The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in Texas, including organizations serving people with disabilities, supporting health-related work, and providing educational and community services.
Key facts about The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation
In short: The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation gave $285K across 25 grants in 2025 (avg $11K), mostly in Texas. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 76-6029653
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $285,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 25
- Average grant
- $11,400
- Median grant
- $5,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (4 of 25, 2025)
- Total assets
- $4,198,523
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.2M
-2.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$285K
+7.1% YoY
Grant Count
25
+4.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$11K
+2.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation reported a distributable amount of $285K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 25 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $12K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 80% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 20% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 102% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants include support for organizations whose missions address a range of needs. The Center for Pursuit says it provides residential, vocational, and day services promoting choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities, autism, and similar conditions. Camp For All Foundation says it serves children and adults with challenging illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. The Monarch Community describes its work as residential treatment and support for people with serious mental illness.
Other 2025 grantees describe work in education and community support. The Brookwood Community says it creates meaningful work and belonging for adults with disabilities, while Archway Academy says it provides a supportive, sober learning environment for adolescents in recovery. Communities In Schools of Houston says it connects students and families to community resources to help students stay in school and achieve in life.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 25 grants totaling $285,000. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $90,000, with a median grant of $5,000. The largest awards included $90,000 to The Center for Pursuit, $25,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital Office of Philanthropy, $20,000 to The Rise School, and $15,000 each to Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, Texas Hearing Institute, and The Summer Institute at Presbyterian School.
Other reported grants included $12,500 to Camp For All Foundation; $10,000 each to The Burton Volunteer Fire Department and The Monarch Community; $7,500 to The Brookwood Community; and $5,000 each to Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas and Archway Academy.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All reported 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 25 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $225K (2023) to $285K (2025). In 2025 it made 25 grants totaling $285K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Center for Pursuit ($90K). Together the top 10 received $220K.
Grant Size Distribution
124 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 122 grants of 124 (98%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Center for Pursuit Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $90,000 |
| Texas Children's Hospital Office of Philanthropy Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $25,000 |
| The Rise School Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $20,000 |
| Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $15,000 |
| Texas Hearing Institute Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $15,000 |
| The Summer Institute at Presbyterian School Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $15,000 |
| Camp for All Foundation Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $12,500 |
| The Burton Volunteer Fire Department Burton, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $10,000 |
| The Monarch Community Houston, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $10,000 |
| The Brookwood Community Brookshire, TX | To Fund Charitable Activities | $7,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,198,523 | $219,566 | $337,527 | $285,000 | 25 |
| 2024 | $4,316,585 | $281,863 | $314,132 | $266,000 | 24 |
| 2023 | $4,349,221 | $102,626 | $270,078 | $225,000 | 26 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,198,523 | $4,316,585 | $4,349,221 |
| Revenue | $219,566 | $281,863 | $102,626 |
| Expenses | $337,527 | $314,132 | $270,078 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $291,800 | $272,000 | $231,675 |
| Net Investment Income | $173,839 | $239,830 | $64,194 |
| Distributable Amount | $285,470 | $269,242 | $255,586 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Carol Brollier Deason, Houston Trust Company, and Maria Oden Duffy as trustees.
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's 2025 filing lists 3 officers; all 3 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Carol Brollier Deason
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $3K (2025)
Houston Trust Company
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$6K (2020) → $7K (2025)
Maria Oden Duffy
Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
$3K (2024) → $3K (2025)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Sarah Oden (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Barrett S. Oden (2020–2022) — Trustee
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 $7K, to Houston Trust Company (Trustee). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 3737 Buffalo Speedway 200, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 715-5182
Frequently asked questions about The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation
How much does The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation give each year?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation gave $285K across 25 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $266K across 24 grants.
What is The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's typical grant size?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $11,400, across 25 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation that year got $6K on average.
Where does The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation give grants?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (19 grants) and Burton, TX (2 grants).
Does The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 25 grants with a stated purpose on The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Fund Charitable Activities" (25 grants).
Who are The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's largest grantees?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include The Center for Pursuit ($90,000), Texas Children's Hospital Office of Philanthropy ($25,000) and The Rise School ($20,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 47% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation reported $4.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $292K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $285K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants include support for organizations whose missions address a range of needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's EIN?
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 76-6029653. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation 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 October 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
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 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
Albert & Ethel Herzstein
Houston, TX
The foundation supports qualified nonprofits working in education, community strengthening, helping people overcome adversity, heritage preservation, and related efforts to help people reach their potential. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; it favors Houston-area and other Texas organizations, though it also funds elsewhere. It accepts proposals through an online portal on a rolling basis, with no more than one request per organization in any 12-month period.
Assets
$132.3M
Grants
320
Total Given
$5.9M
Strake Foundation
Houston, TX
The Strake Foundation funds Catholic institutions, education (especially high school and above), women’s health and pro-life causes, free-market and individual-liberty work, and Houston community, homelessness, and low-income needs, with a strong Houston emphasis. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $600,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts unsolicited online requests, limits applicants to one application per calendar year, and has no stated deadline.
Assets
$47.3M
Grants
203
Total Given
$3.4M
Vivian L Smith Foundation
Houston, TX
The Vivian L Smith Foundation supports qualifying nonprofit organizations across charitable fields, including education, health care, youth services, and family support; it does not fund individuals. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000, and nearly all grant dollars went to Texas, though it reports no geographic restrictions. It accepts requests without a required form; applicants must state the purpose and provide proof of qualifying status.
Assets
$69.1M
Grants
189
Total Given
$4.5M
Sterling-Turner Foundation
Houston, TX
The Sterling-Turner Foundation funds eligible nonprofits and government agencies working in food assistance, homelessness and recovery, education, arts and culture, conservation, and other charitable areas in Tom Green, Kerr, Travis, Fort Bend, and Harris counties in Texas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $120,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts requests through an online application during its stated August-to-February application period.
Assets
$14.0M
Grants
106
Total Given
$3.4M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds a broad range of community needs, including health, education, housing, and community development, primarily in North Texas and across Texas. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $18,800, though amounts varied widely; nearly all opportunities are by invitation, with some specific programs open for applications.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
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 foundation supports nonprofits and community projects in areas including animal welfare, nonprofit capacity building, first responders, land conservation, neighborhood development, opportunity and access, and scholarships. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1.5 million, with a median of $14,250; its service area covers 11 North Texas counties. It accepts applications for some competitive grant programs through its online portal, but donor-advised grants are not open to nonprofit applications.
Assets
$544.9M
Grants
872
Total Given
$41.3M
More Funders in Texas
The Sydnor Olga Oden Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?