Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Grant

Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harry Bass Foundation
Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Summary

The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Grant supports qualified non-profit organizations in Youth and Education, emphasizing early childhood literacy. Proposals are accepted year-round, but submission at least five months prior to funding is advised. Grants are primarily for entities in Dallas County, with occasional consideration for organizations outside this area. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities or similar, and each organization can submit only one application per year.

Overview

NOTE: The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation accepts grant proposals at any time throughout the year. However, it is a good idea to submit your proposal at least five months before the funding is needed. Grant applications are only considered by our Board of Trustees at one of the three Trustee Meetings held annually, usually (1) late spring summer; (2) late summer; and, (3) end of November – beginning of December. Background Enriching lives by supporting qualified non-profit organizations in the areas of Youth and Education with a focus on Early Childhood Literacy. Under the terms of our charter, we can distribute grants only to qualified public entities, churches or 501(c)(3) public charities. We neither lend nor grant money to individuals. We award competitive grants predominantly in Dallas County with a focus on early childhood education and literacy. Grants outside Dallas County are rarely considered. Grants to organizations in the areas of Health & Human Services, Civic & Community, Science & Research, and Arts & Culture are occasionally considered. Grant requests are primarily considered in the areas of Youth and Education, and specifically for early childhood literacy (ages 0-8). Occasionally, our board might consider grant requests in other areas.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Under the terms of its charter, The Foundation can distribute grants only to qualified public entities, churches or nonprofit 501(c)(3) endeavors. Unsolicited grant requests are restricted to organizations based in the Greater Dallas area (Dallas County). Occasionally we consider funding organizations outside the Greater Dallas area but prior approval from the Foundation is highly recommended before submitting a request.Each organization is limited to one application within a twelve-month period.

Ineligibility

Grants outside Dallas County are rarely considered. Due to our Board of Trustees’ focus on Early Childhood Education, we rarely provide funding to public entities or churches.Endowment gifts are rare.In general the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation does not make grants to construct churches or seminaries, or for underwriting including fundraising events, professional conferences, symposia, out-of-state performances or competition expenses. The following organizations are Not Eligible:Private Foundations (Operating and Non-Operating) Foreign Organizations Individuals Disqualified Supporting Organizations 509(a)(3) Type III – Non-functionally Integrated