Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo
The Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation is a private foundation based in Fort Worth, Texas. It makes grants to public charities supporting charitable, religious, scientific, or educational causes in Texas, with particular emphasis on Tarrant County.
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo at a glance
In short: Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo gave $6.9M across 145 grants in 2024 (avg $47K), mostly in Texas. 13% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $6,871,500
- +45.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 145
- +2.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $47,390
- +41.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $123,116,894
- +3.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (19 of 142, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Organizations that have not previously received funding must first submit a brief, one-page letter of inquiry describing the organization and proposed program or project. After reviewing it, the foundation will say whether it is receptive to a formal request. Formal requests should be written and follow the foundation’s website guidelines. Grant decisions are communicated in writing. Requests are generally limited to organizations in Tarrant County, with some minor exceptions; the foundation does not make grants to individuals.
- Review Cycle
- Written applications are due by noon on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. The board meets in March, June, September, and December.
- Deadline
- Written applications are due by noon on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
- Contact
Application contact: Lee A Mcconnell
Mailing address: 1320 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Phone: (817) 529-4224
Email: lee@ryanfoundation.com
Website: https://ryanfoundation.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo
Who Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Texas A&M Foundation ($2.0M). Together the top 10 received $3.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
746 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 616 grants of 746 (83%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports causes in Texas, with particular emphasis on Tarrant County. Its 2024 filing reports that 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas; the filing also lists small shares for Florida, Michigan, and Tennessee. The foundation describes its awards as generally limited to organizations in Tarrant County, with some minor exceptions.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 145 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 19 of 142 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $140K; repeat grants $34K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+17%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 124% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.7M (2023) to $8.4M (2022). In 2024 it made 145 grants totaling $6.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M Foundation College Station, TX | Capital Campaign for the Fort Worth Campus | $2,000,000 |
| All Saints Health Foundation Fort Worth, TX | Carter Rehabilitation and Fitness Center Renovation | $400,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County Fort Worth, TX | Capital Campaign and Annual Operations | $292,000 |
| National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Fort Worth, TX | National Cowgirl Museum Building Expansion Project | $250,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Arlington, TX | One-to-One Mentoring | $100,000 |
| Cristo Rey Fort Worth Catholic High School Fort Worth, TX | General Operations | $100,000 |
| Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Fort Worth, TX | Children's Museum Gallery Renovation | $100,000 |
| Trinity Habitat for Humanity Fort Worth, TX | Allen Village Neighborhood | $100,000 |
| United Community Centers Inc Fort Worth, TX | Education Literacy Program and Fleet Replacement Project | $100,000 |
| Recovery Resource Council Fort Worth, TX | Programs + Events | $80,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $123,116,894 | $8,249,401 | $8,563,198 | $6,871,500 | 145 | $7,384,372 | $7,475,500 | $5,933,472 |
| 2023 | $118,540,369 | $3,351,174 | $6,488,369 | $4,717,600 | 141 | $7,568,695 | $2,507,585 | $5,549,655 |
| 2022 | $112,809,962 | $1,293,128 | $10,088,768 | $8,380,300 | 152 | $6,737,053 | $1,934,083 | $5,918,979 |
| 2021 | $135,188,288 | $6,250,331 | $7,505,426 | $5,888,000 | 160 | $7,128,120 | $5,468,382 | $6,292,578 |
| 2020 | $121,873,639 | $2,592,182 | $7,535,301 | $6,110,700 | 148 | — | $1,889,991 | $5,508,976 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo reported a distributable amount of $5.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation is organized to support charitable, religious, scientific, or educational causes in Texas, particularly in Tarrant County. Its stated focus areas include health care, human and social services, education, children’s services, and the arts.
Its 2024 grants included organizations whose own missions illustrate a range of work: Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County says it surrounds students with community support to help them succeed in school and life; United Community Centers says it serves and empowers people in need through programs at Fort Worth neighborhood centers; and Recovery Resource Council says it promotes wellness and recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders and trauma. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame says it honors women whose lives helped shape the West and fosters appreciation of the ideals they represent.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation awarded 145 grants totaling $6,871,500. Grants ranged from $3,000 to $2,000,000, with a median of $25,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $2,000,000 to Texas A&M Foundation for a capital campaign for the Fort Worth campus; $400,000 to All Saints Health Foundation for a rehabilitation and fitness center renovation; $292,000 to Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County for a capital campaign and annual operations; and $250,000 to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for a building expansion. Other grants included $100,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star for one-to-one mentoring and $80,000 to Recovery Resource Council for programs and events.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists John P. Ryan Jr. as chairman; Lee A. McConnell as president; J. Lyndell Kirkley as director and secretary; and Thomas M. Ryan II, R. Earl Cox, and Martha V. Leonard as directors. Bailey Ryan is listed as advisory director. The foundation’s website identifies Valerie Freeman as grant administrator.
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo is led by Lee A. McConnell, President on every filing since 2020; all 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Lee A. McConnell
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$198K (2020) → $241K (2024)
John P. Ryan Jr.
Chairman
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$198K (2020) → $243K (2024)
J. Lyndell Kirkley
Director & Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$14K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Martha V. Leonard
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$14K (2020) → $20K (2024)
R. Earl Cox
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$14K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Thomas M. Ryan II
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$14K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Bailey Ryan
Advisory Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$5K (2023) → $10K (2024)
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 $243K, to John P Ryan Jr (Chairman). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo
How much does Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo give each year?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo gave $6.9M across 145 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4.7M across 141 grants.
What is Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's typical grant size?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $47,390, across 145 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo that year got $140K on average.
Where does Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo give grants?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo gives mostly in Texas: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Worth, TX (97 grants), Dallas, TX (18 grants), Arlington, TX (6 grants) and Allen, TX (3 grants).
Does Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo give general operating support?
Yes: 14% of Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 145) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's largest grantees?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's largest 2024 grantees include Texas A&M Foundation ($2,000,000), All Saints Health Foundation ($400,000) and Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County ($292,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo reported $123.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $7.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo fund?
The foundation is organized to support charitable, religious, scientific, or educational causes in Texas, particularly in Tarrant County. Its stated focus areas include health care, human and social services, education, children’s services, and the arts. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's EIN?
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-1879237. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, 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
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
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
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
Garvey Texas Foundation Inc
Fort Worth, TX
The foundation supports charitable organizations in areas including education, the arts, health and family services, and regional history; it favors organizations near its Fort Worth base, with most 2024 grants going to Texas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $20,250, with a median of $2,250. It accepts unsolicited requests from charitable organizations, which should submit a program summary, requested amount, and latest exemption letter.
Assets
$6.1M
Grants
92
Total Given
$292K
Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation funds education and family economic security, tauopathy and other neurodegenerative-disease research, and initiatives in East Africa, with much of its local support focused on the Fort Worth–Dallas area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $320 to $3.32 million, with a median of $50,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; its Family Economic Security inquiry process is currently paused.
Assets
$931.4M
Grants
320
Total Given
$43.6M
Mary Potishman Lard Trust
Fort Worth, TX
The trust supports health care, arts and culture, education, and social services, primarily in Texas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000, with a median of $10,000. The filing describes how to submit a request and states there are no deadlines or award restrictions.
Assets
$19.3M
Grants
94
Total Given
$2.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/thomas-m-helen-mckee-and-john-p-ryan-fo-morg_aa597a8d9130422b8c24e7334f44766c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_751879237_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Thomas M Helen McKee \& John P Ryan Fo funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/thomas-m-helen-mckee-and-john-p-ryan-fo-morg_aa597a8d9130422b8c24e7334f44766c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. 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 Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo'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.
Thomas M Helen McKee & John P Ryan Fo down — hundreds of funders to go?