Grantmaking Guidelines

Eligibility

Organizations that apply for funding from The Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation must be classified as public charities and tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation’s primary focus is to support charitable organizations working in the following areas:

  • To provide educational opportunities for children and young adults who otherwise may not have the ability to fulfill their goals of obtaining a higher education;
  • To provide education and training for individuals exposed to adverse conditions including financial hardship, exposure to drug or alcohol usage and personal or family conflict;
  • To support educational programs to prevent substance abuse, provide positive lifestyle choices and career and vocational training; and
  • To support cultural, literary and artistic endeavors in the community.

Geographic Focus

The Foundation focuses its giving primarily in North Texas and grants to other geographical interests of the family.

Program Type

Grants are made to support primarily operating and program/project needs, but requests for capital improvements may also be considered.

Grant Range

The majority of grants from the Foundation are one year in duration.

Grant amounts will average from $10,000 to $50,000. Larger multi-year commitments can be awarded. The average grant size is $35,000.

Grant Limitations

Only one request will be accepted from an organization during a 12-month period.

Grant Restrictions

Grants for individuals or for endowment campaigns are not considered.

How to Apply

Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

E-mailed, mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed applications will not be acknowledged.

Applicants should review our procedures before beginning an online application.