The William a and Madeline Welder Smith

Private foundation · Grantmaker Houston, TX EIN: 76-6076267

The William A and Madeline Welder Smith is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. It supports charitable organizations through grants, including organizations working in medical research, education, social services, and the arts.

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith at a glance

In short: The William a and Madeline Welder Smith gave $823K across 41 grants in 2025 (avg $20K), mostly in Texas. 15% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.

Annual giving (2025)
$822,985
+3.5% vs 2024
Grants made (2025)
41
-8.9% vs 2024
Average grant
$20,073
+13.6% vs 2024
Median grant
$20,000
Total assets
$15,288,799
+2.7% vs 2024
New grantees (estimate)
15% first-time grantees (5 of 33, 2025)
Primary geography
Texas (90% 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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith

Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to Apply

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2025

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: $140K across 3 grantsUniversity of Texas MDAnderson Cancer Center$140K · 3 grantsThe University of Texas at Austin: $60K across 2 grantsThe University of Texas atAustin$60K · 2 grantsBaylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation: $50K across 2 grantsBaylor Scott & White CentralTexas Foundation$50K · 2 grantsPhi Delta Theta Foundation: $37K across 2 grantsPhi Delta Theta Foundation$37K · 2 grantsCouncil on Recovery: $35KCouncil on Recovery$35KHouston Livestock Show & Rodeo: $35K across 2 grantsHouston Livestock Show & Rodeo$35K · 2 grantsTexas Heart Institute: $35K across 2 grantsTexas Heart Institute$35K · 2 grantsBaylor University: $30KBaylor University$30KAlley Theatre: $25KAlley Theatre$25KAmazing Place: $25KAmazing Place$25K

The largest 2025 recipient was University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ($140K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $472K.

Organizations only. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($52,985), which are not listed by name.

Grant Size Distribution

229 grants across all recorded years

213<$50K16$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 213 grants of 229 (93%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2025, 90% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas, 4% to Ohio, 3% to California, and 2% to Arkansas.

Grant Distribution by State

7states

Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 41 itemized grants.

Cities

HoustonAustinWacoOxfordMissouri CityNew BraunsfelsRound TopStreetmanTempleRichmondConwayRosenbergColorado SpringsLas VegasAmarilloBrownsvilleEastonEncinitasFairieldFreer

Is The William a and Madeline Welder Smith open to new grantees?

15%

first-time grantees, 2025

In 2025, 5 of 33 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $16K; repeat grants $27K. How we count

Medians: $10K first-time, $20K repeat.

  • 76% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
  • Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+11%). 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 (2021–2025). 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

$0$250K$500K$750K$1M44 grants2021 49 grants2022 50 grants2023 45 grants2024 41 grants2025

From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $713K (2021) to $892K (2023). In 2025 it made 41 grants totaling $823K.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TXNeuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer Research - Dr. James Yao$70,000
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXThe Briscoe Center$50,000
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TXProstate cancer moonshot program - dr. Chris logothetis research$50,000
Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation Temple, TXTraining the Next Generation of Texas Physicians$40,000
Council on Recovery Houston, TXUnrestricted$35,000
Baylor University Waco, TXJacquelyn M Royce Endowed Scholarship$30,000
2 individual scholarships Recipients not named —$52,985
Alley Theatre Houston, TXUnrestricted$25,000
Amazing Place Houston, TXUnrestricted$25,000
Caney Baptist Church Streetman, TXUnrestricted$25,000
Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with The William a and Madeline Welder Smith?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsQualifying DistributionsNet Investment IncomeDistributable Amount
2025$15,288,799$1,423,725$1,022,700$822,98541$929,860$1,343,209$982,562
2024$14,887,774$873,652$1,023,617$795,40045$925,181$781,216$911,310
2023$15,037,739$843,889$1,145,451$892,46550$1,010,004$726,823$858,874
2022$15,339,301$1,114,450$953,974$739,02549$859,728$1,034,633$976,126
2021$15,178,825$827,839$923,997$713,42044—$738,092$904,378

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The William a and Madeline Welder Smith reported a distributable amount of $983K 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 grants include support for cancer research, physician training, scholarships and tuition, social services, and the arts. For example, Baylor University describes its mission as educating students for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment. Alley Theatre says its mission is to inspire and enchant lives through theatrical experiences centered on its Resident Acting Company.

Other 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Texas Heart Institute describes its work as reducing the toll of cardiovascular disease through research, education, and patient care. Pathways for Little Feet says it works to reduce financial barriers to adoption and foster care through assistance and family support.

Grantmaking

In 2025, the foundation awarded 41 grants totaling $822,985. Grants ranged from $1,500 to $70,000, with a median award of $20,000.

Among the largest 2025 grants were $70,000 to University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer research, $50,000 to The University of Texas at Austin for the Briscoe Center, and $50,000 to MD Anderson for prostate cancer research. Other notable awards included $40,000 to Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation for training Texas physicians; $35,000 to Council on Recovery; and $30,000 to Baylor University for the Jacquelyn M Royce Endowed Scholarship. Alley Theatre and Amazing Place each received $25,000.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2025 filing lists H Michael Tyson, Joe E Coleman, Joseph W Royce, Dee S Osborne, Anne McCullough Shallenberger, and Holly Cole as co-trustees.

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's 2025 filing lists 6 officers; all 6 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.

Officers on the 2025 filing

  • Anne McCullough Shallenberger

    Co-Trustee

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $19K (2021) → $20K (2025)

  • Dee S. Osborne

    Co-Trustee

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $19K (2021) → $20K (2025)

  • H. Michael Tyson

    Co-Trustee

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $19K (2021) → $20K (2025)

  • Joe E. Coleman

    Co-Trustee

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $19K (2021) → $20K (2025)

  • Joseph W. Royce

    Co-Trustee

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $19K (2021) → $15K (2025)

  • Holly Cole

    Co-Trustee

    New on the 2025 filing

    3 hrs/week

    $6K (2025)

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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

H Michael Tyson — Co-Trustee: $20KH Michael TysonCo-Trustee$20KJoe E Coleman — Co-Trustee: $20KJoe E ColemanCo-Trustee$20KDee S Osborne — Co-Trustee: $20KDee S OsborneCo-Trustee$20KAnne McCullough Shallenberger — Co-Trustee: $20KAnne McCullough…Co-Trustee$20KJoseph W Royce — Co-Trustee: $15KJoseph W RoyceCo-Trustee$15KHolly Cole — Co-Trustee: $6KHolly ColeCo-Trustee$6K

The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $20K, to H Michael Tyson (Co-Trustee). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Frequently asked questions about The William a and Madeline Welder Smith

How much does The William a and Madeline Welder Smith give each year?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith gave $823K across 41 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $795K across 45 grants.

What is The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's typical grant size?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $20,073, across 41 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The William a and Madeline Welder Smith that year got $16K on average.

Where does The William a and Madeline Welder Smith give grants?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith gives mostly in Texas: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (21 grants), Austin, TX (3 grants), Temple, TX (2 grants) and Oxford, OH (2 grants).

Does The William a and Madeline Welder Smith give general operating support?

Yes: 63% of The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (26 of 41) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.

Who are The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's largest grantees?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's largest 2025 grantees include University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ($140,000 across 3 grants), The University of Texas at Austin ($60,000 across 2 grants) and Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation ($50,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($52,985), which are not listed by name. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.

How large is The William a and Madeline Welder Smith?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith reported $15.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $930K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $983K (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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith fund?

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants include support for cancer research, physician training, scholarships and tuition, social services, and the arts. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from The William a and Madeline Welder Smith?

The foundation 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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith's EIN?

The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 76-6076267. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.

Does The William a and Madeline Welder Smith 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

(1)

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in The William a and Madeline Welder Smith's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas

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 Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough

Houston, TX

The Ralph H and Ruth J McCullough supports a range of charitable organizations, with 72% of its 2025 grant dollars going to Texas organizations and some funding reaching other states. Its 58 grants ranged from $1,500 to $25,000, with a median of $10,000. It makes grants only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$12.2M

Grants

58

Total Given

$600K

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

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.1B

Grants

222

Total Given

$84.3M

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$23.0M

Grants

993

Total Given

$7.0M

More similar funders

More Funders in Texas

Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). The William a and Madeline Welder Smith funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-a-and-madeline-welder-smith-morg_a6442e86baf847cb9dad64b61e5fe4d4

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_766076267_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{The William a and Madeline Welder Smith funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-a-and-madeline-welder-smith-morg_a6442e86baf847cb9dad64b61e5fe4d4},
  note         = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith'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 William a and Madeline Welder Smith down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?