Caris Foundation logo

Caris Foundation

Private foundation · Grantmaker Irving, TX EIN: 46-0510753 Website

Caris Foundation is a private foundation based in Irving, Texas, established there in 2002. It says its mission is to help people in need and alleviate human suffering, with an emphasis on culturally relevant, sustainable solutions for impoverished communities.

Key facts about Caris Foundation

In short: Caris Foundation gave $5.7M across 14 grants in 2024 (avg $410K), mostly in Texas. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

EIN
46-0510753
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$5,739,165
Grants made (2024)
14
Average grant
$409,940
Median grant
$30,050
New grantees (estimate)
21% first-time grantees (3 of 14, 2024)
Total assets
$16,825,731
Primary geography
Texas (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

$16.8M

-3.7% YoY

Annual Giving

$5.7M

+6.6% YoY

Grant Count

14

+40.0% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$410K

-23.9% YoY

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Caris Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.

Is Caris Foundation open to new grantees?

21%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 3 of 14 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $28K; repeat grants $514K. How we count

Medians: $25K first-time, $35K repeat.

  • 64% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 25% from 2021 to 2024. Method
  • In 2024 it paid out 331% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The foundation’s stated mission is to demonstrate grace to impoverished people, empower participants to fulfill their potential, sustain that potential through training and equipping, and transform communities from despair and survival to hope and productivity.

Its 2024 grants included general support for Abilene Christian University, which describes its mission as Christian higher education, and for organizations whose stated work includes free medical and dental services (Bands Ministries), assistance to families working to end generational poverty (Fortress Youth Development Center), and support for Christian mission work in Brazil (CL – Changing Lives). Other grants included teacher appreciation awards to schools and general support for organizations including the George W. Bush Foundation and Touch A Life Foundation.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation made 14 grants totaling $5,739,165. Individual awards ranged from $1,000 to $2,747,576, with a median of $30,050. The largest grants were $2,747,576 to Caris Foundation International and $2,550,000 to Abilene Christian University, both for general support. Other grants included $100,000 to the George W. Bush Foundation for general support and $91,001 to Fortress Youth Development Center for teacher appreciation.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Caris Foundation?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas; the reported shares for New York and Arkansas were each 0%. The foundation’s website also describes its own programs in Kenya and Haiti.

Grant Distribution by State

8states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.

Cities

Fort WorthMcKinneyAbileneIrvingNorth Richland HillsBedfordColorado SpringsNew YorkSearcyTrophy ClubDallasProsperSanta ClaraBrunswickCarrolltonCollege StationDentonHaltom CityHendersonvillePittsburgh

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$2M$4M$6M11 grants2020 11 grants2021 15 grants2022 10 grants2023 14 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.2M (2020) to $5.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 14 grants totaling $5.7M.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Caris Foundation International: $2.7MCaris Foundation International$2.7MAbilene Christian University: $2.5MAbilene Christian University$2.5MGeorge W Bush Foundation: $100KGeorge W Bush Foundation$100KFortress Youth Development Center: $91KFortress Youth DevelopmentCenter$91KBands Ministries: $66KBands Ministries$66KCL - Changing Lives: $50KCL - Changing Lives$50KTouch a Life Foundation Inc: $35KTouch a Life Foundation Inc$35KNew York Cancer Foundation: $25KNew York Cancer Foundation$25KVan Zandt-Guinn Elementary School: $21KVan Zandt-Guinn ElementarySchool$21KMcKinney Nell Burks Elementary School: $21KMcKinney Nell Burks ElementarySchool$21K

The largest 2024 recipient was Caris Foundation International ($2.7M). Together the top 10 received $5.7M.

Grant Size Distribution

61 grants across all recorded years

37<$50K8$50–100K6$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M10$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 37 grants of 61 (61%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Caris Foundation International Irving, TXPayment for General Support$2,747,576
Abilene Christian University Abilene, TXPayment for General Support$2,550,000
George W Bush Foundation Dallas, TXPayment for General Support$100,000
Fortress Youth Development Center Fort Worth, TXTeacher Appreciation$91,001
Bands Ministries North Richland Hills, TXPayment for General Support$65,786
CL - Changing Lives Carrollton, TXPayment for General Support$50,000
Touch a Life Foundation Inc McKinney, TXPayment for General Support$35,000
New York Cancer Foundation Westhampton Beach, NYPayment for General Support$25,100
Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School Fort Worth, TXTeacher Appreciation$21,467
McKinney Nell Burks Elementary School McKinney, TXTeacher Appreciation$20,942

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Total grants Number of grants
2024 $5,739,165 14
2023 $5,385,190 10
2022 $5,104,325 15
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$2M$4M$6M$8M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$16,825,731$17,479,513$21,524,863
Revenue$5,592,424$2,128,155$3,658,404
Expenses$6,247,164$6,172,838$5,968,516
Qualifying Distributions$6,051,736$5,895,344$5,600,961
Net Investment Income$5,414,389$1,727,499$3,233,861
Distributable Amount$1,831,077$1,666,425$1,757,575

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
  2. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
  4. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
  5. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
  6. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Kathryn A. Halbert as executive director and president; David D. Halbert and Christopher Harmon as vice presidents; Kristen S. Halbert as director and treasurer; Christopher Harmon as secretary; and Michael D. Halbert and Patrick D. Halbert as directors.

Caris Foundation is led by Kathryn A. Halbert, Executive Director & President on every filing since 2020; 1 of 6 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Kathryn A. Halbert

    Executive Director & President

    On filings since 2020

    5 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • David D. Halbert

    Vice President & Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kristen S. Halbert

    Director & Treasurer

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Michael D. Halbert

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Patrick D. Halbert

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Christopher Harmon

    Vice President & Secretary

    On filings since 2020

    20 hrs/week

    $129K (2020) → $140K (2024)

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Christopher Harmon — Vice President/Secretary: $140KChristopher HarmonVice President/Secretary$140K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $140K, to Christopher Harmon (Vice President/Secretary).

Contact

Mailing address: 750 W John Carpenter Frwy Ste 800, Irving, TX 75039
Phone: (972) 947-2781
Website: https://carisfoundation.org

Frequently asked questions about Caris Foundation

How much does Caris Foundation give each year?

Caris Foundation gave $5.7M across 14 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.4M across 10 grants.

What is Caris Foundation's typical grant size?

Caris Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,050, and its average grant was $409,940, across 14 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Caris Foundation that year got $28K on average.

Where does Caris Foundation give grants?

Caris Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Worth, TX (3 grants) and McKinney, TX (2 grants).

Does Caris Foundation give general operating support?

Yes: 79% of Caris Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 14) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Teacher Appreciation" (3 grants).

Who are Caris Foundation's largest grantees?

Caris Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Caris Foundation International ($2,747,576), Abilene Christian University ($2,550,000) and George W Bush Foundation ($100,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 94% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is Caris Foundation?

Caris Foundation reported $16.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).

What does Caris Foundation fund?

The foundation’s stated mission is to demonstrate grace to impoverished people, empower participants to fulfill their potential, sustain that potential through training and equipping, and transform communities from despair and survival to hope and productivity. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Caris Foundation?

The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is Caris Foundation's EIN?

Caris Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-0510753. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Does Caris Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?

No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Caris Foundation by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Caris Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas

Halbert Harmon Foundation

Colleyville, TX

The Halbert Harmon Foundation supports organizations in areas including Christian higher education, community revitalization, youth development, and human services, primarily in Texas, with some funding in Arizona. In 2024, it made 17 grants ranging from $2,000 to $200,000, with a median grant of $5,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected organizations.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$8.1M

Grants

17

Total Given

$510K

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.2B

Grants

2,209

Total Given

$209.2M

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$544.9M

Grants

872

Total Given

$41.3M

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3B

Grants

3,576

Total Given

$3.2B

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

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$23.0M

Grants

993

Total Given

$7.0M

Baker Hughes Foundation

Houston, TX

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$2.2M

Grants

990

Total Given

$3.2M

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

$7.8B

Grants

835

Total Given

$164.6M

American Heart Association Inc

Dallas, TX

The American Heart Association funds basic, clinical, behavioral, translational, population, and other research on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and brain health, mainly through research awards to eligible U.S.-based nonprofit institutions. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,000 to $9.9 million, with a median award of $20,000. Applications are submitted through designated programs; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines

Assets

$2.0B

Grants

833

Total Given

$198.2M

Laura and John Arnold Foundation

Houston, TX

Arnold Ventures funds evidence-based research, evaluation, and policy work in criminal justice, health care, higher education and career pathways, public finance, and infrastructure. Its 2024 grants had a median of $122,776 (ranging from $685 to $12.5 million); based in Houston, Texas, it does not accept unsolicited requests, but accepts applications through specific requests for proposals.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$4.8B

Grants

789

Total Given

$193.3M

The Dallas Foundation

Dallas, TX

The Dallas Foundation funds nonprofits and other charitable organizations working on early childhood, maternal and child health, economic mobility, homelessness, youth mental health, and community needs, primarily in Dallas County. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $25,000; listed 2026 cycles seek requests of $5,000–$50,000 or $15,000–$50,000, depending on the program. It accepts applications through grant cycles when open; none are currently open, and organizations outside Dallas County may be eligible if most people they serve live there.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$491.5M

Grants

788

Total Given

$87.3M

More Funders in Texas

Caris Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?