The Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation concentrates its giving in Texas, prioritizing faith-based higher education support in San Antonio alongside regional land/wildlife conservation and expansion of K–12 educational programs. It funds student-facing services (scholarships, campus food programs), charter campus development and school mergers, and conservation organizations focused on habitat preservation and public education. Grants are relatively large and targeted, often directed to a small set of repeat grantees with tangible project or capacity-building purposes.
ELMA DILL RUSSELL SPENCER FOUNDATION is based in San Antonio, TX and reported $14,963,488 in annual grants given, with $105,548,041 in total assets. Its recent giving is concentrated in Texas and centers on Catholic higher education student support, K–12 education, and land and wildlife conservation. Recent grants show a pattern of repeat support to a small group of organizations. UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD received $1,633,300 in 2024, $1,506,006 in 2023, and $1,125,000 in 2025 for the Maher Mission and Ministry Fund for the Cardinal Cupboard and scholarships. TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST received $800,000 in 2024 and $250,000 in 2023 for conservation and education, and $230,000 in 2025 for the same purpose. GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES received $666,667 in 2023 and $175,000 in 2024 for development of the IH-10 campus. Other large grants include LEGACY SCHOOL FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDU for $500,000 in 2023 and TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION for $500,000 in 2025.
Recent grantmaking spans Catholic higher education student support, K–12 charter school development, and conservation and education. Notable grants include UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD for the Cardinal Cupboard and scholarships, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST for conservation and education, and GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES for development of the IH-10 campus. The foundation also funded LEGACY SCHOOL FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDU for a merger with existing CMOS, SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY for acquisition costs associated with a future campus, and TEXAS CAVALIERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION for support for impoverished children in Bexar County, TX. Additional recent grants went to TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION for conservation and education.
ELMA DILL RUSSELL SPENCER FOUNDATION gives medium-to-large grants, with a typical range from a p25 of $11,250 to a median of $50,000 and a p75 of $168,750. Recent awards include repeated multi-year support for the same grantees, especially UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST, GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES, and TRINITY UNIVERSITY. Its grantmaking is program-focused and often tied to specific projects, operations, capital needs, scholarships, or education-related services. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments.
$5M
$105.5M
$9M
$6M
Most grants fall between $11K and $169K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$11K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$169K
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeSign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Concentrated, high-dollar giving to a small number of regional grantees; multiple repeat awards to flagship beneficiaries (notably University of the Incarnate Word and Texas Wildlife Association Foundation). Mostly project- and capacity-focused grants (campus services, campus build-out, conservation projects) rather than broad unrestricted portfolios.
Notable grantees: University of the Incarnate Word, Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, Great Hearts Academies, Legacy School for Excellence
ELMA DILL RUSSELL SPENCER FOUNDATION gives primarily in Texas: 97% of grants go to recipients in TX, and TX is also the state where it gives most often. Recent grants also include one recipient in New York, NY, through TEXAS FACILITIES FUND. The recipient country distribution is entirely in the US. The most visible recipient cities are San Antonio, Ingram, and Boerne in Texas.
The provided data does not state whether ELMA DILL RUSSELL SPENCER FOUNDATION accepts unsolicited applications. Its recent grant record shows funded organizations in education, conservation, and related services, but no application process details are included.
It typically funds Catholic higher education student support, K–12 charter school development and school consolidation, Texas land conservation and wildlife education, and student basic needs support. Recent grants include scholarships, campus food services, conservation/education work, and school operations.
Typical grant size is $11,250 at the 25th percentile, $50,000 at the median, and $168,750 at the 75th percentile. Recent grants range from $125,000 and $175,000 to more than $1 million for repeated support to some grantees.
It makes grants primarily in Texas. TX accounts for 97% of grants and is the state where it gives most often. The recipient country distribution is 100% US, with one recent grant to a New York, NY-based recipient.
Recent grantees include UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST, GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES, LEGACY SCHOOL FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDU, TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION, TRINITY UNIVERSITY, TEXAS FACILITIES FUND, CHOOSE TO SUCCEED, HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, and NEW FRONTIERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $1,125,000 | 2025 | MAHER MISSION AND MINISTRY FUND FOR THE CARDINAL CUPBOARD AND SCHOLARSHIPS |
| TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $500,000 | 2025 | CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION |
| TRINITY UNIVERSITY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $375,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP |
| TEXAS FACILITIES FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $333,334 | 2025 | SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS WITH ACCESS TO LOW-COST, LONG-TERM FINANCING |
| SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $300,000 | 2025 | ACQUISITION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURE CAMPUS |
| HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $250,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $230,000 | 2025 | CONSERVATION/EDUCATION |
| ST ANDREW'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $180,000 | 2025 | SCHOOL OPERATIONS, PASTORAL CARE FUND |
| CHOOSE TO SUCCEED | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $175,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| TEXAS CAVALIERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $175,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN IN BEXAR COUNTY, TX |
| ST PETER THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL | BOERNE, TX | $147,515 | 2025 | SUPPORT ESTABLISHING SCHOOL |
| NEW FRONTIERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $125,000 | 2025 | EXPANDING THE EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE ACROSS SAN ANTONIO AND BEYOND |
| HILL COUNTRY YOUTH RANCH | INGRAM, TX | $100,000 | 2025 | ENRICHMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION FOR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $100,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OPPORUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES |
| TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $100,000 | 2025 | SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| SAN ANTONIO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $100,000 | 2025 | ZOO ADMISSION AND EDUCATION ENCOUNTERS FOR UNDER-SERVED STUDENTS THAT ATTEND TITLE 1 SCHOOLS |
| SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $85,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH WATER CONSERVATIONISTS PROGRAM |
| FRIENDS OF CIBOLO WILDERNESS | BOERNE, TX | $75,000 | 2025 | CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AND NATURE LITERACY EDUCATION |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $64,450 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| CHARITY BALL ASSOCIATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $50,000 | 2025 | CHILDREN'S SUPPORT PROGRAMS |
| RISE SCHOOL OF SAN ANTONIO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $50,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE HIGHEST QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN |
| ESSENCE PREPATORY SCHOOLS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SAN ANTONIO RIVER FOUNDATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $40,000 | 2025 | FUND A SCHOOL TOUR EDUCATOR |
| CITY KIDS ADVENTURES | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $35,000 | 2025 | PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT |
| KIPP TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $30,000 | 2025 | BEXAR COUNTY GROWTH |
| CIBOLO NATURE CENTER | BOERNE, TX | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION | DALLAS, TX | $20,000 | 2025 | CONTINUATION OF CONSERVATION LEGACY VERSION 1 |
| EDWARDS PLATEAU ALLIANCE | ELDORADO, TX | $20,000 | 2025 | PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES |
| ST BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH | FREDERICKSBURG, TX | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| COMAL COUNTY COUNSERVATION ALLIANCE | CANYON LAKE, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WITTE MUSEUM | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | TABLE SPONSOR FOR GALA |
| KIDS MEALS | HOUSTON, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | MIKE HEINEMAN ATHLETIC ENDOWMENT FUND |
| COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | HARVEY WEIL DINNNER SPONSORSHIP |
| NAVY LEAGUE-ALAMO BATTALION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,050 | 2025 | SUPPORT ALAMO BATTALION |
| TEXAS FOUNDATION FOR CONSERVATION | AUSTIN, TX | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| TEXAS BRIGADES | NEW BRAUNFELS, TX | $5,000 | 2025 | TEXAS BRIGADE CAMPS |
| UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $1,633,300 | 2024 | MAHER MISSION AND MINISTRY FUND FOR THE CARDINAL CUPBOARD AND SCHOLARSHIPS |
| TEXAS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $800,000 | 2024 | CONSERVATION/EDUCATION |
| TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATIO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $425,000 | 2024 | CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION |
| TEXAS FACILITIES FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $333,333 | 2024 | SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS WITH ACCESS TO LOW-COST, LONG-TERM FINANCING |
| TRINITY UNIVERSITY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $300,000 | 2024 | SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP |
| GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $175,000 | 2024 | FUND DEVELOPMENT OF IH-10 CAMPUS |
| NEW FRONTIERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $125,000 | 2024 | EXPANDING THE EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE ACROSS SAN ANTONIO AND BEYOND |
| CHOOSE TO SUCCEED | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $125,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| HILL COUNTRY YOUTH RANCH | INGRAM, TX | $100,000 | 2024 | ENRICHMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| EPHESIANS 3 FOUNDATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $100,000 | 2024 | ASSIST IN PROVIDING ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS A HOME AND DAY PROGRAM THAT FOSTERS ABUNDANT LIFE |
| TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $100,000 | 2024 | SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| FRIENDS OF CIBOLO WILDERNESS | BOERNE, TX | $75,000 | 2024 | CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AND NATURE LITERACY EDUCATION |
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
$1,125,000MAHER MISSION AND MINISTRY FUND FOR THE CARDINAL CUPBOARD AND SCHOLARSHIPS
TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
$500,000CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
$375,000SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
TEXAS FACILITIES FUND
$333,334SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS WITH ACCESS TO LOW-COST, LONG-TERM FINANCING
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
$300,000ACQUISITION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURE CAMPUS
GENERAL SUPPORT
ST ANDREW'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$180,000SCHOOL OPERATIONS, PASTORAL CARE FUND
CHOOSE TO SUCCEED
$175,000GENERAL OPERATIONS
SUPPORT FOR IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN IN BEXAR COUNTY, TX
ST PETER THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$147,515SUPPORT ESTABLISHING SCHOOL
NEW FRONTIERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
$125,000EXPANDING THE EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE ACROSS SAN ANTONIO AND BEYOND
SUPPORT OPPORUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SAN ANTONIO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
$100,000ZOO ADMISSION AND EDUCATION ENCOUNTERS FOR UNDER-SERVED STUDENTS THAT ATTEND TITLE 1 SCHOOLS
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
$85,000SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH WATER CONSERVATIONISTS PROGRAM
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$64,450GENERAL OPERATIONS
CHARITY BALL ASSOCIATION
$50,000CHILDREN'S SUPPORT PROGRAMS
RISE SCHOOL OF SAN ANTONIO
$50,000PROVIDE HIGHEST QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
ESSENCE PREPATORY SCHOOLS
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CITY KIDS ADVENTURES
$35,000PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT
KIPP TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
$30,000BEXAR COUNTY GROWTH
CIBOLO NATURE CENTER
$25,000GENERAL OPERATIONS
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
$20,000CONTINUATION OF CONSERVATION LEGACY VERSION 1
EDWARDS PLATEAU ALLIANCE
$20,000PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ST BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$20,000GENERAL OPERATIONS
COMAL COUNTY COUNSERVATION ALLIANCE
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM
$10,000TABLE SPONSOR FOR GALA
SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY
$10,000MIKE HEINEMAN ATHLETIC ENDOWMENT FUND
NAVY LEAGUE-ALAMO BATTALION
$8,050SUPPORT ALAMO BATTALION
TEXAS FOUNDATION FOR CONSERVATION
$7,500GENERAL OPERATIONS
TEXAS BRIGADES
$5,000TEXAS BRIGADE CAMPS
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
$1,633,300MAHER MISSION AND MINISTRY FUND FOR THE CARDINAL CUPBOARD AND SCHOLARSHIPS
TEXAS WILDLFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATIO
$425,000CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
TEXAS FACILITIES FUND
$333,333SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS WITH ACCESS TO LOW-COST, LONG-TERM FINANCING
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
$300,000SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES
$175,000FUND DEVELOPMENT OF IH-10 CAMPUS
NEW FRONTIERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
$125,000EXPANDING THE EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE ACROSS SAN ANTONIO AND BEYOND
CHOOSE TO SUCCEED
$125,000GENERAL OPERATIONS
EPHESIANS 3 FOUNDATION
$100,000ASSIST IN PROVIDING ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS A HOME AND DAY PROGRAM THAT FOSTERS ABUNDANT LIFE
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN