Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation
The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1961 by H.J. Lutcher Stark and his wife, Nelda C. Stark. Based in Orange, Texas, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with tax-exempt status since 1962. The foundation is governed by a board of directors and maintains a staff of approximately 63 employees.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$419.2M
-1.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$234K
-11.1% YoY
Grant Count
26
-3.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$9K
-7.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's stated mission is to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas by providing and promoting opportunities for the study and enjoyment of the arts, history, and nature.
The foundation continues its legacy through four primary cultural and educational venues:
- Stark Museum of Art (established 1978)
- The W.H. Stark House (restored 1971-1981)
- Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts (constructed 1980)
- Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Additionally, the foundation administers the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas, designed to promote literacy and public speaking excellence through competition in interpretive reading and declamation.
The foundation's programming is designed to create and build upon community appreciation for the fine arts, Stark family history, the performing arts, environmental stewardship, and public speaking.
Grantmaking
The foundation made 26 grants in its most recent reporting period, with a median grant size of $3,000 and a range from $429 to $100,000.
Grant Range
of $3,000 and a range from $429 to $100,000.
Ready to take the next step with Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary focus is Southeast Texas, with particular emphasis on Orange County, Texas, where the foundation's cultural venues are located.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $419.2 million
- Total Revenue: $14.6 million
- Total Expenses: $22.2 million
- Annual Income: $187.5 million
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $427 million
- Total Revenue: $8.96 million
- Total Expenses: $20.8 million
- Total Liabilities: $98,400
The foundation ranks in the top 1% of foundations by assets (Rank #280 of 159,550).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $419,163,552 | $426,644,114 | $438,431,454 |
| Revenue | $14,557,501 | $8,961,791 | $23,940,643 |
| Expenses | $22,152,918 | $20,839,209 | $19,745,125 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $18,368,629 | $20,255,342 | $17,328,630 |
| Net Investment Income | $11,885,547 | $8,744,293 | $22,790,409 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
143 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
Board of Directors:
- Deborah Hughes, Chair
- W G Riedel III, Vice Chair
- Rob Clark, Director
- Dr Suzonne Crockett, Director
- Al Granger, Director
- Craig Lemons, Director
Executive Leadership:
- Clyde V McKee III, President & CEO
- Jennifer L Staton, VP/CFO/Treasurer
- Sarah Wester, Secretary
- Jessie DeVille, Chief Property Officer
- Jennifer Barroeta, HR Manager
- Angela Mason, Gardens Director
- Andra Sanford, Lutcher Theater Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deborah Hughes | Chair | 2 | $15,000 |
| W G Riedel III | Vice Chair | 2 | $15,000 |
| Rob Clark | Director | 3 | $15,000 |
| Dr Suzonne Crockett | Director | 2 | $15,000 |
| Al Granger | Director | 2 | $15,000 |
| Craig Lemons | Director | 2 | — |
| Clyde V McKee III | President & CEO | 40 | $351,794 |
| Jennifer L Staton | VP/CFO/Tres | 40 | $316,851 |
| Sarah Wester | Secretary | 40 | $77,645 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has made significant grants to educational institutions, including a $5.5 million construction gift to the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports at the University of Texas, and an additional $1.5 million commitment in 2017 to support the center's permanent endowment campaign.
Stark Foundation announces scholarship winners of the 2025 Stark ReadingThe foundation announced the 2025 winners of the Stark Reading and Declamation Contest scholarship program.
Stark Foundation announces scholarship winners of the 2025 Stark ReadingThe foundation announced leadership changes, including the retirement of CEO Clyde V McKee III.
Mckee to retire from Stark Foundation - The Record NewspapersSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related 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 Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation 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