppport and special event underwriting | $5,000 |
| Dallas Symphony Association Inc | Annual support | $4,167 |
| Letot Center Capital Foundation | Scholarship support honoring Craig Evans | $3,334 |
| Dallas Museum of Art | Support of the Constellations Exhibition | $2,500 |
| Junior League of Dallas | General operating support and special event underwriting | $2,500 |
| Southern Methodist University | Towards Friends of SMU in Taos | $2,500 |
| St Philip's School Community Center | Annual support | $2,500 |
| Visiting Nurse Association of Texas | Support for The Celebrity Chef special event | $2,500 |
| World Wildlife Fund | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Southern Methodist University | Meadows at the Meyerson special event underwriting | $1,250 |
| Southern Methodist University | Friends of SMU Libraries-Literati Award event support | $1,250 |
| Dallas Historical Society | Awards for Excellence support | $1,200 |
| Individual | Annual support for students | $1,000 |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center | O'Donnell Brain Institute support in memory of Nancy Dedman | $1,000 |
| Taca | Special event underwriting | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Caren H Prothro
- Nita C Clark
- Vincent H Prothro
- J H Cullum Clark
- Dori Kawai
- Douglas C Denby
Questions people ask
Does Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation give?
$536,955 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Caren H Prothro (Chair Em./Dir.), Nita C Clark (Pres./Director), Vincent H Prothro (VP/Director) and J H Cullum Clark (Sec,Treas./Dir.) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and faith communities.