The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. Its 2025 filing reports 58 grants totaling $600,000 to charitable organizations, including organizations in Texas and several other states.
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough at a glance
In short: The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough gave $600K across 58 grants in 2025 (avg $10K), mostly in Texas. 35% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $600,000
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 58
- +1.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $10,345
- -1.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $12,158,738
- +4.3% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (20 of 57, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Texas (72% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 5718 Westheimer Rd Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77057
Phone: (713) 260-5230
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Amazing Place ($25K). Together the top 10 received $230K.
Grant Size Distribution
298 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 298 grants of 298 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, Texas organizations received 72% of grant dollars. California received 8%, while Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina each received 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 58 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 20 of 57 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $12K; repeat grants $10K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $8K repeat.
- 60% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+5%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 95% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $535K (2021) to $630K (2023). In 2025 it made 58 grants totaling $600K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amazing Place Houston, TX | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Council on Recovery Houston, TX | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Moody-Bradley House Foundation Fairfield, TX | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Oakbend Medical Center Richmond, TX | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Phi Delta Theta Foundation Oxford, OH | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Atascocita Methodist Church Humble, TX | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Fort Bend Christian Academy Sugar Land, TX | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Seeds of Hope Encinitas, CA | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Thrive Learning Center Encinitas, CA | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $12,158,738 | $1,344,061 | $838,464 | $600,000 | 58 | $716,562 | $1,230,567 | $757,089 |
| 2024 | $11,657,642 | $968,143 | $809,223 | $600,000 | 57 | $714,870 | $875,382 | $726,857 |
| 2023 | $11,498,722 | $484,889 | $859,518 | $630,000 | 63 | $756,097 | $381,467 | $662,985 |
| 2022 | $11,873,351 | $433,081 | $850,485 | $570,000 | 60 | $702,571 | $305,617 | $681,330 |
| 2021 | $12,290,755 | $1,086,042 | $760,317 | $535,000 | 60 | $641,093 | $966,818 | $748,402 |
| 2020 | $11,965,030 | $128,130 | $794,091 | $570,000 | 58 | — | $145,831 | $631,424 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough reported a distributable amount of $757K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grantees include organizations with varied missions. For example, Phi Delta Theta Foundation describes its mission as strengthening men for life through friendship, sound learning, and rectitude. Texas Children’s Hospital says it works to create a healthier future for children and women through patient care, education, and research. Fort Bend Christian Academy says it provides college-preparatory Christian education.
Other 2025 grantees describe work that includes supporting underprivileged children and families (Seeds of Hope), engaging young people as global citizens (Global Kids), investing in cancer research and care in North Texas (Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas), and serving children and families affected by serious illnesses (The Periwinkle Foundation). The Blue Bird Circle describes charitable activities supporting pediatric neurology and neurogenetics.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 58 grants totaling $600,000. Grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $25,000, with a median of $10,000. The largest listed awards were $25,000 each to Amazing Place, Council on Recovery, Moody-Bradley House Foundation, OakBend Medical Center, Phi Delta Theta Foundation, and Texas Children’s Hospital; each was reported as unrestricted. Other listed grants included $20,000 to Atascocita Methodist Church, Fort Bend Christian Academy, Seeds of Hope, and Thrive Learning Center. Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas and Global Kids each received $15,000; the Global Kids grant was reported as “GL-DC.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Joe E Coleman as trustee, president, and treasurer; Anne M Shallenberger as trustee and vice president; Joseph W Royce as trustee and secretary; Dee S Osborne, H Michael Tyson, and Kathrine M Wade as trustees; Allison A Garner as trustee and vice president; and Holly Royce Cole as trustee and secretary.
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough is led by Joe E. Coleman, Trustee, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; all 8 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Joe E. Coleman
Trustee, President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$19K (2020) → $21K (2025)
Anne M. Shallenberger
Trustee & Vice President
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$18K (2020) → $11K (2025)
Dee S. Osborne
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$18K (2020) → $21K (2025)
H. Michael Tyson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$18K (2020) → $21K (2025)
Joseph W. Royce
Trustee & Secretary
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$18K (2020) → $5K (2025)
Kathrine M. Wade
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$18K (2020) → $21K (2025)
Allison A. Garner
Trustee & Vice President
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
$5K (2025)
Holly Royce Cole
Trustee & Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
$16K (2025)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $21K, to Joe E Coleman (Trustee, President, Treasurer). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough
How much does The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough give each year?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough gave $600K across 58 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $600K across 57 grants.
What is The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's typical grant size?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $10,345, across 58 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough that year got $12K on average.
Where does The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough give grants?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough gives mostly in Texas: 72% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was California (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (21 grants), Wichita, KS (5 grants), Fairfield, TX (3 grants) and Corsicana, TX (3 grants).
Does The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough give general operating support?
Yes: 76% of The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (44 of 58) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's largest grantees?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's largest 2025 grantees include Amazing Place ($25,000), Council on Recovery ($25,000) and Moody-Bradley House Foundation ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough reported $12.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $717K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $757K (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 The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grantees include organizations with varied missions. For example, Phi Delta Theta Foundation describes its mission as strengthening men for life through friendship, sound learning, and rectitude. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and 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 The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's EIN?
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2177193. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 25, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 2, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
Other open foundation grants in Texas
Texas Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The William a and Madeline Welder Smith
Houston, TX
The William A and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation supports charitable organizations in medical research, education, social services, and the arts, primarily in Texas. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $70,000, with a median award of $20,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
41
Total Given
$823K
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
The John M O'Quinn Foundation
Houston, TX
The John M. O’Quinn Foundation funds education, healthcare and medical projects, conservation, and programs for underprivileged youth, with emphasis on Houston and surrounding areas; nearly all of its 2024 grant dollars went to Texas. In 2024, grants ranged from $10,000 to $2 million, with a median of $50,000. It considers requests from qualifying 501(c)(3) public charities and government units; applicants should use its grant guidelines for application requirements.
Assets
$280.6M
Grants
78
Total Given
$15.0M
The Brown Foundation Inc
Houston, TX
The Brown Foundation funds education, arts and culture, healthcare, human services, and civic assets, with education and the arts as top priorities and public education giving focused almost exclusively on greater Houston. Its 2025 grants ranged from $20,000 to $11 million, with a median of $50,000; it primarily supports Houston organizations and selectively funds distinctive opportunities elsewhere in Texas and beyond.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
222
Total Given
$84.3M
The Elkins Foundation
Houston, TX
The Elkins Foundation funds education, healthcare, cultural, community, and religious organizations and projects, especially those serving Houston and the Greater Gulf Coast. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $11,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $100,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application, due by June 30.
Assets
$206.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$17.3M
MD Anderson Foundation
Houston, TX
The MD Anderson Foundation funds tax-exempt organizations working in health and medicine, education, arts and culture, and improving the lives of underserved people, primarily in Houston and Harris County, Texas. In 2024, grants ranged from $7,500 to $360,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts written applications from tax-exempt organizations; no deadline is stated.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
75
Total Given
$6.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-ralph-h-and-ruth-j-mccullough-morg_8801c3f6ac9847df823f352586b27041
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_742177193_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-ralph-h-and-ruth-j-mccullough-morg_8801c3f6ac9847df823f352586b27041},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough'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.
The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough down — hundreds of funders to go?