Three Important Facts About the W.H. & Mary Ellen Cobb Charitable Trust in Texas

Much of the trust’s funding benefits groups in Amarillo. Photo: Alexander Lukatskiy/shutterstock

When it comes to philanthropy in Texas, a great deal of resources focus on the major cities of Dallas and Houston. However, there are foundations exclusively concerned with other parts of the vast state, like the Texas Panhandle. This is where the W.H. & Mary Ellen Cobb Charitable Trust gives and has become known as a reliable source of funding for certain groups in Amarillo.

Here are three things nonprofit organizations in this part of Texas should know about the Cobb Charitable Trust.

Primarily a funder of children’s causes

The Cobbs did not have children of their own, but they were still very concerned with helping local children in need. They created the charitable trust to streamline their giving to local charities that assist children.

The trust accomplishes that through human services grants to child-focused organizations, such as the Presbyterian Home for Children and Opportunity Schools. Other funding has gone to Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch and the Amarillo Arts Center Association.

Awards five to seven grants a year

Unlike larger foundations that award hundreds of annual grants, this is a smaller funder that typically commits to between five and seven grants per year. These grants are usually between $1,000 and $25,000 and go to groups located within the Texas Panhandle. Many grants are $5,000 and $10,000 each.

Even though the Cobbs came from outside the region (Kentucky, in fact), grants generally target the Amarillo area and occasionally go elsewhere in the Panhandle region. A few grants have gone to organizations in the Texas cities of Abilene and Canyon. Most Cobb grants are for unrestricted general operating support, although some grants go toward programs for individual classrooms, scholarships, renovations and child care offerings.

One annual application deadline

The trust is managed by Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions, which entails a very specific application process. The annual application deadline is August 1, and there is a straightforward and accessible online process. Instead of reaching out to the Cobbs directly, grantseekers should direct questions to the Texas philanthropic office of Bank of America by email.

You can read more about the W.H. & Mary Ellen Cobb Charitable Trust in IP’s full profile, which is featured in our Southwest funding guide.