Hillcrest Foundation Grant

The Hillcrest Foundation, established in 1958 by Mrs. W.W. Caruth, Sr. (Mrs. Earle Clark Caruth), is a Texas-based philanthropic entity managed by the Texas office of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions division. It was created to perpetuate the legacy of generosity demonstrated by the Caruth family, pioneers in Dallas County since the 1840s. The foundation’s mission is to support qualified charitable organizations across Texas that work to advance education, promote health, and alleviate poverty. While it serves the broader Texas region, the majority of grants—approximately 90%—are awarded to nonprofits serving the Dallas County area. The foundation places emphasis on capital improvements and significant programmatic initiatives rather than operational expenses. Specific funding priorities include the construction or improvement of permanent buildings, capital campaigns, equipment, and facilities, as well as special projects that enhance education, improve healthcare access and outcomes, or reduce poverty. Requests for general operating support are not considered, and applicants are encouraged to focus proposals on distinctive and essential needs that are not being met by other available services or funding streams. Grantmaking is offered three times a year with submission deadlines on February 28, July 31, and November 30. While grants are typically one year in duration, multi-year grants are occasionally awarded. The foundation’s trustees are particularly interested in projects that demonstrate uniqueness, necessity, and a high priority within the applicant organization. They favor proposals that address unmet needs and are well-articulated, substantive, and compelling. Matching or challenge grants are especially attractive to the foundation. Funding amounts range from $10,000 to $300,000, with the average grant being approximately $35,000. Organizations receiving a one-year grant must wait two years before reapplying. For example, a 2021 grant recipient would be eligible to apply again in 2024. For multi-year awards, the reapplication restriction applies for two years after the final installment is received. Additionally, if a request is declined, the applicant must wait one year before submitting a new proposal. All application procedures are conducted online via the Bank of America platform. Interested applicants can return to an application in progress or consult the provided online application help PDF. Though the platform provides downloadable versions of the application procedures in PDF and Microsoft Word, specific application questions are not detailed in the source material. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions Texas team at tx.philanthropic@bofa.com. Applicants must include the foundation name in the subject line of their emails to ensure appropriate routing and response. Because the foundation accepts proposals on a recurring triannual basis and has outlined future deadlines well in advance, applicants are advised to prepare ahead of time, especially for capital or high-value requests. While no direct telephone contact information is provided, applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the foundation’s procedures via the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions platform for further guidance.