The Lanier Theological Library Foundation
The Lanier Theological Library Foundation is a private operating foundation based in Houston, Texas, established in 2011. The organization operates the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center, a research library dedicated to fostering biblical literacy through study, reflection, and educational programs. The Foundation maintains a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, historical documents, and artifacts covering topics ranging from church history and biblical studies to egyptology and linguistics. Beyond the library itself, the Foundation oversees multiple facilities including the Stone Chapel, the Lanier Learning Center, and Trowbridge Village.
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
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is to advance God's Kingdom through academic excellence in biblical research, theological education, and ministry training. The organization aims to support biblical research, theological education, and the training of future Christian leaders by equipping the church to expand the Kingdom of God through theological resources, educational lectures, and meeting spaces for Christian organizations and individuals pursuing theological education.
The Foundation provides a research library with educational resources and hosts seminars and guest lectures. The organization also operates The Red Dog, a gathering space inspired by traditional English pubs that serves as a welcoming community space for fellowship, conversation, small group study, and community events.
Grantmaking
The Foundation makes grants to support its mission and related organizations. Recent grants documented include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation is based in Houston, Texas, with facilities located at 10940 W Sam Houston Pkwy N Ste 100, Houston, TX 77064-5768.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $187,722,138
- Total Revenues: $47,430,238
- Total Expenses: $13,532,059
- Total Giving: $5,161,981
- Number of Employees: 12
The Foundation received tax-exempt status in April 2013 and is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization.
| 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 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
96 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Lanier Theological Education Foundation ($9,600,000), Champion Forest Baptist Church ($575,000), Lipscomb University ($425,147).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Evangelia Education Croatia Arlington, TX | General operations | $22,000 |
| FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES Kansas City, MO | General operations | $100,000 |
| Inspire Women Houston, TX | General operations | $15,000 |
| Lipscomb University Nashville, TN | General operations | $425,147 |
| University of Houston Houston, TX | General operations | $10,000 |
| CECEF (Central European Christian Education Fdn) Nashville, TN | General operations | $10,000 |
| Hope Media Group New Caney, TX | General operations | $25,000 |
| LANIER THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION | General operations | $9,600,000 |
| Champion Forest Baptist Church Houston, TX | General Operations | $575,000 |
| Langham Partnership USA Inc Cave Creek, AZ | General operations | $46,710 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
David Fleming serves as Executive Director of the Foundation.
The Foundation was founded by Mark and Becky Lanier. Mark Lanier is a nationally acclaimed trial lawyer who established the Lanier Theological Library and the Christian Trial Lawyers Association. Becky Lanier has been a vital partner in these efforts. Together, they have advanced education through major gifts, including the Mark and Becky Lanier Professional Development Center at Texas Tech University School of Law and the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb, as well as the Library and Learning Centre at Yarnton Manor.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| W Mark Lanier | President/Treasurer | 2 | — |
| Becky S Lanier | Vice President/Secretary | 2 | — |
| Elizabeth G Lanier | Assistant Secretary/Treasurer | 1 | — |
| JT Thee | Director | 1 | — |
| Rachel Lanier | Director | 1 | — |
| Rebecca Lanier | Director | 1 | — |
| Sarah Lanier | Director | 1 | — |
| Drew Davis | Director | 1 | — |
| Kevin D Roberts | Director | 1 | — |
| David Fleming | Executive Director | 40 | $330,104 |
| Jack Sparks | Director | 1 | — |
| Daniel Navid | Director | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Lanier Theological Library donated over 1,000 books to the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts' research library in 2024.
The Lanier Theological Library FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
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. The organization aims to support biblical research, theological education, and the training of future Christian leaders by equipping the church to expand the Kingdom of God through theological resources, educational lectures, and meeting spaces for Christian organizations and individuals pursuing theological education. The Foundation provides a res…
How do I apply for a grant from The Lanier Theological Library Foundation?
The Foundation makes grants to support its mission and related organizations. Recent grants documented include: • Champion Forest Baptist Church: $800,000 (2023) for General Operations • Lipscomb University: $420,421 (2023) for General Operations • Langham Partnership USA: Grant amount not specified (2023) The Foundation's total giving in 2023 was $5,161,981.
Where does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation make grants?
The Foundation is based in Houston, Texas, with facilities located at 10940 W Sam Houston Pkwy N Ste 100, Houston, TX 77064-5768.
What size grants does The Lanier Theological Library Foundation award?
In 2024, The Lanier Theological Library Foundation awarded 16 grants totaling $10.9M — an average of about $681K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Lanier Theological Library 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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