The Meadows Foundation Celebrates 75th Anniversary: A Legacy of Enhancing Lives Across Texas

More than $1.3 billion distributed through 10,000-plus grants benefiting approximately 3,700 Texas organizations

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Meadows Foundation, a private family philanthropy committed to improving the quality of life for Texans, celebrates its 75^th anniversary on July 14, 2023. Founded in Dallas in 1948 by Al and Virginia Meadows, the Foundation has made a lasting impact by funding programs that span arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, environment, health, and human services. It has supported programs across the entire state, leaving an enduring legacy in all 254 counties. Over three-quarters of a century, the Foundation has provided $1.36 billion through more than 10,000 grants to 3,700 different organizations and groups throughout Texas.

"As we commemorate our anniversary, we honor the people of Texas, whom Al and Virginia loved for their compassionate spirit and generous hearts,” said Peter M. Miller, President and CEO of The Meadows Foundation. “Together, we have continued our founders’ mission to look out for one another with kindness and understanding and paint a brighter future for all Texans.”

Fast Facts:

• One of the largest private, statewide funders in Texas.
• Grants range from $15 to $45,000,000.
• Program areas are arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, environment, health, and human services with initiatives in postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness.
• First grantees include the American Cancer Society (Dallas Chapter), Hope Cottage (Dallas), Southwest Museum of Science & Technology (Dallas), Southwestern Diabetic Foundation (Gainesville, Texas), and the University of Texas at Dallas - Callier Center.
• A nearly $500,000 grant to the Texas Council on Family Violence in 1996 helped establish the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
• Established The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) as an independent nonprofit organization, which provides independent, data-driven, nonpartisan guidance for policy and program changes so all Texans can receive mental health care when and where they need it.
• Provided early funding to Texas A&M University Kingsville for its work with a new experimental orchard that forever changed the grapefruit/citrus industry.
• Helped establish The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University in 2012 to focus on finding real-world solutions to water issues impacting the entire state.
• Funded the establishment of The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at The University of Texas at Austin to support educators with data-driven, practical knowledge and tools to improve outcomes for all students.

The Meadows Foundation also created a nonprofit neighborhood near downtown Dallas in 1981 when it acquired a neglected historic neighborhood, including the Wilson House and other Victorian homes. This initiative preserved the last remaining Victorian homes in the city and helped revitalize the area. The Wilson Historic District has provided free office space to more than 160 nonprofit agencies, helping them develop financial stability and collaborate with other neighborhood agencies. It is recognized as a historic landmark by the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"I have had many opportunities to personally witness the positive difference The Meadows Foundation has made,” said former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Joe Straus. “I applaud their transformative work and their ongoing efforts to elevate countless lives and communities, leaving an enduring legacy of progress and hope."

As The Meadows Foundation embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to advancing the mission of its founders and fostering positive change across Texas.