Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation incorporated in 1950 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The foundation was established by Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg, who spent their lives working on King Ranch in South Texas. The foundation operates on a national basis with a particular focus on South Texas communities.
Key facts about Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
- EIN
- 74-6044810
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $13,127,766
- Grants made (2024)
- 47
- Average grant
- $279,314
- Median grant
- $109,032
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (15 of 47, 2024)
- Total assets
- $242,609,804
- Primary geography
- Texas (62% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation accepts applications for projects in community services, health, education, arts and humanities, and wildlife and habitat stewardship. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation's 47 itemized 2024 grants were Texas (62%), California (12%) and Pennsylvania (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Corpus Christi, TX (11 grants), Houston, TX (7 grants), San Antonio, TX (7 grants) and Kingsville, TX (5 grants). None of its 47 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (15 grants), "Support Medical Study" (5 grants) and "Youth Programs" (3 grants).
Is Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 47 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $192K; repeat grants $320K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $211K repeat.
- 62% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+1%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 92% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
- How to evaluate Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation as a funder
Our grant prospecting guide: read the 990-PF, check fit, and decide whether to apply.
- Draft an LOI to Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation with AI
AI grant writing that drafts from your organization’s own materials, in your voice.
- Track this opportunity in a free grant tracker
A free Google Sheets or Excel template for deadlines, award terms, and reports due.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$242.6M
+6.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$13.1M
-7.9% YoY
Grant Count
47
+2.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$279K
-9.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation reported a distributable amount of $14.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to improve the world through the advancement of knowledge in medical and basic science research, conservation, community services, and the arts.
Primary funding areas include:
- Medical research
- Basic science research
- Veterinary and animal sciences
- Wildlife research and preservation
- Health services
- Higher education
- Arts and humanities
- Community services and local community organizations
Grantmaking
Grant Range
approximately $1,000 to $150,000
Average Grant
approximately $1,000 to $150,000
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds on a national basis with particular emphasis on:
- South Texas communities and Kleberg County
- Adjacent South Texas regions
- Major urban centers including New York, San Francisco, and Seattle
- Numerous locations throughout Texas including Austin, Houston, and San Antonio
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 47 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $228.6 million to $229 million
- Annual Revenue: $23 million
- Annual Expenses: $17.1 million
- Total Liabilities: $3.16 million
Tax Status:
- 501(c)(3) organization
- Tax-exempt since May 1952
- EIN: 74-6044810
- Donations are tax-deductible
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $242,609,804 | $228,649,086 | $221,326,840 |
| Revenue | $29,045,761 | $23,035,418 | $9,790,777 |
| Expenses | $15,135,374 | $17,137,275 | $17,505,259 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $13,260,091 | $14,383,604 | $14,857,285 |
| Net Investment Income | $27,154,612 | $20,863,598 | $7,463,289 |
| Distributable Amount | $14,381,273 | $13,380,468 | $14,156,928 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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
217 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
Kleberg Foundation: Arts & Humanities Grant
Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Kleberg Foundation: Community Services Grant
Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Kleberg Foundation: Medical Research Grant
Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Baylor College of Medicine ($1,223,568), University of California ($1,020,614), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center ($1,000,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Houston, TX | SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDY | $1,223,568 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA San Fransisco, CA | CHARITABLE | $1,020,614 |
| UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER Dallas, TX | SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDIES | $1,000,000 |
| RICE UNIVERSITY Houston, TX | SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDY | $994,380 |
| THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY Philadelphia, PA | CHARITABLE | $838,567 |
| UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON Houston, TX | SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDIES | $657,003 |
| UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN Austin, TX | CHARITABLE | $624,843 |
| FOUNDATION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR Boston, MA | CHARITABLE | $600,000 |
| VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Nashville, TN | SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDY | $583,333 |
| STANFORD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELA Palo Alto, CA | CHARITABLE | $500,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Helen C. Alexander: President
- John D. Alexander Jr.: Principal Officer
- John Alexander: Officer
The foundation's leadership includes a volunteer board, with all members serving without compensation.
Compensation Overview
No officer or director reported compensation in the available filings.
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helen C Alexander | President | 1 | — |
| Emory a Hamilton | V/P - Treasurer | 1 | — |
| John D Alexander Jr | V/P - Secretary | 1 | — |
| Caroline a Forgason | Director | 1 | — |
| Henrietta K Alexander | Director | 1 | — |
| Dorothy a Matz | Vice-President | 1 | — |
| Helen A Hamilton | Director | 1 | — |
| John D Alexander III | Director | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has funded recent research initiatives including:
Foundation funds research to block drug resistance in cancer treatment -Thomas Jefferson University research on bone destruction in metastatic breast cancer
Thomas Jefferson University Receives $1.25M Grant to Tackle Bone DestructionResearch to block drug resistance in cancer treatment
Foundation funds research to block drug resistance in cancer treatment -Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center cancer drug discovery project
Foundation funds research to block drug resistance in cancer treatment -Monell Center research on bacterial and viral immune responses to reduce antibiotic use
Monell Center Receives Kleberg Foundation Grant to Discriminate BacterialMonell Center research on distinctive odor characteristics of ovarian cancer
Foundation funds research to block drug resistance in cancer treatment -Frequently Asked Questions
What does Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission is to improve the world through the advancement of knowledge in medical and basic science research, conservation, community services, and the arts. Primary funding areas include: • Medical research • Basic science research • Veterinary and animal sciences • Wildlife research and preservation • Health services • Higher education • Arts and humanities • Community services and local community organizations
How do I apply for a grant from Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation?
The foundation accepts applications for projects in community services, health, education, arts and humanities, and wildlife and habitat stewardship. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation make grants?
The foundation funds on a national basis with particular emphasis on: • South Texas communities and Kleberg County • Adjacent South Texas regions • Major urban centers including New York, San Francisco, and Seattle • Numerous locations throughout Texas including Austin, Houston, and San Antonio
What size grants does Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation award?
In 2024, Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation awarded 47 grants totaling $13.1M — an average of about $279K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation reported a distributable amount of $14.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation's EIN?
Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-6044810. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Robert J & Helen C Kleberg Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Shell USA Company Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$52.3M
Grants
4,650
Total Given
$16.0M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
Assets
$6.0B
Grants
3,976
Total Given
$1.4B
Texas Instruments Foundation
Dallas, TX
Assets
$73.0M
Grants
4,484
Total Given
$22.6M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
Celanese Foundation
Irving, TX
Assets
—
Grants
1,423
Total Given
$1.8M
Once Upon a Time Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
Assets
$276.7M
Grants
1,039
Total Given
$10.7M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
Assets
$1.7M
Grants
920
Total Given
$6.1M
Community Foundation of North Texas (Tax
Fort Worth, TX
Assets
$544.9M
Grants
872
Total Given
$41.3M
Jpmorgan Chase Foundation
New York, NY
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
10,334
Total Given
$202.5M
The Pfizer Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Assets
$255.3M
Grants
9,306
Total Given
$23.2M
More Funders in Texas
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.