Grant Guidelines

The Esping Family Foundation exists to help people and institutions of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas help themselves and future generations. Under the terms of its charter, the Foundation can distribute grants only to qualified public entities or 501(c)(3) charities serving the people of Texas. The Foundation does not lend or grant money to individuals.

Grants are made in four categories:

Education
Human Services
Health
Art and Culture

Within these categories of giving, there are currently three areas of high interest.

Improving the education outcomes of Texas children (K-12)
Children and Families
Youth Development

The Esping Family Foundation provides grants in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex but allocates most its grant resources to organizations helping those in the Dallas area. Grant requests ranging from $500-$50,000 are considered. There is a formal electronic application form required for consideration.

Our deadlines are April1 and October 1 of each year. Each organization is limited to one application within a twelve-month period.

The Foundation looks for one or more of the following conditions in an application:

Targeting underserved individuals and communities
Innovation in addressing issues
Collaboration with other organizations
Staff's ability to bring out intended results
Evidence of accountability and evaluation
Foundation support would be vital or catalytic to a proposed project's success
The project is well planned and the agency has the capacity to execute the plan
Financial support from other sources exists to ensure that the project will be implemented and continue after the grant period. It will expedite the review process if between one-third and one-half of the needed project funds have been secured before applying

In general, grants are not made for purposes of:

Individual scholarships or loans
Underwriting for charity balls
Endowment or permanent funds
Capital Campaigns
School sports or bands
Church or seminary construction
Underwriting fund-raising events
Professional conferences and symposia unless directly related to our areas of high interest
Out-of-state travel expenses for performances or competition
Support of single artistic events or performances

We do not acknowledge receipt of applications. We prefer to schedule face-to-face meetings after receiving an application. That way staff is familiar with the proposed project and can offer informed advice. However, we are available by phone or email to discuss your application at any time and we may schedule pre-grant interviews as time permits.

Progress reports on goals and expenditures of grant funds are required of all grantees. Please address grant reports to:

Grant Reports
Esping Family Foundation
2828 Routh Street, Suite 500
Dallas, Texas 75201

214-849.9808
214-849-9807 (fax)