H. Ross Perot Jr. and Sarah Fullinwider Perot

OVERVIEW: H. Ross Perot Jr. and his wife Sarah Fullinwider Perot move their philanthropy through the Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation, which focuses on education, basic human needs, and international issues. Texas is an important region of giving.

IP Take: Perot is only in his late 50s and very much engaged in business. The family spreads their money to a variety of interest areas through their foundation. Perhaps more money will move out in the coming years

BACKGROUND: Son of businessman and politician Ross Perot and his wife Margot, H. Ross Perot Jr. was born and raised in Dallas. Perot graduated from St. Mark's School of Texas in 1977 and later went to Vanderbilt University. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight and a half years and then as chairman of the Air Force Memorial Foundation. Perot expanded the family fortune, largely through real estate. In 1988, Perot founded Hillwood, his real estate development company.

Grants for Education

In addition to serving as president of the foundation, Sarah is on the board of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, her alma mater. SMU has received millions from the couple and is home to the Jerome M. Fullinwider Chair in Economic Freedom at Southern Methodist University, in Sarah's father's name. Strong support has gone to St. Mark's School of Texas. Other grantees include St. Philip's School and Community Center, and West Dallas Community School. 

Grants for Arts and Culture

The Perots have been strong supporters of arts and culture in the Dallas area and beyond. A major element of this funding has included Dallas' own Perot Museum of Nature and Science, an amalgamation of several museums which in 2008 was renamed the Perot Museum as a result of a $50 million gift from Perot and his four sisters. The outfit is named in honor of Ross Perot Sr. and Margot. 

Other grantees include AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, LACMA, and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.

Grants for Conservation

Support has gone to the UT Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, for native plant conservation and ecological problems, among other things. Historic preservation is an interest, with funds going to The Jefferson Monticello and Blair House Restoration Fund. 

Grants for Religion

Daily Hope Ministries, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and Countryside Bible Church have received funds.

Grants for Health and Food

Grantees include North Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army, United Way, and Methodist Health System Foundation.

Grants for Global Development

Support has gone to LEAP Global Missions, Living Water International, and the Global Fund for Children. 

CONTACT:

The Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation
3000 Turtle Creek Blvd
Dallas, TX 75219
(972) 535-1900