The Rees-Jones Foundation: Animal Welfare Grants

The Rees-Jones Foundation is a Dallas-based private grantmaker that funds initiatives aligned with its mission to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and families in North Texas. With a strong emphasis on compassion, service, and impactful investment, the Foundation prioritizes programs within five primary portfolios: animal welfare, child welfare, disability services, mental and behavioral health, and youth experiences. While the Foundation supports international organizations, this is done strictly on an invitation-only basis. The Foundation provides funding to qualified public entities and nonprofit organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants are only awarded to organizations whose work benefits the North Texas region—specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and adjacent counties. Programs that include service to populations outside of this geographic area are not eligible, regardless of alignment with the Foundation’s funding categories. The Foundation’s grantmaking supports general operating expenses, program-specific initiatives, and capital projects. It does not fund endowments, individual scholarships, fundraising events, professional conferences, performances, or lobbying efforts. The Foundation also avoids supporting other private foundations, commercial businesses, or individuals. To be considered, applicants must fall within one of the Foundation’s priority funding areas and meet all geographic and organizational requirements. The application process includes a detailed eligibility review and a thorough grant agreement process following award notification. Approved applicants must sign a contract within 15 days, with payment disbursed via wire transfer shortly after. The Foundation requires at least one report per grant and may require interim reports depending on the grant terms. Reporting deadlines and expectations are specified in the grant contract, and adherence to these requirements is essential for future eligibility. Organizations with previously approved grants must wait 12 months from the approval date or completion of a multi-year term, along with submission of the final report, before submitting a new request. Declined applicants must also wait 12 months before reapplying. The Foundation offers a grant writing checklist to assist applicants in crafting effective proposals and encourages prospective applicants to thoroughly review eligibility parameters and alignment with its mission before initiating a request.

Ensure geographic and mission alignment. Do not apply if previous grant was awarded or declined in the past 12 months. International applicants require invitation.