Kleberg Foundation: Wildlife, Conservation, and Animal Science Grant

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation grants are aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and animal science initiatives primarily in South Texas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that fill critical knowledge gaps through research or habitat restoration. Eligible organizations include IRS-registered, tax-exempt entities. The Foundation has awarded over $391 million since its inception, with a focus on impactful projects. Notably, capital projects require prior discussions with Foundation staff and at least 50% funding from other sources.

Note: Funding is highly competitive and priority is given to organizations with whom the Foundation has a previous relationship. Thus, it is difficult to receive funding if the organization has never been funded before.
The Foundation awards grants to qualifying institutions and agencies that further the vision of Bob and Helen Kleberg.
Since inception, the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation awarded $391.1 million in grants with annual distributions of around $13 million. In 2024, the Foundation distributed a number of prior commitments. In addition, 39 new grants totaling nearly $15 million were awarded, some of which will be disbursed in future years.
The Foundation Directors strive to select projects and programs where funding will have the greatest impact.
The Foundation is committed to wildlife conservation efforts that fill critical knowledge gaps through applied research or habitat restoration that support native wildlife, primarily in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The Foundation is particularly interested in research focusing on maintaining the integrity of ecosystems, including native plant establishment, understanding important stopover habitats of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds, and investigations of endangered/sensitive species endemic to this South Texas region. Other projects relevant to understanding potential threats to wildlife or their habitats in South Texas are also of interest, as are habitat restoration and protection, and the preservation of culturally significant natural heritage in South Texas. Use the General Application for these types of requests.
The Foundation also supports studies in animal science that expand the body of knowledge related to diagnosis, effective treatment and prevention of animal diseases, primarily in cattle and horses, animal genome and genetic mechanisms, and contribute to improved animal or human health.
Guidelines for Consideration of Capital Requests
The Foundation rarely supports capital projects such as the purchase or renovation of facilities, repairs and maintenance of physical infrastructure, or the purchase of major equipment.
Capital requests should be preceded by a formal conversation with Foundation staff to determine the project’s fit with the Foundation’s priorities. A pre-request, similar to a Letter of Inquiry, may be required to determine Trustee interest before submitting a full application.
As a general rule, the Foundation will not consider capital requests before at least 50 percent of the total project costs have already been committed from other sources.
Recognition and Mementoes
The Foundation is open to considering potential naming opportunities associated with a grant, as applicable. However, naming opportunities have no bearing at all on the Trustees’ decision to fund a project.
With regard to mementoes, the Foundation desires that all resources of any grantee be dedicated to accomplishing its philanthropic purposes. We ask that grantees not recognize the Foundation, its board members, or staff with any commemorative gifts or tokens.

Eligibility

The Foundation supports IRS-registered, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations with a public charity status of 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), or public universities under section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.Organizations may apply once a year.

Ineligibility

Animal shelters, zoos and local rehabilitation efforts are not eligible for funding unless the organization has a history of previous funding.Project support beyond a period of three years will generally not be considered. As a general policy the Foundation does not support:Individuals;Community, health and education organizations that serve clients outside of Kleberg and its surrounding counties of South Texas;Operating or general endowments;Deficit financing;Appeals for religious purposes or organizations limited by race or religion;Propaganda organizations or committees whose efforts are aimed at influencing legislation;Table sponsorships;Fundraising events or advertising;Indirect costs or overhead for projects;Other granting agencies, foundations or pass through organizations.