Rowling Foundation
The Rowling Foundation is a private foundation based in Dallas, Texas. Its stated mission is to help proclaim the name of Jesus Christ throughout the world, and its 2024 grants supported organizations working in areas including Christian ministry, education, medical services, and community assistance.
Rowling Foundation at a glance
In short: Rowling Foundation gave $10.2M across 70 grants in 2024 (avg $146K), mostly in Texas. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $10,233,833
- +42.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 70
- -2.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $146,198
- +46.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $51,637,677
- +1.9% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Texas (52% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Rowling Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and says it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Its website says it is currently focused on organizations and ministries with which it already partners and is not taking applications for new grants.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4001 Maple Ave 600, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 283-8500
Website: https://rowlingfoundation.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Rowling Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Young Life ($2.9M). Together the top 10 received $7.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
243 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 128 grants of 243 (53%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 52% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas, 28% to Colorado, 8% to Alabama, 3% to Pennsylvania, and 2% to Arizona.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 70 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Rowling Foundation gives
- 61% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 868% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 476% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 $1.1M (2021) to $10.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 70 grants totaling $10.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Young Life Colorado Springs, CO | Support young people to the introduction of jesus christ and help them grow in faith | $2,850,000 |
| UT Southwestern Medical Foundation Dallas, TX | Educating students in the delivery of medical services to the public, conducting biomedical research, and providing public service | $1,500,000 |
| Highland Park ISD Education Foundation Dallas, TX | Grant financial support to highland park isd for teachers, staff, and graduating seniors. We also operate the hphs alumni association and continue to grow an endowment to provide sustainable support for the long-term needs of the district | $1,000,000 |
| Highlands College Birmingham, AL | To help train and send out workers for the institutional advancement of the college | $833,333 |
| If Gathering Dallas, TX | To gather a new generation of women, equip them with the tools to know god more deeply and live out their purposes and unleash a movement to promote healing and reconciliationaround the world | $270,000 |
| Alliance Defending Freedom Scottsdale, AZ | Committed to saving lives of unborn and ensuring that their mothers flourish | $250,000 |
| East West Ministries Plano, TX | Provide financial support to mobilize the body of christ among the world | $250,000 |
| Park Cities Presbyterian Church Dallas, TX | Extend transforming presence of the kindom of jesus christ to dallas and the world | $230,000 |
| Union Gospel Mission Dallas, TX | Provide homeless people in dallas with food, safe shelter and a chance to reclaim and rebuild their lives, anchored by love of jesus christ | $200,000 |
| Act - Advocates for Community Dallas, TX | Equip brave men and women in communities to fight crime on their streets using civil justice system | $150,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Rowling Foundation?
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 | $51,637,677 | $10,063,728 | $10,429,788 | $10,233,833 | 70 | $10,233,833 | $9,867,773 | $2,148,071 |
| 2023 | $50,698,540 | $13,116,273 | $7,466,253 | $7,208,833 | 72 | $7,208,833 | $2,924,391 | $2,334,375 |
| 2022 | $45,188,504 | $3,461,491 | $4,871,926 | $4,763,579 | 63 | $4,763,579 | $1,711,589 | $2,828,181 |
| 2021 | $46,703,503 | $6,972,845 | $1,112,440 | $1,057,350 | 25 | $1,057,350 | $1,446,636 | $2,799,747 |
| 2020 | $40,843,098 | $11,840,538 | $3,838,076 | $3,836,878 | 13 | — | $590,540 | $1,815,613 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Rowling Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation says it seeks to provide financial assistance, consultative ministry, and prayer support to organizations committed to the cause of Christ.
Its 2024 grantees include organizations with varied missions. Young Life describes its work as helping adolescents encounter Jesus Christ through activities including club meetings, Bible studies, camps, and short-term missions. IF:Gathering says it aims to gather, equip, and unleash the next generation to live out their purpose. Highland Park ISD Education Foundation says its mission is to raise funds to support the district’s tradition of exemplary education. Other grantees include organizations providing medical care, support for people experiencing homelessness, and programs for at-risk boys.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation made 70 grants totaling $10,233,833. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $2,850,000, with a median of $50,000.
Its largest 2024 grants included $2,850,000 to Young Life, $1,500,000 to UT Southwestern Medical Foundation, $1,000,000 to Highland Park ISD Education Foundation, and $833,333 to Highlands College. Other grants included $270,000 to IF:Gathering, $250,000 each to Alliance Defending Freedom and East West Ministries, and $230,000 to Park Cities Presbyterian Church.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Robert B. Rowling, Terry H. Rowling, Carrie A. Rowling, and Travis Blake Rowling as trustees.
Rowling Foundation's 2024 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Carrie A. Rowling
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert B. Rowling
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Terry H. Rowling
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Travis Blake Rowling
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/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.
Frequently asked questions about Rowling Foundation
How much does Rowling Foundation give each year?
Rowling Foundation gave $10.2M across 70 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $7.2M across 72 grants.
What is Rowling Foundation's typical grant size?
Rowling Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $50,000, and its average grant was $146,198, across 70 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Rowling Foundation give grants?
Rowling Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 52% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Colorado (28%) and Alabama (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Dallas, TX (33 grants), Austin, TX (5 grants), Plano, TX (3 grants) and Fort Worth, TX (2 grants).
Does Rowling Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 70 grants with a stated purpose on Rowling Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Rowling Foundation's largest grantees?
Rowling Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Young Life ($2,850,000), UT Southwestern Medical Foundation ($1,500,000) and Highland Park ISD Education Foundation ($1,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 52% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Rowling Foundation?
Rowling Foundation reported $51.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $10.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Rowling Foundation fund?
The Foundation says it seeks to provide financial assistance, consultative ministry, and prayer support to organizations committed to the cause of Christ. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Rowling Foundation?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and says it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Rowling Foundation's EIN?
Rowling Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 73-6351612. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Rowling Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 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 Rowling Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas
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
Christian Community Foundation Inc
Colorado Springs, CO
WaterStone supports domestic and international nonprofits, including Christian ministries and charitable and educational organizations, through donor-directed grants; eligible organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3)s whose mission aligns with its Statement of Faith. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, with awards ranging from $5,028 to $11 million, and were concentrated in Texas and Colorado. Grant recommendations come from donor-advised fund holders; the profile does not state that it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$746.4M
Grants
1,651
Total Given
$161.8M
The Dallas Foundation
Dallas, TX
The Dallas Foundation funds nonprofit work in Greater Dallas, with a current emphasis on early childhood and family well-being and other areas including economic mobility, homelessness, and youth mental health. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,020 to $7.85 million, with a median of $25,000; applicants generally must serve Dallas County residents. It accepts applications through its online portal when a grant cycle is open, but reports no open opportunities at this time.
Assets
$491.5M
Grants
788
Total Given
$87.3M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Rowling Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/rowling-foundation-morg_74bde96a75ec4f1088bd5879099ea45a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_736351612_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Rowling Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/rowling-foundation-morg_74bde96a75ec4f1088bd5879099ea45a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Rowling Foundation'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.
Rowling Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?