The Lanier Theological Library Foundation
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. Established in 2011, it owns and operates the Lanier Theological Library and Lanier Learning Center, supporting biblical research, theological education, and Christian ministry training.
Key facts about The Lanier Theological Library Foundation
In short: The Lanier Theological Library Foundation gave $10.9M across 16 grants in 2024 (avg $681K), top state Texas. 19% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 61-1632105
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $10,899,357
- Grants made (2024)
- 16
- Average grant
- $681,210
- Median grant
- $17,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (3 of 16, 2024)
- Total assets
- $191,925,019
- Primary geography
- Texas (6% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Contact David Fleming to obtain the application form and materials. 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.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$191.9M
+2.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$10.9M
+111.1% YoY
Grant Count
16
-20.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$681K
+163.9% YoY
Is The Lanier Theological Library Foundation open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 16 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3.2M; repeat grants $97K. How we count
Medians: $22K first-time, $15K repeat.
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to advance God’s Kingdom through academic excellence in biblical research, theological education, and ministry training. Its work includes library access, theological engagement, public events, and academic offerings.
Its 2024 grants included support for a university, a church, Christian ministries, and educational and media organizations. The grantees describe their own missions in varied terms: Lipscomb University says it prepares learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences; Fellowship of Christian Athletes aims to lead coaches and athletes into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church; and Hope Media Group says it engages people to love Jesus, serve others, and spread hope.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation made 16 grants totaling $10,899,357. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $9,600,000, with a median of $17,500. The largest grant was $9,600,000 to Lanier Theological Education Foundation for general operations. Other notable grants included $575,000 to Champion Forest Baptist Church, $425,147 to Lipscomb University, and $100,000 to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, each for general operations.
Review Cycle
. Award restrictions describe college graduates with undergraduate degrees in Bible, theology, or ministry, distinguished academically and through practical service, who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Bible, theology, or related church ministry and researching and writing on topics of interest to the Library and Learning Center.
Ready to take the next step with The Lanier Theological Library Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation is based in Houston, Texas. In 2024, 88% of grant dollars were attributed to recipients with an unspecified state; listed shares for other states were Texas (6%), Tennessee (4%), Missouri (1%), and Arizona (0%). The grant list also includes recipients in Florida and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $917K (2020) to $14.6M (2022). In 2024 it made 16 grants totaling $10.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Lanier Theological Education Foundation ($9.6M). Together the top 10 received $10.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
96 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 76 grants of 96 (79%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lanier Theological Education Foundation | General operations | $9,600,000 |
| Champion Forest Baptist Church Houston, TX | General Operations | $575,000 |
| Lipscomb University Nashville, TN | General operations | $425,147 |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes Kansas City, MO | General operations | $100,000 |
| Langham Partnership USA Inc Cave Creek, AZ | General operations | $46,710 |
| Hope Media Group New Caney, TX | General operations | $25,000 |
| Evangelia Education Croatia Arlington, TX | General operations | $22,000 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL | General operations | $20,000 |
| Inspire Women Houston, TX | General operations | $15,000 |
| George Whitfield College | General Operations | $15,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $191,925,019 | $29,872,747 | $25,671,552 | $10,899,357 |
| 2023 | $187,722,138 | $47,430,238 | $13,532,059 | $5,161,981 |
| 2022 | $153,835,954 | $6,715,527 | $18,339,541 | $14,603,576 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $191,925,019 | $187,722,138 | $153,835,954 |
| Revenue | $29,872,747 | $47,430,238 | $6,715,527 |
| Expenses | $25,671,552 | $13,532,059 | $18,339,541 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $35,100,733 | $9,328,461 | $17,688,168 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,756,573 | $4,794,406 | $6,519,706 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing are W Mark Lanier, President/Treasurer; Becky S Lanier, Vice President/Secretary; and Elizabeth G Lanier, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Directors are JT Thee, Rachel Lanier, Rebecca Lanier, Sarah Lanier, Drew Davis, and Kevin D Roberts. David Fleming is Executive Director.
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation is led by David Fleming, Executive Director on every filing since 2023; 1 of 12 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David Fleming
Executive Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$321K (2023) → $330K (2024)
W Mark Lanier
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Drew Davis
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
JT Thee
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin D Roberts
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Lanier
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Lanier
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Lanier
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Navid
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Sparks
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Becky S Lanier
Vice President & Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth G Lanier
Assistant Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Louis Miori (2020) — Director
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 $330K, to David Fleming (Executive Director).
Contact
Application contact: David Fleming
Mailing address: 10940 W Sam Hoston Pkwy Ste 100, Houston, TX 77064
Phone: (281) 477-8400
Email: david.fleming@lanierfoundation.org
Website: https://lanierlibraryandlearningcenter.org
Frequently asked questions about The Lanier Theological Library Foundation
How much does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation give each year?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation gave $10.9M across 16 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.2M across 20 grants.
What is The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's typical grant size?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $17,500, and its average grant was $681,210, across 16 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Lanier Theological Library Foundation that year got $3.2M on average.
Where does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation give grants?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's top state is Texas, with 6% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (3 grants) and Nashville, TN (2 grants).
Does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 16) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's largest grantees?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Lanier Theological Education Foundation ($9,600,000), Champion Forest Baptist Church ($575,000) and Lipscomb University ($425,147), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 97% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Lanier Theological Library Foundation?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation reported $191.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $29.9M.
What does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to advance God’s Kingdom through academic excellence in biblical research, theological education, and ministry training. Its work includes library access, theological engagement, public events, and academic offerings. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Lanier Theological Library Foundation?
Contact David Fleming to obtain the application form and materials. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's EIN?
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-1632105. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Lanier Theological Library Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Lanier Theological Library Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation
Chattanooga, TN
The Generosity Trust supports Christian ministries and other nonprofits, education, community and human services, and ministry students, with a strong focus on the Chattanooga area but grants nationwide. Its 2024 listed grants had a median of $18,250 and ranged from $5,002 to $2.5 million; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$136.1M
Grants
567
Total Given
$36.4M
Christian Community Foundation Inc
Colorado Springs, CO
WaterStone funds charitable and educational efforts, especially direct Christian ministries, through donor-recommended grants to eligible U.S. and international nonprofits whose missions align with its Statement of Faith. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and grants are recommended by donors.
Assets
$746.4M
Grants
1,651
Total Given
$161.8M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds charitable work in health, wealth, living, and learning, with much of its grantmaking supporting North Texas nonprofits; its 2025 grants had a median of $18,779, though award sizes varied widely. Nearly all opportunities are by invitation, and its Nonprofit Gateway profile is not a grant application.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
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
The Houston Food Bank
Houston, TX
The Houston Food Bank supports food distribution and related hunger-relief programs, including school, children’s, and senior food initiatives, through community organizations in 18 Southeast Texas counties. Its 2025 grants had a median of $33,402, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$164.4M
Grants
1,128
Total Given
$210.7M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation supports civic, cultural, educational, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, as well as general operating costs, in communities served by BNSF across its 28-state network. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500; its current grants program lists awards of $1,000–$10,000.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
Community Foundation of North Texas (Tax
Fort Worth, TX
The Community Foundation of North Texas supports nonprofits through grants for areas including animal welfare, conservation, community development, nonprofit capacity, and opportunity, primarily in North Texas, including seven listed counties. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $14,250, with awards ranging from $5,100 to $1.5 million. It offers competitive grants through application cycles; nonprofits cannot apply for donor-advised grants.
Assets
$544.9M
Grants
872
Total Given
$41.3M
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Austin, TX
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds education, health, family economic stability, and nonprofit capacity, with a strong focus on children and families and its deepest investment in Texas, especially Greater Austin; it also supports work elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $75 to $50 million, with a median of $19,324. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application.
Assets
—
Grants
835
Total Given
$164.6M
American Heart Association Inc
Dallas, TX
The American Heart Association funds basic, clinical, behavioral, translational, population, and other research on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and brain health, mainly through research awards to eligible U.S.-based nonprofit institutions. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,000 to $9.9 million, with a median award of $20,000. Applications are submitted through designated programs; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
833
Total Given
$198.2M
Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Houston, TX
Arnold Ventures funds evidence-based research, evaluation, and policy work in criminal justice, health care, higher education and career pathways, public finance, and infrastructure. Its 2024 grants had a median of $122,776 (ranging from $685 to $12.5 million); based in Houston, Texas, it does not accept unsolicited requests, but accepts applications through specific requests for proposals.
Assets
$4.8B
Grants
789
Total Given
$193.3M
More Funders in Texas
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?