Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife
The Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation is a private foundation established through the will of Caesar Kleberg in 1943 and formally created in 1951. Based in Kingsville, Texas, the Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and research. The Foundation is closely connected to the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which was founded in 1981 with a $3 million endowment from the Foundation.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$65.0M
+9.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.2M
-21.7% YoY
Grant Count
6
-25.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$538K
+4.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's primary mission centers on wildlife conservation and studies. The Foundation is particularly committed to:
- Wildlife conservation efforts that fill critical knowledge gaps through applied research
- Habitat restoration supporting native wildlife, primarily in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas
- Research maintaining ecosystem integrity, including native plant establishment
- Studies of stopover habitats for Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds
- Investigation of endangered and sensitive species endemic to South Texas
- Projects addressing potential threats to wildlife and their habitats in South Texas
- Habitat restoration and protection
- Preservation of culturally significant natural heritage in South Texas
- Animal science studies expanding knowledge related to animal disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in cattle and horses
- Animal genome and genetic mechanisms research
- Studies contributing to improved animal or human health
Grantmaking
The Foundation made six grants in 2023, with total grant distributions of approximately $3.98 million. Notable recent grants include:
Ready to take the next step with Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation's funding is concentrated in South Texas, with particular emphasis on the Rio Grande Valley region. The Foundation also supports research relevant to deer in Texas and northern Mexico.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of the most recent tax filing (2023):
- Total Assets: $59,481,356
- Total Revenues: $4,403,784
- Total Expenses: $4,768,407
- Total Grants, Contributions, etc.: $10,000
- Staff: 3 employees
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $64,988,011 | $59,481,356 | $59,808,771 |
| Revenue | $9,376,415 | $4,403,784 | $3,875,151 |
| Expenses | $3,891,965 | $4,768,407 | $4,009,593 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,404,679 | $4,302,026 | $3,610,137 |
| Net Investment Income | $9,004,289 | $3,982,763 | $3,504,531 |
| Distributable Amount | $4,871,183 | $3,578,433 | $3,769,321 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
31 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation has been guided by a small group of trustees throughout its history. As of the most recent information available:
- Stephen J. 'Tio' Kleberg - Trustee (became Trustee in 1979)
- Chris C. Kleberg - Trustee (became Trustee in 2013)
- Robert 'Jay' Kleberg - Trustee (invited to serve after 2021)
The Foundation's leadership has remained remarkably consistent, with only nine individuals influencing the Foundation's direction and philanthropy over more than seventy years. The trustee lineage reflects the Kleberg family's multi-generational commitment to Caesar Kleberg's vision.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN J KLEBERG | TRUSTEE | 4 | $60,000 |
| CHRIS KLEBERG | TRUSTEE | 4 | $50,000 |
| ROBERT J KLEBERG | TRUSTEE | 4 | $50,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the primary recipient of Foundation support, has undertaken several significant initiatives:
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute breaks ground on Ocelot Conservation**Ocelot Conservation Facility:** The Institute broke ground on a $20 million Ocelot Conservation Facility, a state-of-the-art complex offering nearly 30,000 square feet of dedicated space. The facility is designed to advance ocelot research, understand ocelot behavior and health, and provide capacity for ocelot reintroduction efforts throughout South Texas.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute breaks ground on Ocelot Conservation**Patton Center for Deer Research:** A generous gift from Bobby and Sherri Patton established the Patton Center for Deer Research at the Institute. All deer-related research conducted by the Institute operates under this center's banner, focusing on research relevant to deer in Texas and northern Mexico to increase understanding of deer ecology and management effectiveness.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute breaks ground on Ocelot Conservation**Monarch Butterfly and Native Plant Habitat Restoration:** In 2018, Valley Crossing Pipeline, LLC and King Ranch, Inc. made a joint $100,000 donation to the Institute to fund development, installation, and research of South Texas native seed mixes and restoration of native monarch butterfly habitat throughout South Texas, with focus on the Valley Crossing Pipeline right-of-way in Kenedy County.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute breaks ground on Ocelot ConservationRelated Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
William Z Hayes Foundation
DALLAS, TX
Assets
$629K
Grants
4
Total Given
$28K
Tr Uw Jane James Cook Item 19
DALLAS, TX
Assets
$861K
Grants
11
Total Given
$41K
Forsyth Fbo Leonard Wood Memorial
DALLAS, TX
Assets
$320K
Grants
1
Total Given
$18K
Teas Foundation
AMARILLO, TX
Assets
$3.0M
Grants
3
Total Given
$138K
Harold D Miller Endowment Fund
DALLAS, TX
Assets
$890K
Grants
1
Total Given
$44K
Amarillo Business Foundation
AMARILLO, TX
Assets
$4.2M
Grants
13
Total Given
$222K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities