The Gorman Foundation
The Gorman Foundation is a private foundation based in Fair Oaks, Texas. It focuses on education, especially schools, colleges, universities, and children’s educational needs, and directs support primarily to organizations operating in Bexar County, Texas, and contiguous counties.
The Gorman Foundation at a glance
In short: The Gorman Foundation gave $203K across 15 grants in 2024 (avg $14K), top state Texas. 33% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $202,500
- +34.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 15
- +36.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $13,500
- -1.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $3,048,206
- +5.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (5 of 15, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (48% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Gorman Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The filing says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. First-time or nonrecurring applicants should submit a two- to three-page letter of inquiry describing the organization’s purpose and goals, the project, the need and target population if applicable, the amount requested, and financial statements. Letters of inquiry are reviewed within one month of receipt. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) that are not classified as private foundations under 509(a). In selected cases, projects sponsored by non-exempt groups may be considered with expenditure responsibility and full accounting and reporting.
- Contact
Application contact: Samuel Cain Ellis
Mailing address: 2926 Terra Bella, Fair Oaks, TX 78015-4572
Phone: (210) 685-8477
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Gorman Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Texas Biomedical Research Institute ($60K). Together the top 10 received $175K.
Grant Size Distribution
54 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 46 grants of 54 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says support is directed primarily to organizations operating in Bexar County, Texas, and counties contiguous to Bexar County. Regional or national efforts may be supported if they directly relate to the foundation’s objectives; awards initiated by directors are exceptions to the stated geographic restrictions. In 2024, 48% of grant dollars went to Texas recipients, 40% to Tennessee, 10% to Colorado, and 2% to Nebraska.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Gorman Foundation open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 15 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 40% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 48% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 104% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $150K (2023) to $390K (2021). In 2024 it made 15 grants totaling $203K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Biomedical Research Institute San Antonio, TX | Capital Campaign | $60,000 |
| Space Foundation Colorado Springs, CO | Annual Campaign | $20,000 |
| Liv - in the Journey Cleveland, TN | General Support | $20,000 |
| First Baptist Church of Cleveland TN Cleveland, TN | Annual Campaign | $15,000 |
| Christus Santa Rosa Chidren's Hospital San Antonio, TX | To Support Children's Epilepsy Program | $10,000 |
| Free 2 Fly Cleveland, TN | Annual Campaign | $10,000 |
| University of Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX | Youth Tennis Program | $10,000 |
| UT Health San Antonio San Antonio, TX | Annual Campaign | $10,000 |
| Waterville Baptist Church Cleveland, TN | To Support the OCA Homeschool Group | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County Cleveland, TN | Funding Support for ATS the Bridge | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Gorman 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 | $3,048,206 | $-150,833 | $246,082 | $202,500 | 15 | $211,194 | $34,959 | $202,228 |
| 2023 | $2,895,625 | $61,500 | $208,156 | $150,290 | 11 | $164,497 | $19,029 | $180,740 |
| 2022 | $3,017,544 | $36,878 | $309,758 | $270,313 | 5 | $278,669 | $59,253 | $170,592 |
| 2021 | $2,593,047 | $77,633 | $466,933 | $390,406 | 12 | $403,381 | $14,021 | $193,630 |
| 2020 | $2,976,070 | $-28,032 | $475,033 | $343,370 | 11 | — | — | $174,067 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Gorman Foundation reported a distributable amount of $202K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s filing identifies education as its focus. Its 2024 grants included support for a youth tennis program, a children’s epilepsy program, and a homeschool group, as well as capital and annual campaigns and general support.
The grantees describe a range of work. Texas Biomedical Research Institute says it is “pioneering and sharing scientific breakthroughs” to protect people and communities from infectious diseases. Free 2 Fly says it supports and empowers women through hand-sewn accessories and apparel, rehabilitative programming, and community building. The Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County says it connects philanthropic resources with local needs. Branched Oak Observatory describes its goal as sharing the wonders of the night sky with Eastern Nebraska, while Camp Aranzazu says it creates accessible and empowering camp experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave $202,500 through 15 grants. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $60,000, with a median grant of $10,000. Notable awards included $60,000 to Texas Biomedical Research Institute for a capital campaign; $20,000 each to Space Foundation for an annual campaign and Liv - In the Journey for general support; and $15,000 to First Baptist Church of Cleveland TN for an annual campaign. Other awards included $10,000 to Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital for its children’s epilepsy program and $10,000 to University of Incarnate Word for a youth tennis program.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists James W Gorman III as president and board chairman; Amy Gorman Ellis as vice president; Samuel Cain Ellis as secretary and treasurer; and Carly A Collins and Michael A Schott as directors. Michael A Schott is listed as a director as of June 2024.
The Gorman Foundation is led by James W. Gorman III, President & Board Chairman since 2023 (on filings since 2022); 1 of 5 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
James W. Gorman III
President & Board Chairman
Chairman & Treasurer → President & Board Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael A. Schott
Director
President & CEO → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carly A. Collins
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Cain Ellis
Secretary & Treasurer
Secretary → Secretary & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$3K (2022) → $6K (2024)
Amy Gorman Ellis
Vice President
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Frances M. Coker (2020) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: Rowena C. Gorman (2020) — Chairman
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 $6K, to Samuel Cain Ellis (Secretary and Treasurer).
Frequently asked questions about The Gorman Foundation
How much does The Gorman Foundation give each year?
The Gorman Foundation gave $203K across 15 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $150K across 11 grants.
What is The Gorman Foundation's typical grant size?
The Gorman Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $13,500, across 15 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Gorman Foundation that year got $10K on average.
Where does The Gorman Foundation give grants?
The Gorman Foundation's top state is Texas, with 48% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Tennessee (40%) and Colorado (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cleveland, TN (5 grants) and San Antonio, TX (4 grants).
Does The Gorman Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 20% of The Gorman Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 15) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Annual Campaign" (5 grants).
Who are The Gorman Foundation's largest grantees?
The Gorman Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Texas Biomedical Research Institute ($60,000), Space Foundation ($20,000) and Liv - in the Journey ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Gorman Foundation?
The Gorman Foundation reported $3.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $211K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $202K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Gorman Foundation fund?
The foundation’s filing identifies education as its focus. Its 2024 grants included support for a youth tennis program, a children’s epilepsy program, and a homeschool group, as well as capital and annual campaigns and general support. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Gorman Foundation?
The filing says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Gorman Foundation's EIN?
The Gorman Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2822598. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Gorman Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-gorman-foundation-morg_cef8768e0b594809b32ac4668426611a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_742822598_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Gorman Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-gorman-foundation-morg_cef8768e0b594809b32ac4668426611a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 The Gorman 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.
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