Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas (TPWF) is a public charity based in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1991, it raises and invests private funds to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other conservation partners, advancing outdoor traditions and conserving and enhancing Texas lands, waters, and wildlife.
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas at a glance
In short: Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas gave $15.6M across 23 grants in 2024 (avg $677K), mostly in Texas. 57% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $15,575,890
- +229.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 23
- +76.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $677,213
- +86.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $46,800
- Total assets
- $91,204,281
- -0.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 57% first-time grantees (13 of 23, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (99% 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 Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
- How to Apply
-
For the Buffer Lands Program, accredited land trusts apply using TPWF’s application. The program provides matching funds for approved acquisition expenses, and applicants must provide up to a 50% match. Funds are awarded before closing but disbursed to the land trust only after successful completion and legal closing. The program supports conservation easements adjacent to or near state parks, state natural areas, wildlife management areas, or TPWF conservation projects focused on high-priority wildlife species.
- Contact
Mailing address: 6220 Gaston Avenue 700, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: (214) 720-1478
Website: https://tpwf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
10 open opportunities from Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
Brady and W.K. Boyd Conservation Scholarship Grant
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
Amount
Up to US $4,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Brady M. Boyd Wildlife Management Scholarship
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Buffer Lands Program
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept ($14.2M). Together the top 10 received $15.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
71 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 46 grants of 71 (65%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
TPWF describes its conservation work as focused on Texas. In 2024, 99% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Texas; the filing also lists recipients in Washington, D.C., Alabama, and Idaho, each rounded to 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas open to new grantees?
57%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 23 grantees (57%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $49K; repeat grants $1.5M. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $48K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $2.7M (2020) to $15.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 23 grants totaling $15.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept Austin, TX | Maintain Parks and Wildlife | $14,179,170 |
| Texas Found for Conservation Austin, TX | Outreach & Education | $339,500 |
| Chasing the Tide Austin, TX | Outreach & Education | $279,188 |
| Borderlands Research Inst Alpine, TX | Outreach & Education | $180,000 |
| Wildlife Habitat Federation Cat Springs, TX | Outreach & Education | $74,000 |
| Native Prairies Assn of Texa San Marcos, TX | Outreach & Education | $58,090 |
| Friends of Pecos River San Angelo, TX | Outreach & Education | $57,500 |
| Ecological Restoration Washington, DC | Outreach & Education | $50,000 |
| Harte Research Institute Corpus Christi, TX | Outreach & Education | $50,000 |
| TEXAS a&m UNIV-COPRUS CHRISTI Corpus Christi, TX | Outreach & Education | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $91,204,281 | $19,863,309 | $23,708,375 | $15,575,890 | 23 | $7,107,689 |
| 2023 | $92,031,663 | $19,730,435 | $10,474,022 | $4,721,339 | 13 | $2,992,262 |
| 2022 | $79,643,197 | $15,121,970 | $8,511,914 | $3,713,003 | 15 | $1,843,914 |
| 2021 | $79,801,528 | $10,496,490 | $8,308,326 | $4,917,863 | 11 | $2,044,495 |
| 2020 | $70,266,167 | $10,211,745 | $5,898,992 | $2,715,276 | 9 | $1,397,243 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
TPWF’s stated mission is to advance Texas’ outdoor traditions through programs, partnerships, and projects that conserve and enhance the state’s lands, waters, and wildlife. Its vision is for all Texans to have access to the state’s wild places and wildlife, now and for generations to come. The foundation says it uses private fundraising and strategic investment to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other conservation partners working in research, outreach, and on-the-ground conservation.
Its programs cover engagement and state park projects, species and habitat conservation, support for game wardens, and priority land acquisitions. Examples described by TPWF include grassland restoration, native pollinator initiatives, pronghorn and black bear work, coastal conservation, conservation easements, and land acquisitions.
The grantees’ stated missions illustrate some of the kinds of organizations receiving support. Texas Land Conservancy says it conserves natural areas and protects wildlife habitat, native plant communities, and scenic landscapes. The Society for Ecological Restoration says it advances ecological restoration science, practice, and policy. Coastal Prairie Conservancy says it preserves coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches and works on habitat restoration and public education.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, TPWF reported 23 grants totaling $15,575,890. Grant amounts ranged from $5,150 to $14,179,170, with a median of $46,800. The largest grant was $14,179,170 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for maintaining parks and wildlife. Other large grants included $339,500 to Texas Foundation for Conservation and $279,188 to Chasing the Tide, both for outreach and education; $180,000 to Borderlands Research Institute for outreach and education; and $74,000 to Wildlife Habitat Federation for outreach and education.
Other reported grants included $58,090 to Native Prairies Association of Texas, $57,500 to Friends of Pecos River, and $50,000 each to the Society for Ecological Restoration, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, and Texas Land Conservancy. The 2024 filing states that grant requests are reviewed and approved by the executive director. Requests from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are submitted to the bookkeeper for printing and distribution to the executive director; additional requests may be submitted through the director of conservation programs, the director of philanthropy, or the executive director. Approved requests are sent to the controller or bookkeeper for processing. TPWF says it may monitor grant use through recipient reporting, depending on the grant’s complexity, duration, and scope.
TPWF also offers the Brady M. Boyd Wildlife Management Scholarship for eligible students pursuing specified conservation-related undergraduate fields. It provides up to $4,000 per student per academic year for tuition and related expenses, paid directly to the college or university; continued payment depends on completing the prior semester with at least a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship supports individual students rather than outside organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Anne Brown as executive director; Phil Lamb as director of philanthropy; James Stine as director; Emily House as director of outreach; Austin Taylor as director of Gear Up; Zach Spector as director of conservation; Patrick D. Murray and Samantha A. Omey as trustees; Mike Greene as chairman; and Mark E. Bivins as vice chairman.
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas is led by Anne Brown, Executive Director on every filing since 2022; 6 of 31 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Anne Brown
Executive Director
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$130K (2023) → $215K (2024)
Mike Greene
Chairman
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Phil Lamb
Director of Philanthopy
Director of Philan. → Director of Philanthopy, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$189K (2022) → $186K (2024)
Zach Spector
Director of Conser.
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$159K (2022) → $123K (2024)
Emily House
Director of Outreach
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$139K (2023) → $148K (2024)
Austin Taylor
Director of Gear Up
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2024)
James Stine
Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$191K (2024)
Bruce Culpepper
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cadell Liedtke
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Corbin J. Robertson III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Craine
Trustee
Trustee → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Stumberg
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John A. Cardwell
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lr Robin French III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret Martin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Parker Johnson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy S. Risher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Nunley
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert E. Fondren
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russell Gordy
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve C. Lewis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Will Harte
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Wagner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Wharton
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carter P. Smith
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick D. Murray
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samantha A. Omey
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Howard
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Fowler
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly R. Thompson
Chair Emeritus
Chairman Emeritus → Chair Emeritus, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark E. Bivins
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: S. Reed Morian (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Julie Shaddox (2022–2023) — Director of Development
- Former: Merrill Chester Gregg (2022–2023) — Director of Investment
- Former: Sharon Baker (2022–2023) — Director of Finance
- Former: Carman Mullins (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Susan Houston (2020–2022) — Executive Director · Filing note: Thru 62022
- Former: Debra Brandon (2020–2021) — Financial Officer
- Former: John Burpee (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Kathy Cook Collins (2020) — Trustee
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 $215K, to Anne Brown (Executive Dir.). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas
How much does Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas give each year?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas gave $15.6M across 23 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.7M across 13 grants.
What is Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's typical grant size?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's median grant in 2024 was $46,800, and its average grant was $677,213, across 23 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas that year got $49K on average.
Where does Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas give grants?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas gives mostly in Texas: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Austin, TX (7 grants), Corpus Christi, TX (4 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas give general operating support?
Occasionally: 4% of Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 23) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Outreach & Education" (16 grants).
Who are Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's largest grantees?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's largest 2024 grantees include Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept ($14,179,170), Texas Found for Conservation ($339,500) and Chasing the Tide ($279,188), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 95% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas reported $91.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $19.9M.
What does Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas fund?
TPWF’s stated mission is to advance Texas’ outdoor traditions through programs, partnerships, and projects that conserve and enhance the state’s lands, waters, and wildlife. Its vision is for all Texans to have access to the state’s wild places and wildlife, now and for generations to come. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas?
For the Buffer Lands Program, accredited land trusts apply using TPWF’s application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's EIN?
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2602504. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 1, 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 October 31, 2023)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 21, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/parks-and-wildlife-foundation-of-texas-morg_924bb482089a4653aef76342b2f0b8ad
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_742602504_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/parks-and-wildlife-foundation-of-texas-morg_924bb482089a4653aef76342b2f0b8ad},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas'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.
Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas down — hundreds of funders to go?