Helen Jones Foundation Inc
Helen Jones Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Lubbock, Texas. Its stated activity is making grants to exempt organizations, and its filing says its funds are normally restricted to the Lubbock area.
Helen Jones Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Helen Jones Foundation Inc gave $12.2M across 34 grants in 2024 (avg $358K), mostly in Texas. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $12,155,691
- +8.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 34
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $357,520
- +8.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $87,500
- Total assets
- $255,881,590
- +2.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (9 of 34, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Helen Jones Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The 2024 filing says to contact James Arnold with a letter stating the amount requested and the purpose. It says there is no deadline. Awards are restricted to qualifying religious, charitable, scientific, public-safety testing, literary, or educational purposes, made directly or through organizations exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3). The filing also says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
- Contact
Application contact: James Arnold
Mailing address: P O Box 53665, Lubbock, TX 79453
Phone: (806) 741-2004
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Helen Jones Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Lubbock Entertainment & Performing Arts Association ($5.4M). Together the top 10 received $10.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
212 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 129 grants of 212 (61%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas and says funds are normally restricted to the Lubbock area. Listed recipients include organizations in Lubbock and other Texas communities.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 34 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Helen Jones Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 34 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $123K; repeat grants $442K. How we count
Medians: $115K first-time, $65K repeat.
- 71% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+5%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 99% 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 (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $9.9M (2020) to $12.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 34 grants totaling $12.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lubbock Entertainment & Performing Arts Association Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $5,356,250 |
| Wayland Baptist University Plainview, TX | GRANT | $1,150,000 |
| Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $1,000,000 |
| United Way - Lubbock Area United Way Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $1,000,000 |
| Texas Tech University - Office of the Provost Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $585,000 |
| Ranching Heritage Association Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $550,000 |
| Texas Tech University - Graduate School Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $250,000 |
| Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $250,000 |
| Science Spectrum Lubbock, TX | GRANT | $235,000 |
| Young Men's Christian Association Plainview, TX | GRANT | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Helen Jones Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $255,881,590 | $20,979,548 | $15,831,836 | $12,155,691 | 34 | $12,546,638 | $17,877,729 | $12,728,597 |
| 2023 | $250,151,401 | $18,097,002 | $14,757,915 | $11,260,053 | 34 | $11,476,658 | $15,087,521 | $11,604,102 |
| 2022 | $246,111,531 | $25,674,091 | $15,329,101 | $11,379,210 | 37 | $11,570,195 | $22,580,736 | $11,401,317 |
| 2021 | $234,754,976 | $41,862,037 | $14,222,997 | $11,584,369 | 52 | $11,725,644 | $39,556,378 | $11,726,954 |
| 2020 | $206,378,552 | $13,574,501 | $12,254,029 | $9,861,082 | 55 | — | $11,489,937 | $10,007,283 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Helen Jones Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $12.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s filing does not state a separate mission. Its grants support organizations working in areas including higher education, community services, arts and culture, history, science education, and health.
Grantees describe their own work in varied terms. Wayland Baptist University says it educates students in a distinctively Christian environment for professional success and service. Lubbock Christian University describes itself as a Christ-centered academic community. The Ranching Heritage Association says it preserves and interprets ranching and pioneer history. Science Spectrum describes itself as a science and technology museum with hands-on exhibits and an Omnimax theater. Covenant Health System Foundation describes its work as serving all, especially people who are poor and vulnerable. The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra says it enriches the community through symphonic performances and educational experiences.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 34 grants totaling $12,155,691. Grant amounts ranged from $6,765 to $5,356,250, with a median of $87,500.
The largest reported grants included $5,356,250 to Lubbock Entertainment & Performing Arts Association; $1,150,000 to Wayland Baptist University; $1,000,000 each to Lubbock Christian University and United Way – Lubbock Area United Way; and $585,000 to Texas Tech University – Office of the Provost. Other notable grants included $550,000 to Ranching Heritage Association, $250,000 each to Texas Tech University – Graduate School and Texas Tech University, and $235,000 to Science Spectrum.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists James C. Arnold as president and director; Samuel Hawthorne as treasurer and director; Marianna Markham as vice president and director; and Chris Crews, Barbara Bush, and John W. Shanklin II as directors.
Helen Jones Foundation Inc is led by James C. Arnold, President & Director on every filing since 2020; 2 of 6 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
James C. Arnold
President & Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$151K (2020) → $219K (2024)
Marianna Markham
V President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Crews
Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$140K (2024)
Barbara Bush
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John W. Shanklin II
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Hawthorne
Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $219K, to James C Arnold (President/Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Helen Jones Foundation Inc
How much does Helen Jones Foundation Inc give each year?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc gave $12.2M across 34 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $11.3M across 34 grants.
What is Helen Jones Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $87,500, and its average grant was $357,520, across 34 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Helen Jones Foundation Inc that year got $123K on average.
Where does Helen Jones Foundation Inc give grants?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lubbock, TX (32 grants) and Plainview, TX (2 grants).
Does Helen Jones Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 34 grants with a stated purpose on Helen Jones Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Grant" (34 grants).
Who are Helen Jones Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Lubbock Entertainment & Performing Arts Association ($5,356,250), Wayland Baptist University ($1,150,000) and Lubbock Christian University ($1,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 62% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Helen Jones Foundation Inc?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc reported $255.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $12.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $12.7M (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 Helen Jones Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s filing does not state a separate mission. Its grants support organizations working in areas including higher education, community services, arts and culture, history, science education, and health. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Helen Jones Foundation Inc?
The 2024 filing says to contact James Arnold with a letter stating the amount requested and the purpose. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Helen Jones Foundation Inc's EIN?
Helen Jones Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-1977748. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Helen Jones Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Ch Foundation Inc
Lubbock, TX
CH Foundation Inc funds exempt organizations working in agriculture and ranching, community development, arts and culture, education, health, human services, research, and youth services that benefit Lubbock and the South Plains of Texas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $3,995 to $1,326,510, with a median of $40,000. It accepts applications through its online system; requests are due by May 1 each year.
Assets
$175.3M
Grants
91
Total Given
$9.8M
Community Foundation of West Texas
Lubbock, TX
The Community Foundation of West Texas supports South Plains nonprofits and programs in areas including basic needs, education and youth, community development, and arts and culture. Community Fund grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible organizations in its 15-county region; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$77.1M
Grants
94
Total Given
$2.4M
Diekemper Family Foundation Inc
Lubbock, TX
In 2022, the foundation gave to Texas organizations in areas including education, food assistance, health care, arts, family support, and cultural preservation. Its 42 grants totaled about $2.05 million, with a median grant of $10,250 and awards ranging from $200 to $250,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
42
Total Given
$2.0M
Garrison Family Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The Garrison Family Foundation supports education, religion, and health programs, with a focus on the Texas Panhandle and South Plains; nearly all of its 2025 grant dollars went to Texas organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $215,000, with a median of $20,000. It funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$18.5M
Grants
33
Total Given
$1.4M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds a broad range of community needs, including health, education, housing, and community development, primarily in North Texas and across Texas. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $18,800, though amounts varied widely; nearly all opportunities are by invitation, with some specific programs open for applications.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Helen Jones Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/helen-jones-foundation-inc-morg_78be8aee4bd2460a8eb0880d65aa5feb
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_751977748_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Helen Jones Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/helen-jones-foundation-inc-morg_78be8aee4bd2460a8eb0880d65aa5feb},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 Helen Jones Foundation Inc'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.
Helen Jones Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?