Dallas and Alta Harris Family
The Dallas and Alta Harris Family Foundation Inc. is a private family foundation based in Boise, Idaho. The foundation was established by Dallas Henry Harris (1915-1999) and his wife Alta Watson Harris, who built their wealth through lumber operations and ranching in Idaho. The foundation continues the family's legacy of philanthropic giving in the Boise area and beyond.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.3M
+486.1% YoY
Grant Count
44
+37.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$53K
+326.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Dallas and Alta Harris Family reported a distributable amount of $69K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's giving reflects the values that Dallas and Alta Harris held throughout their lives: stewardship, preservation, and quality of life. The foundation supports a diverse range of causes including:
- Wildlife preservation and animal welfare
- Education and student support
- International humanitarian work
- Community development and infrastructure
Grantmaking
The Dallas and Alta Harris Family Foundation reported total giving of $400,000, placing it among the top foundations by total giving in Boise, Idaho.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary focus is the Boise, Idaho area, though it also funds organizations with national and international reach.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation reported total giving of $400,000, ranking it among the top foundations in Boise by annual giving.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $2,396,240 | $2,663,324 |
| Revenue | $-39,227 | $147,944 | $270,246 |
| Expenses | $2,357,013 | $415,028 | $1,010,262 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,356,941 | $408,242 | $1,004,747 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,510 | $96,497 | $216,285 |
| Distributable Amount | $69,164 | $128,319 | $173,214 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Harding University - See Addendum for Add'l Information ($1,410,753), Women's and Children's Alliance ($86,500), Boise State University ($70,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ANIMALS IN DISTRESS ASSOCIATION BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $16,000 |
| ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF BOISE BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $1,500 |
| BIBICAL STUDIES BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $35,000 |
| BOISE AQUARIUM BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $1,500 |
| BOISE BASIN SENIOR CENTER IDAHO CITY, ID | OPERATIONS | $25,000 |
| BOISE BICYCLE PROJECT BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $1,000 |
| BOISE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $34,000 |
| BOISE RESCUE MISSION BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $2,250 |
| BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY BOISE, ID | BSU BAND | $70,000 |
| CAMP IVYDALE BOISE, ID | OPERATIONS | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation was established by Dallas Henry Harris and his wife Alta Watson Harris. Their children, including daughters Millie Davis and Felicia Burkhalter, and son Randy Harris, have been involved in carrying forward the family's philanthropic and community development legacy through the Harris Ranch development and other initiatives.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FELICIA H BURKHALTER | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| W DALLAS BURKHALTER | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MILDRED H DAVIS | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| BRIAN RANDOLPH HARRIS | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Harris family's philanthropic impact extends beyond direct foundation grants. In March 2022, the Harris family donated land to the Boise School District for the construction of Dallas Harris Elementary School in the Harris Ranch area, honoring Dallas Harris's vision for community development. The school was designed to serve kindergarten through sixth grade and help reduce overcrowding in other Boise schools.
The Dallas Foundation Announces $2.5 Million to Support Urgent CommunityThe family has also supported major infrastructure projects, including contributions to Boise's geothermal system expansion, reflecting their commitment to sustainable community development.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dallas and Alta Harris Family fund?
The foundation's giving reflects the values that Dallas and Alta Harris held throughout their lives: stewardship, preservation, and quality of life. The foundation supports a diverse range of causes including: • Wildlife preservation and animal welfare • Education and student support • International humanitarian work • Community development and infrastructure
How do I apply for a grant from Dallas and Alta Harris Family?
The Dallas and Alta Harris Family Foundation reported total giving of $400,000, placing it among the top foundations by total giving in Boise, Idaho. Recent grants documented include: • $47,500 to Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope (2023) for operations supporting Kenyan students and vulnerable children • $2,000 to Animals in Distress Association (2023) for operations at the Ruth Melichar Bird Center The foundation supports both local Boise-area organizations and national/international nonprofits.
Where does Dallas and Alta Harris Family make grants?
The foundation's primary focus is the Boise, Idaho area, though it also funds organizations with national and international reach.
What size grants does Dallas and Alta Harris Family award?
In 2024, Dallas and Alta Harris Family awarded 44 grants totaling $2.3M — an average of about $53K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Dallas and Alta Harris Family required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Dallas and Alta Harris Family reported a distributable amount of $69K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Dallas and Alta Harris Family's EIN?
Dallas and Alta Harris Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 14-1843939. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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