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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Lamar State College - Orange ($100,000), Southeast Texas Food Bank Inc ($35,000), Orange Community Action Association ($15,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge City ISD Bridge City, TX | To purchase clothing for indigent school children | $3,000 |
| Deweyville ISD Deweyville, TX | To purchase clothing for indigent school children | $6,000 |
| Lamar State College - Orange Orange, TX | Scholarship administered by LSCO | $100,000 |
| Little Cypress - Mauriceville CISD Orange, TX | To purchase clothing for indigent school children | $3,000 |
| Orange Co Comm Partners for Children Orange, TX | Funds to stock Rainbow Room | $6,000 |
| Orange Community Action Association Orange, TX | Fund Meals on Wheels for Indegent | $15,000 |
| Orange County Sheriff's Office Orange, TX | Funds for the Blue Sana Program serving children in need during Christmas | $10,000 |
| Orange Lions Club Charity Carnival Orange, TX | For maintenance of equipment used in charity carnival | $9,256 |
| Orangefield ISD Orangefield, TX | To purchase clothing for indigent school children | $6,000 |
| Southeast Texas Food Bank Inc Beaumont, TX | Food Backpack Program to provide weekend food for indigent children | $35,000 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation fund?
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) • …
How do I apply for a grant from Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation?
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. The **Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation** offers annual scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. Both Shangri La Botanical Gardens and the Stark Museum of Art charge materials fees for various educational workshops held throughout the year. The museum bookstore sells printed repro…
Where does Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation make grants?
The foundation's primary focus is Southeast Texas, with particular emphasis on Orange County, Texas, where the foundation's cultural venues are located.
What size grants does Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation award?
In 2024, Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation awarded 26 grants totaling $234K — an average of about $9K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation's EIN?
Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-6047440. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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
Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust
DALLAS, TX
Assets
$13.5M
Grants
41
Total Given
$3.9M
Nelson & Debbie Fox Charitable Fdtn
LUBBOCK, TX
Assets
$329K
Grants
9
Total Given
$90K
Data last updated June 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
Go from researching Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation to a real strategy.