The Eugene McDermott Foundation
The Eugene McDermott Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Dallas, Texas, designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation has been tax-exempt since November 1972 and operates as a private foundation (501(c)(3)-PF). The organization carries forward a multi-generational legacy of philanthropic support rooted in the vision and values of Eugene McDermott, a scientist, businessman, and philanthropist who co-founded Texas Instruments and established a lasting commitment to community advancement across education, healthcare, and the arts.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$131.0M
-20.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$55.5M
-8.8% YoY
Grant Count
140
+30.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$396K
-30.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Eugene McDermott Foundation reported a distributable amount of $10.3M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking reflects a broad commitment to community benefit, with documented support across multiple sectors including higher education, medical research and healthcare, and the arts. The foundation has historically supported academic institutions and research centers, with particular emphasis on advancing medical education and research capabilities.
Grantmaking
Recent grantmaking activity demonstrates the foundation's continued engagement:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking is centered in Texas, with particular focus on the Dallas region. However, support extends beyond Texas to national institutions, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $165 million
- Annual Revenue: $17 million
- Annual Expenses: $62.1 million
- Total Liabilities: $0
As of 2015:
- Assets: $76,267,974
- Revenue: $2,793,257
- Expenses: $6,676,468
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $130,982,643 | $165,197,833 | $210,882,052 |
| Revenue | $21,345,393 | $16,997,683 | $12,213,061 |
| Expenses | $56,627,094 | $62,050,172 | $21,859,397 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $55,559,509 | $60,892,090 | $20,645,832 |
| Net Investment Income | $20,543,447 | $16,017,380 | $11,142,115 |
| Distributable Amount | $10,291,509 | $11,395,283 | $13,167,842 |
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Southern Gateway Public Green Fnd ($5,000,000), Resource Center of Dallas Inc ($3,000,000), United Way of Metropolitan Dallas ($2,000,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross - DFW Chapter Dallas, TX | For Disaster Relief in Dallas | $250,000 |
| Arts Mission Oak Cliff Dallas, TX | For the Production of Hair | $30,000 |
| Ascend Dallas Dallas, TX | For Economic Advancement Program | $100,000 |
| ATT Performing Arts Center Dallas, TX | For Events and Programming | $200,000 |
| ATT Performing Arts Center Dallas, TX | For Programming and Events | $250,000 |
| Big Thought Dallas, TX | For General Support | $250,000 |
| Black Tie Dinner Inc Dallas, TX | For Gala | $100,000 |
| Braniff Airways Foundation Inc Dallas, TX | For Art Collection Public Project | $25,000 |
| Bruce Wood Dance Co Inc Dallas, TX | For Dancers Health Insurance | $50,000 |
| Compass School of Texas Dallas, TX | For Curriculum Development | $1,500,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Mary McDermott Cook is listed as President of the foundation.
The foundation's legacy is rooted in Eugene McDermott, who co-founded the organization's enduring commitment to philanthropy beginning in 1950. His wife, Margaret McDermott, continued and expanded this legacy throughout her lifetime, making significant contributions to educational and cultural institutions.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary McDermott Cook | Pres Trustee | 10 | — |
| J H Cullum Clark | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Patricia Brown | Assistant Sec | 20 | $34,000 |
| Sam Self | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Liza Lee | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Joe Hubach | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Grace Cook | Trustee | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In 2025, the Eugene McDermott Foundation announced a historic $500,000 gift to the Texas Contemporary Art Association, demonstrating continued commitment to supporting the arts in Dallas.
Historic $500000 Gift from The Eugene McDermott FoundationThe foundation's historical impact includes establishing multiple named facilities and endowments at UT Southwestern Medical Center, including the Eugene McDermott Academic Administration Building and Plaza, the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, the Eugene McDermott Center for Pain Management, and the Eugene McDermott Distinguished Chair for the Study of Human Growth and Development. Margaret McDermott's $32 million gift to UT Dallas in 2000 created the Eugene McDermott Scholar program, which has supported multiple generations of students.
Historic $500000 Gift from The Eugene McDermott FoundationFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Eugene McDermott Foundation fund?
The foundation's grantmaking reflects a broad commitment to community benefit, with documented support across multiple sectors including higher education, medical research and healthcare, and the arts. The foundation has historically supported academic institutions and research centers, with particular emphasis on advancing medical education and research capabilities.
How do I apply for a grant from The Eugene McDermott Foundation?
Recent grantmaking activity demonstrates the foundation's continued engagement: • **$500,000 gift** to the Texas Contemporary Art Association (TACA) announced in 2025 • Historical support for major institutions including UT Southwestern Medical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology The foundation's grantmaking scale reflects substantial resources, with 2024 expenses of $62.1 million.
Where does The Eugene McDermott Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking is centered in Texas, with particular focus on the Dallas region. However, support extends beyond Texas to national institutions, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What size grants does The Eugene McDermott Foundation award?
In 2025, The Eugene McDermott Foundation awarded 140 grants totaling $55.5M — an average of about $396K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Eugene McDermott Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2025, The Eugene McDermott Foundation reported a distributable amount of $10.3M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Eugene McDermott Foundation's EIN?
The Eugene McDermott Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7237919. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Eugene McDermott Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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