Trellis Foundation
Trellis Foundation is a public charity based in Round Rock, Texas. It supports programs, practices, and policies intended to help Texas students earn postsecondary credentials and degrees by removing barriers and improving access, affordability, and completion.
Trellis Foundation at a glance
In short: Trellis Foundation gave $16.5M across 83 grants in 2025 (avg $198K), mostly in Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $16,461,445
- +82.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 83
- +66.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $198,331
- +9.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $545,120,786
- +8.8% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Texas (52% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Trellis Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for grants. It usually builds relationships with organizations working in the Texas postsecondary space and invites proposals. Invited applicants may develop project or general operating proposals with Foundation staff. Grants of $50,000 or less may use a simplified process and are approved on a rolling basis as invited; grants up to $200,000 require a full proposal developed with a program officer and may also be approved on a rolling basis as invited. Grants over $200,000 are approved at quarterly board meetings in March, June, September, or December, with invited applicants expected to collaborate on a proposal during the preceding two to three months. The Foundation also uses targeted RFPs; its grantseekers page lists no open RFP opportunities.
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 5393, Round Rock, TX 78683-5393
Phone: (877) 255-6656
Website: https://trellisfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Trellis Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Aspen Institute ($3.1M). Together the top 10 received $8.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($300,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
219 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 111 grants of 219 (51%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s stated focus is Texas postsecondary education. It says it may fund projects with national scope when they have a clear, documented Texas component, but does not fund work entirely outside Texas. In 2025, 52% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas and 30% to recipients in Washington, DC; other reported shares went to Georgia (5%), New York (5%), and Minnesota (3%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 83 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Trellis Foundation gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (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 $3.0M (2020) to $16.5M (2025). In 2025 it made 83 grants totaling $16.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Aspen Institute Washington, DC | General Operations | $3,150,000 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX | Strategic/General Operations | $1,296,486 |
| Branched Peachtree City, GA | Strategic | $761,253 |
| Texas Higher Education Foundation Austin, TX | General Operations | $610,000 |
| Texas 2036 Austin, TX | General Operations | $600,000 |
| Communities Foundation of Texas Inc Dallas, TX | Strategic | $503,125 |
| Scholarship America Bloomington, MN | Strategic | $450,000 |
| After Violence Project Austin, TX | General Operations | $350,000 |
| Partners for Rural Impact Berea, KY | Strategic | $337,952 |
| New York University New York, NY | Strategic | $334,426 |
Ready to take the next step with Trellis Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $545,120,786 | $23,675,107 | $19,545,909 | $16,461,445 | 83 | $13,675,107 |
| 2024 | $501,046,144 | $78,347,142 | $11,185,447 | $9,021,486 | 50 | $68,347,142 |
| 2023 | $405,709,664 | $5,617,527 | $5,395,130 | $3,718,850 | 41 | $5,617,527 |
| 2022 | $364,914,250 | $179,771,374 | $4,875,856 | $4,000,000 | 26 | $12,330,279 |
| 2021 | $258,594,577 | $96,048,937 | $4,638,076 | $3,974,192 | 19 | $16,095,214 |
| 2020 | $144,505,829 | $8,970,184 | $3,722,023 | $2,972,899 | 18 | $4,060,841 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to help every Texas student have the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential or degree that supports the future they envision for themselves and their families. Its website describes three focus areas: holistic student support, streamlined student pathways, and reconnection for returning learners. Its approaches include supporting localized direct impact, scaling promising practices, driving structural and policy change, and convening collaboration.
The Foundation says it funds entities whose work directly affects postsecondary students or potential students in Texas, as well as organizations working to improve Texas postsecondary systems and policies. It may support national-scope projects when they have a clear, documented Texas focus, but says it does not fund work entirely outside Texas. Eligible grantees can include tax-exempt public charities, public organizations such as public institutions of higher education, fiscally sponsored organizations, and 501(c)(4) organizations; it does not make grants to individuals.
Examples of 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. The Texas Higher Education Foundation describes its mission as increasing participation and success in higher education for an individual recipient 2036 says it advances data-driven policies to improve lives and expand opportunities for Texans. The After Violence Project describes its work as community-based research and documentation concerning state-sanctioned violence. Partners for Rural Impact says it works to accelerate educational outcomes and strengthen local capacity in rural communities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 83 grants totaling $16,461,445. Awards ranged from $8,500 to $3,150,000, with a median grant of $100,000.
Among the largest 2025 awards were $3,150,000 to The Aspen Institute for general operations; $1,296,486 to The University of Texas at Austin for strategic/general operations; $761,253 to Branched for strategic support; $610,000 to the Texas Higher Education Foundation for general operations; and $600,000 to Texas 2036 for general operations. Other large awards included $503,125 to Communities Foundation of Texas, $450,000 to Scholarship America, and $350,000 to the After Violence Project.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Dora Ann Verde as chair, Alma Garcia as vice chair, and Josh Hunt, Mark Milliron, Richard Rhodes, Suzanne Walsh, and Welcome W Wilson Jr as board members. Kristin Boyer is listed as president and CEO; Erica Ekwurzel as chief of staff and secretary; and Jenny Achilles as senior director.
Trellis Foundation is led by Kristin Boyer, President & CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 10 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kristin Boyer
President & CEO
Executive Director → President & CEO, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$133K (2020) → $215K (2025)
Dora Ann Verde
Chair
Board Secretary → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Achilles
Senior Director
Senior Director & Chief Program Officer → Senior Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$105K (2023) → $148K (2025)
Erica Ekwurzel
Chief of Staff & Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$147K (2025)
Alma Garcia
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Hunt
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Milliron PhD
Board Member
Vice Chair → Chair, 2022
Chair → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Rhodes PhD
Board Member
Board President → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Walsh JD
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Welcome W. Wilson Jr.
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Erica Ekwurzel Eff (2024) — Chief of Staff & Secretary
- Former: Gregory Dickson (2024) — Secretary
- Former: Greg Dickenson (2022–2023) — Secretary
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 $215K, to Kristin Boyer (President & CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Trellis Foundation
How much does Trellis Foundation give each year?
Trellis Foundation gave $16.5M across 83 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $9.0M across 50 grants.
What is Trellis Foundation's typical grant size?
Trellis Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $100,000, and its average grant was $198,331, across 83 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Trellis Foundation give grants?
Trellis Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 52% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (30%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (16 grants), Austin, TX (16 grants), San Antonio, TX (6 grants) and Houston, TX (5 grants).
Does Trellis Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 48% of Trellis Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (40 of 83) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Strategic" (32 grants), "Capacity" (4 grants) and "Direct" (4 grants).
Who are Trellis Foundation's largest grantees?
Trellis Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include The Aspen Institute ($3,150,000), The University of Texas at Austin ($1,296,486) and Branched ($761,253), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($300,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Trellis Foundation?
Trellis Foundation reported $545.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $23.7M.
What does Trellis Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to help every Texas student have the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential or degree that supports the future they envision for themselves and their families. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Trellis Foundation?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for grants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Trellis Foundation's EIN?
Trellis Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4714749. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Trellis Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 27, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Trellis Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Greater Texas Foundation
Bryan, TX
Greater Texas Foundation funds Texas-based or Texas-focused efforts that help students—especially underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged students—prepare for, access, persist in, and complete postsecondary education. Grants typically range from $150,000 to $300,000, and the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests; only invited proposals are accepted.
Assets
$301.8M
Grants
108
Total Given
$9.5M
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
Gates Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Gates Foundation funds work to reduce disease and poverty, improve health and gender equality in lower-income countries, and support education and economic mobility in the United States, especially Washington State; it works in more than 140 countries. Its 2024 grants had a median of $500,000, with awards ranging from $1 to $350.5 million. It generally does not accept unsolicited proposals, but periodically offers opportunities through published requests for proposals.
Assets
$78.7B
Grants
4,974
Total Given
$6.3B
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
Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Austin, TX
Texas Mutual funds Texas nonprofits working on early childhood and out-of-school care, primary care and basic needs for working Texans, workforce training and career pathways, small-business resilience, workplace safety, and related community needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $600,000, with a median award of about $82,000; one 2026 program offered $25,000–$100,000 awards. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.6B
Grants
172
Total Given
$14.8M
Meadows Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The foundation funds Texas-benefiting work in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, the environment, health, and human services, with added consideration for postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness. Its 2024 median grant was $75,000, and it accepts proposals year-round through its online application portal.
Assets
$718.0M
Grants
161
Total Given
$24.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Trellis Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/trellis-foundation-morg_004524e8ff384da7a53c4210f44ebac8
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_814714749_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Trellis Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/trellis-foundation-morg_004524e8ff384da7a53c4210f44ebac8},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Trellis Foundation'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.
Trellis Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?