Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
The Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation is a private foundation based in Waco, Texas. Established in 1987, it says it has dedicated more than $70 million in grants to improve the social fabric of life. Its funding priorities include arts and culture, community building and social services, democracy and civic participation, education, and health.
Key facts about Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
In short: Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation gave $2.0M across 41 grants in 2025 (avg $49K), mostly in Texas. 32% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 74-2479712
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,020,399
- Grants made (2025)
- 41
- Average grant
- $49,278
- Median grant
- $26,477
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (12 of 37, 2025)
- Total assets
- $64,857,565
- Primary geography
- Texas (70% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Submit an LOI through the online grant portal during an open cycle. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- For the 2026 spring cycle, LOIs were due February 9, 2026, and invited final applications were due April 6, 2026.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$64.9M
+3.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.0M
-21.2% YoY
Grant Count
41
-4.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
-17.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.2M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 12 of 37 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $80K; repeat grants $42K. How we count
Medians: $48K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 43% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−12%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 92% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is “to meet basic human needs while building individual and social resiliency.” Its five primary areas are Arts & Culture, Community Building & Social Services, Democracy & Civic Participation, Education, and Health.
For arts and culture, it supports programs encouraging participation by children and disadvantaged community members. Its education interests include early learning through elementary years, adult education and training, college and career readiness, and initiatives that strengthen public-school teachers and other professionals.
Recent grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. The Central Texas Food Bank describes its work as increasing food access through nutritious food, advocacy, programs, education, and other solutions. La Vega Pirates Education Foundation says it raises and distributes resources for creative and innovative programs to enhance students’ educational programs. Civic Nation describes using organizing, engagement, and public awareness to address national challenges. Lone Star Justice Alliance describes addressing systemic justice-system failures through advocacy and evidence-based programs for youth and emerging adults.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the Foundation reported 41 grants totaling $2,020,399. The itemized grants ranged from $10,000 to $336,733, with a median of $26,477. Recent larger grants included $336,733 to the University of Texas at Austin for the Rapoport Service Scholarship; $168,367 each to the Jerusalem Foundation and Jewish Federations of North America for projects in Israel; and $100,000 each to Central Texas Food Bank for support for a commercial kitchen in its Waco facility and Civic Nation for an electoral-engagement research project. Other 2025 awards included $60,000 to La Vega Pirates Education Foundation for a teacher-preparation program and $55,000 to Waco Family Medicine for a WISD on-campus behavioral health initiative.
Review Cycle
For the 2026 spring cycle, LOIs were due February 9, 2026, and invited final applications were due April 6, 2026. The Foundation lists the 2026 fall schedule as to be announced, with the portal tentatively opening in August.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation Grant
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation Grant
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Rapoport Service Scholarship (UT Austin)
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
Amount
$10K
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
By policy, one-third of annual grant funds are designated for projects and programs located in Waco, Texas. Another one-third is discretionary and may support projects and programs throughout Texas and the United States. The remaining one-third is obligated to the University of Texas at Austin Rapoport Service Scholarship program, the Jerusalem Foundation, and Jewish Federations of North America.
The Foundation says it does not typically fund direct-service programs outside Waco/McLennan County or programs benefiting a small geographic area or narrow audience outside that area. In 2025, 70% of grant dollars went to Texas recipients, 18% to New York, 8% to the District of Columbia, 2% to Kentucky, and 1% to Rhode Island.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 41 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.9M (2023) to $2.6M (2024). In 2025 it made 41 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Texas at Austin ($337K). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
191 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 122 grants of 191 (64%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX | Cola Rapoport Service Scholarship | $336,733 |
| Jerusalem Foundation New York, NY | Support for Projects in Israel | $168,367 |
| Jewish Federations of North America New York, NY | Support for Projects in Israel | $168,367 |
| Central Texas Food Bank Austin, TX | Support for Commercial Kitchen in Waco Facility | $100,000 |
| Civic Nation Washington, DC | Support for Electoral Engagement Reserach Project | $100,000 |
| La Vega Pirates Education Foundation Waco, TX | Support for Teacher Preparation Program | $60,000 |
| Waco Family Medicine Waco, TX | Support for Wisd on-Campus Behavioral Health Initiative | $55,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Dallas, TX | Support for Health Equity Fund - Waco Clinic | $50,605 |
| Cafe Momentum National Dallas, TX | Capital Support of Dallas Flagship Campus | $50,000 |
| Lone Star Justice Alliance Austin, TX | Support for Justsentencing Project | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grant total | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,020,399 | 41 |
| 2024 | $2,564,094 | 43 |
| 2023 | $1,941,495 | 39 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $64,857,565 | $62,428,919 | $58,428,773 |
| Revenue | $3,526,422 | $10,377,912 | $1,802,476 |
| Expenses | $3,356,363 | $3,377,588 | $3,334,053 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,914,382 | $3,365,521 | $2,681,244 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,123,270 | $10,048,635 | $1,472,427 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,157,349 | $2,851,699 | $2,751,717 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 16, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Dr. Ronald Rapoport as chairman and trustee. Trustees listed are Patricia Rapoport, Ambassador Lyndon Olson Jr., William A. Nesbitt (secretary and treasurer), Dr. Joel Schwartz, Dr. James Chesney, Dr. Rick Battistoni, Emily Rapoport, Rebecca A. Rapoport-Baker, and Samuel Baker.
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation is led by Ronald Rapoport, Chairman & Trustee on every filing since 2020; all 10 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ronald Rapoport
Chairman & Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Ambassador Lyndon Olson Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $9K (2025)
Emily Rapoport
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $9K (2025)
James Chesney
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $5K (2025)
Joel Schwartz
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Mrsrebecca A. Rapoport-Baker
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Patricia Rapoport
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Rick Battistoni
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Samuel Baker
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
William A. Nesbitt
Secretary, Treasurer & Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Mark Hobbs (2020–2025) — Executive Director · Filing note: Resigned 101721
- Former: Tom Stanton (2020–2022) — Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $260K, to Mr Mark Hobbs (Executive Director). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Application contact: Mark Hobbs
Mailing address: 5400 Bosque Blvd Suite 302, Waco, TX 76710
Phone: (254) 741-0510
Website: https://rapoportfdn.org
Frequently asked questions about Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation
How much does Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation give each year?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation gave $2.0M across 41 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2.6M across 43 grants.
What is Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's typical grant size?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $26,477, and its average grant was $49,278, across 41 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation that year got $80K on average.
Where does Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation give grants?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 70% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (18%) and District of Columbia (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Waco, TX (16 grants), Austin, TX (10 grants), New York, NY (3 grants) and Washington, DC (3 grants).
Does Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 29% of Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (12 of 41) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's largest grantees?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include University of Texas at Austin ($336,733), Jerusalem Foundation ($168,367) and Jewish Federations of North America ($168,367), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation reported $64.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is “to meet basic human needs while building individual and social resiliency.” Its five primary areas are Arts & Culture, Community Building & Social Services, Democracy & Civic Participation, Education, and Health. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation?
Submit an LOI through the online grant portal during an open cycle. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's EIN?
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2479712. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Cooper Foundation
Waco, TX
The Cooper Foundation funds eligible nonprofits and government agencies for education, health, arts and culture, community building, social services, and seniors, supporting projects in Waco, Texas; applicants must have programming and staff there. Recent grants ranged from $10,000 to $316,978, with a median of $44,780. It accepts unsolicited grant inquiries on an ongoing basis, with no set deadline.
Assets
$102.6M
Grants
24
Total Given
$2.1M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds charitable work in health, wealth, living, and learning, with much of its grantmaking supporting North Texas nonprofits; its 2025 grants had a median of $18,779, though award sizes varied widely. Nearly all opportunities are by invitation, and its Nonprofit Gateway profile is not a grant application.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
Waco Foundation
Waco, TX
Waco Foundation funds McLennan County nonprofits working to reduce disparities, address poverty, serve vulnerable residents, support community priorities, and strengthen nonprofit capacity. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,035 to $2,006,984, with a median of $19,648; it offers program/operating, capital, and capacity-building grants. The profile says eligible nonprofits apply through its grant programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$148.4M
Grants
98
Total Given
$7.8M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
The Houston Food Bank
Houston, TX
The Houston Food Bank supports food distribution and related hunger-relief programs, including school, children’s, and senior food initiatives, through community organizations in 18 Southeast Texas counties. Its 2025 grants had a median of $33,402, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$164.4M
Grants
1,128
Total Given
$210.7M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation supports civic, cultural, educational, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, as well as general operating costs, in communities served by BNSF across its 28-state network. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500; its current grants program lists awards of $1,000–$10,000.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
Community Foundation of North Texas (Tax
Fort Worth, TX
The Community Foundation of North Texas supports nonprofits through grants for areas including animal welfare, conservation, community development, nonprofit capacity, and opportunity, primarily in North Texas, including seven listed counties. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $14,250, with awards ranging from $5,100 to $1.5 million. It offers competitive grants through application cycles; nonprofits cannot apply for donor-advised grants.
Assets
$544.9M
Grants
872
Total Given
$41.3M
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Austin, TX
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds education, health, family economic stability, and nonprofit capacity, with a strong focus on children and families and its deepest investment in Texas, especially Greater Austin; it also supports work elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $75 to $50 million, with a median of $19,324. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application.
Assets
—
Grants
835
Total Given
$164.6M
More Funders in Texas
Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?