Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation
The Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation is a private foundation based in Abilene, Texas. Its 2025 filing reports 11 grants totaling $277,800, all to recipients in Texas; the listed grants supported foundations, a rehabilitation center, camps and retreats, a boys ranch, churches, and other organizations.
Key facts about Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation
In short: Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation gave $278K across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $25K), mostly in Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 99-2550303
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $277,800
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- Average grant
- $25,255
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $9,839,350
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$9.8M
Annual Giving
$278K
Grant Count
11
Avg Grant Size
$25K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $456K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation gives
- In 2025 it paid out 61% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations with varied activities. The San Angelo Area Foundation describes its mission as building a legacy of philanthropy by attracting and managing endowed gifts and matching donor interests with community needs. The West Texas Rehabilitation Center Foundation says it provides financial support to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Meals on Wheels describes its work as preparing and delivering hot meals to elderly and disabled people five days a week. The Community Foundation of Abilene says it connects donors with causes, manages endowments, makes grants aligned with donor intent, responds to community needs, and provides philanthropic leadership.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 11 grants totaling $277,800. Grant amounts ranged from $100 to $80,000, with a median grant of $15,000. The largest grants were $80,000 to San Angelo Area Foundation, $75,000 to TSTC Foundation, $50,000 to Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries, and $30,000 to West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Each was listed for operational support.
Ready to take the next step with Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $278K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was San Angelo Area Foundation ($80K). Together the top 10 received $278K.
Grant Size Distribution
11 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 8 grants of 11 (73%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| San Angelo Area Foundation San Angelo, TX | Operational Support | $80,000 |
| TSTC Foundation Waco, TX | Operational Support | $75,000 |
| Fellowship of Isreal Related Ministries Grapevine, TX | Operational Support | $50,000 |
| West Texas Rehabilitation Center Abilene, TX | Operational Support | $30,000 |
| USA Springs Hope Foundation Frisco, TX | Operational Support | $20,000 |
| T Bar M Camps & Retreats New Braunfels, TX | Operational Support | $15,000 |
| Ben Richey's Boys Ranch Abilene, TX | Operational Support | $5,000 |
| First Baptist Church of Abilene Abilene, TX | Operational Support | $2,500 |
| Church of the Heavenly Rest Abilene, TX | Operational Support | $100 |
| Community Foundation of Abilene Abilene, TX | Operational Support | $100 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,839,350 | $10,115,933 | $349,619 | $277,800 (11 grants) |
| Metric | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | $9,839,350 |
| Revenue | $10,115,933 |
| Expenses | $349,619 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $277,800 |
| Net Investment Income | $127,751 |
| Distributable Amount | $455,787 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 23, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Cliff M. Caldwell II as president, Lauren Caldwell as secretary, and Andrew Caldwell as treasurer.
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation is led by Cliff M. Caldwell II, President on the 2025 filing; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Cliff M. Caldwell II
President
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Caldwell
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Caldwell
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 2225 S Danville Dr Ste 3, Abilene, TX 79605
Phone: (325) 650-3380
Frequently asked questions about Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation
How much does Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation give each year?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation gave $278K across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's typical grant size?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $25,255, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation give grants?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Abilene, TX (6 grants).
Does Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 11) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's largest grantees?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include San Angelo Area Foundation ($80,000), TSTC Foundation ($75,000) and Fellowship of Isreal Related Ministries ($50,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 74% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation reported $9.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $278K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $456K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations with varied activities. The San Angelo Area Foundation describes its mission as building a legacy of philanthropy by attracting and managing endowed gifts and matching donor interests with community needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that 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 Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's EIN?
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 99-2550303. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2025.
Does Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
JM Parker Foundation
Abilene, TX
The JM Parker Foundation supports a broad range of organizations, including human-services, education, cultural, and religious groups, with most of its giving in Texas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,500 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000; it accepts written applications and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$26.9M
Grants
29
Total Given
$1.1M
Harry E and EDA L Montandon Charitable Tr
Austin, TX
The Trust funds legally established charitable organizations whose principal operations are in Texas and that serve people with disabilities or children who are ill, disadvantaged, or have disabilities. Its grant program typically awards $10,000–$125,000, averaging $25,000, for program or capital support; endowment requests are not accepted. The profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$42.9M
Grants
1
Total Given
$2.4M
Whitener Family Foundation
Abilene, TX
The Whitener Family Foundation supports a range of organizations, including those focused on human services, housing, the arts, and religious training. In 2024, it gave $5,000–$100,000 per grant, with a median of $20,000, primarily to Texas organizations and others in Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, and New Mexico; application procedures are not stated.
Assets
$10.0M
Grants
19
Total Given
$565K
Mary Ellen Kent Bunyard Family
San Angelo, TX
The Mary Ellen Kent Bunyard Family funds charitable projects serving youth under 18 and adults over 70 in Tom Green County and eight adjoining Texas counties. Recent grants ranged from $5,000 to $64,000, with a median of $20,000; it accepts applications online at any time.
Assets
$11.9M
Grants
19
Total Given
$435K
Shelton Family Foundation
Abilene, TX
The Shelton Family Foundation funds basic human services and essential needs, education, health, and community development projects benefiting Abilene and the Big Country area of West Central Texas. In 2025, grants ranged from $2,000 to $166,000, with a median award of $10,000. It accepts unsolicited requests year-round through its online application system.
Assets
$40.8M
Grants
35
Total Given
$876K
San Angelo Health Foundation
San Angelo, TX
The San Angelo Health Foundation funds community projects, prioritizing health and related programs that address documented needs in San Angelo and the Concho Valley. In 2024, grants ranged from $7,130 to $403,549, with a median of $33,350. It accepts proposals on a continuing basis.
Assets
$59.8M
Grants
36
Total Given
$2.5M
The Massey Family Charitable Trust
Abilene, TX
The Massey Family Charitable Trust supports a range of charitable organizations, including those focused on food access, child care, social services, faith, and conservation. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $28,835, with a median of $5,000; most funding went to Texas organizations, though it also gave in other states. It funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.2M
Grants
43
Total Given
$240K
Greathouse Foundation
Abilene, TX
The Greathouse Foundation supports a broad range of programs, including education, rehabilitation and therapy, youth services, meals and community programs, mainly in Texas and Oklahoma. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $138,000, with a median of $5,000. Applicants may submit an informal written request; no deadline is listed.
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
73
Total Given
$767K
Dian Graves Owen Foundation
Abilene, TX
The Dian Graves Owen Foundation supports education, arts, community projects, youth sports, and cultural and environmental organizations, primarily in Texas, with some grants to other states. In 2024 it awarded $24.1 million across 202 grants; the median grant was $20,000, and awards ranged from $400 to $4 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$194.8M
Grants
202
Total Given
$24.1M
Tarpley Foundation
Merkel, TX
Assets
$17K
Grants
1
Total Given
$5K
The Bob and Doris Johnston
Pueblo, CO
Assets
$2.1M
Grants
1
Total Given
$50K
Human Source Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
Assets
$68K
Grants
2
Total Given
$26K
More Funders in Texas
Ruth and Lee Caldwell Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?