The Sumners Foundation
Historical FunderIrving, Texas · EIN 75-2734032 · Private foundation · Website
Half of its grants to organizations were between $18,000 and $75,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2024):
| Contact | CHARLES PIERSON |
|---|---|
| Address | 2201 WEST ROYAL LANE 100, IRVING TX 75063 |
| Phone | 2142202128 |
| CHARLES@SUMNERSFOUNDATION.ORG | |
| Form and materials | 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. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
36% of grants went outside Texas.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA of Austin | Austin, TX | Texas youth and government | $175,000 |
| United States Assn of Former Member | Washington, DC | Sumners scholars | $132,000 |
| YMCA Albuquerque Central Nm | Albuquerque, NM | Youth and government | $125,000 |
| YMCA Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City, OK | Youth and government | $125,000 |
| Texas Tribune | Austin, TX | Texas tribune festival | $100,000 |
| American Legion Texas Boys State | Austin, TX | General support | $75,000 |
| Fund for American Studies | Washington, DC | Scholarships to attend 2024 tfas DC summer program | $65,400 |
| Texas Ffa Foundation | Austin, TX | Legislative lead | $60,000 |
| University of Dallas | Irving, TX | Sumners scholarship programs | $45,000 |
| Baylor University | Waco, TX | iENGAGE SUMMER CIVICS | $40,000 |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | Inegage & tcu washington internship program | $38,825 |
| First Liberty Institute | Plano, TX | Internship proram for sumners scholars | $35,000 |
| World Affairs Council | Dallas, TX | Sumners civics lectures | $30,000 |
| Lucy Burns Institute Dba Ballotpedi | Middleton, WI | Summer ballotpedia fellowship | $25,000 |
| Philanthropy Roundtable | Washington, DC | Advance civic education | $20,000 |
| Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City, OK | Candidate recruiting | $20,000 |
| Libertas Academy | Tampa, FL | Spring civics institute: instruction and curriculum | $18,000 |
| Cook Children's Hospital | Fort Worth, TX | General support | $15,000 |
| Austin College | Sherman, TX | Constitution day program on campus | $7,700 |
| Schreiner University | Kerrville, TX | Sumners scholarship program | $7,500 |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, TX | Sumners scholarship endowment | $5,000 |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX | Candidate recruiting | $1,000 |
The return also lists 8 grants to individuals ($1,677,985). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,843,410 | 30 |
| 2023 | $2,022,171 | 28 |
| 2021 | $2,232,036 | 55 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Oct 29, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202533029349101303
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 75-2734032
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.