East Texas Communities Foundation
East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) is a public charity based in Tyler, Texas, founded in 1989 to serve people and communities in East Texas. It manages and distributes charitable funds—including scholarships, endowments, designated funds, and donor-advised funds—and supports donors in pursuing charitable goals.
East Texas Communities Foundation at a glance
In short: East Texas Communities Foundation gave $15.4M across 253 grants in 2024 (avg $61K), mostly in Texas. 22% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $15,421,546
- +26.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 253
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $60,955
- +26.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $129,511,863
- +2.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (55 of 253, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (91% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to East Texas Communities Foundation
- Invitation Only
-
Application requirements depend on the fund. Some opportunities have a formal application process, while the Tyler Library Foundation Fund is by invitation only. The foundation’s grants page directs applicants with questions to its program officer.
- Contact
Mailing address: 315 N Broadway Ave 210, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 533-0208
Website: https://etcf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
75 open opportunities from East Texas Communities Foundation
A.D. & Mary Winston Scholarship Grant
East Texas Communities Foundation
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Barbara Bass Community College Scholarship Grant
East Texas Communities Foundation
Amount
Up to US $1,250
Deadline
Deadline not published
Betty and Roy Erickson Charitable Fund for Nursing Grant
East Texas Communities Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who East Texas Communities Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Bethesda Health Clinic ($4.1M). Together the top 10 received $8.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,180 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 947 grants of 1,180 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ETCF’s stated service area includes 32 East Texas counties. Its 2024 grant announcement says most grants benefited nonprofits in that area. The 2024 filing’s itemized grant dollars were distributed primarily to Texas recipients (91%), with listed shares for Missouri (3%), Louisiana (3%), North Carolina (1%), and Florida (1%). ETCF says its grants may support local, national, and international nonprofit organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 253 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is East Texas Communities Foundation open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 55 of 253 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $23K; repeat grants $72K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $16K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $8.2M (2020) to $15.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 253 grants totaling $15.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bethesda Health Clinic Tyler, TX | Health, General | $4,075,236 |
| UT Tyler Office of Advancemen Tyler, TX | Educational | $1,898,512 |
| St Paul Lutheran Church St Joseph, MO | Educational | $440,692 |
| The Mentoring Alliance Tyler, TX | Youth Development | $401,480 |
| The Xtra Mile Recov Assistanc Ville Platte, LA | Mental Health | $380,000 |
| Encouragement Media Group Tyler, TX | Religion | $375,457 |
| Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, TX | Educational | $263,282 |
| Grace Community Church Tyler, TX | Religion | $262,100 |
| Azleway Inc Tyler, TX | Youth Development | $232,111 |
| Starbrite Therapeutic Equestr Whitehouse, TX | Disease/Disorder | $194,154 |
Ready to take the next step with East Texas Communities Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Separately, ETCF’s 2024 announcement reported $137.6 million in charitable assets under management at year-end.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $129,511,863 | $21,291,866 | $19,134,507 | $15,421,546 | 253 | $8,452,107 |
| 2023 | $126,676,238 | $16,489,236 | $15,749,671 | $12,239,393 | 253 | $5,482,322 |
| 2022 | $115,734,641 | $14,270,368 | $13,956,400 | $11,190,411 | 251 | $3,068,072 |
| 2021 | $137,619,988 | $26,912,059 | $15,245,166 | $12,236,516 | 230 | $10,413,299 |
| 2020 | $125,082,802 | $18,289,005 | $10,514,548 | $8,247,944 | 193 | $5,345,506 |
| 2019 | $110,151,335 | $15,175,373 | $13,664,158 | $11,104,660 | 175 | $4,412,857 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
ETCF’s stated mission is: “Philanthropy builds community and changes lives.” The foundation says it supports philanthropy by offering donors ways to achieve their charitable goals.
ETCF’s 2024 grantmaking announcement identified health, education, and youth development as its top grant categories. Its 2024 grants also included support for religious organizations and mental health services. Examples of grantee missions illustrate the range of work supported: Bethesda Health Clinic describes providing Christ-centered healthcare to working, uninsured adults; Mentoring Alliance describes mobilizing people to help children and families; and Discovery Place describes providing hands-on learning experiences for children and families in East Texas.
Grantmaking
ETCF reported awarding more than $19.9 million in grants to over 800 nonprofit organizations in 2024. Separately, its 2024 IRS filing lists 253 grants totaling $15,421,546, with a median listed grant of $15,000 and a range from $5,069 to $4,075,236.
The largest grants listed in the filing included $4,075,236 to Bethesda Health Clinic for general health purposes and $1,898,512 to UT Tyler Office of Advancement for educational purposes. Other listed awards included $440,692 to St Paul Lutheran Church for educational purposes, $401,480 to The Mentoring Alliance for youth development, and $380,000 to The Xtra Mile Recovery Assistance for mental health.
ETCF’s grants page describes different processes for individual funds. The Tyler Library Foundation Fund is by invitation only. The Edwin A. “Blue” and Janice Owen Miller Charitable Fund invites eligible nonprofits and governmental entities serving Henderson County to apply for new or expanded projects; general operating requests are discouraged, and organizations should submit one application. Its page lists applications opening May 1, 2027, with a May 31, 2027 deadline at 5:00 p.m. The page also lists an April 30, 2027 deadline for the invitation-only Tyler Library Foundation Fund. The Betty and Roy Erickson Charitable Fund for Nursing supports nursing education needs such as special projects, equipment, technology, and supplies; eligible applicants include public colleges or universities and nonprofit institutions in designated East Texas counties.
The foundation’s filing states that competitive grant selection uses evaluator scores and comments, and that competitive grantees must provide formal annual reports on use of funds. Other grants include written designations communicating any restrictions.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
ETCF’s website identifies Kyle Penney as president. The website also lists Lindsay Sneed as director of finance and administration, Holly McFarlin as director of public relations, and Dana Durman and Kathryn Martinez as program officers.
The 2024 filing lists Kyle L. Penney as president and Marvin L. Sneed as finance director. It also lists Barbara Bass, Rick Allen, Robert Bailes, Garnett Brookshire, Shannon Dacus, Amy Miller, Rogers Pope Jr., and Toby Fails as directors or officers.
East Texas Communities Foundation is led by Kyle L Penney, President on every filing since 2019; 2 of 32 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kyle L Penney
President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$151K (2019) → $217K (2024)
Barbara Bass
V Chair & Govn Chair
Grants Chair → V Chair & Govn Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Ferguson
Sppt & Eval Chair
Director → Sppt & Eval Chair, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Hagan
Mktg & Development Chair
Director → Mktg & Development Chair, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Glenney
Chairman
Secretary, Mkt & Development C → V Chair & Govn Chair, 2021
V Chair & Govn Chair → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dirk Coleman
Audit Chair
Director → Audit Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Perryman
Investmnt Chair
Director → Audit Chair, 2021
Audit Chair → Investmnt Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Brooks
Grants Chair
Director → Grants Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Whatley
Policy Chair
Director → Policy Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marvin L Sneed
Finance Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $139K (2024)
Alan Roseman
Director
Investmnt Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Douglas G Bolles
Director
Past Chairman → Director, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Garnett Brookshire
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Kimmel
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rick Allen
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Bailes
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Roosth
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Adams
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lee Gearheart
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David McWhorter
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Moore
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kris Gusa
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lonny Uzzell
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Newburn
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Wright
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Dacus
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Spitzer
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Toby Fails
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Miller
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rogers Pope Jr.
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tiffany Kirgan
Past Chairman
Vice & Gov Chai → Chairman, 2021
Chairman → Past Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Jones
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Peter Boyd (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Scott Terry (2019–2023) — Invest Chair
- Former: Dale Lunsford (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Edwin Holt (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Gordon Northcutt (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Kimberly Fish (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Tony Morgan (2019–2022) — Past Chairman
- Former: Cindi Featherston-Shields (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Kristen Seeber (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Marilyn Abegg-Glass (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Judith Guthrie (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Dawn Franks (2019–2020) — Policy Chair
- Former: Michael Bosworth (2019–2020) — Treasurer & Audit Cha
- Former: Jon Alexander (2019) — Director
- Former: Roe Buckley (2019) — Audit Chair
- Former: Steve Dement (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $217K, to Kyle L Penney (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about East Texas Communities Foundation
How much does East Texas Communities Foundation give each year?
East Texas Communities Foundation gave $15.4M across 253 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $12.2M across 253 grants.
What is East Texas Communities Foundation's typical grant size?
East Texas Communities Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $60,955, across 253 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from East Texas Communities Foundation that year got $23K on average.
Where does East Texas Communities Foundation give grants?
East Texas Communities Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Tyler, TX (94 grants), Longview, TX (14 grants), Dallas, TX (11 grants) and Athens, TX (11 grants).
Does East Texas Communities Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of East Texas Communities Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 253) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Religion" (56 grants), "Educational" (47 grants) and "Human Service" (37 grants).
Who are East Texas Communities Foundation's largest grantees?
East Texas Communities Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Bethesda Health Clinic ($4,075,236), UT Tyler Office of Advancemen ($1,898,512) and St Paul Lutheran Church ($440,692), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is East Texas Communities Foundation?
East Texas Communities Foundation reported $129.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $21.3M.
What does East Texas Communities Foundation fund?
ETCF’s stated mission is: “Philanthropy builds community and changes lives.” The foundation says it supports philanthropy by offering donors ways to achieve their charitable goals. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from East Texas Communities Foundation?
Application requirements depend on the fund. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is East Texas Communities Foundation's EIN?
East Texas Communities Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-2309138. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 13, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work East Texas Communities Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in East Texas Communities Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). East Texas Communities Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/east-texas-communities-foundation-morg_c3039201a85c4347b73af69447f0a7d3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_752309138_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{East Texas Communities Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/east-texas-communities-foundation-morg_c3039201a85c4347b73af69447f0a7d3},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from East Texas Communities Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
East Texas Communities Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?