Moody Foundation is a Texas-based private foundation supporting education, health, arts, social services, science, and community projects across the state.
Charity / registration number
Not publicly available
Abbreviation / Acronym
Not publicly available
Founded
1942
Headquarters
Galvesto
Assets
$2.9 billion 2026)
Annual Giving
$24.259 million (2023)
Staff
~12
Mission and History
Mission
Enable communities across Texas to grow and prosper.
History
The Moody Foundation was established in 1942 by William Lewis “W.L.” Moody, Jr. and Libbie Rice Shearn Moody. The Moody family’s business interests began in Galveston and expanded across Texas, shaping the foundation’s long-term commitment to present and future generations of Texans. Later family leadership continued this work through investments in education, historic preservation, community institutions, and statewide charitable projects
Type of Foundation
Private / Family Foundation
Focus Areas
Health, Education, Arts & Culture, Science, • Communities and social services
Approach and Operating Style
Moody Foundation funds charitable projects across Texas, with particular attention to Galveston, Austin, Dallas, and rural areas with less access to philanthropic funding. Eligible organizations submit inquiries through the online grants portal; selected inquiries may proceed to full application and trustee review. The foundation combines traditional regional grantmaking with strategic initiatives such as M-Pact and long-standing foundation-initiated projects.
Funding & Grant Information
Funding Restrictions
No political activities, Grantmaking limited to certain regions, The foundation does not consider grants to private foundations that are not private operating foundations, lobbyists, or related organizations.
Grant Application Deadlines
Rolling / Ongoing
Major Programs and Initiatives
Generation Moody Education Initiative: Supports Galveston youth from early childhood through post-secondary pathways, with more than $55 million distributed since 2018.
Moody Scholars Program: Provides scholarship support to eligible students from selected Texas high schools.
Moody Gardens: A Galveston tourism, education, and community asset developed to support year-round economic activity.
Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute: Provides rehabilitation services for survivors of traumatic brain injury.
Education M-Pact Fund: Annual education grantmaking tied to a $1 billion, 20-year commitment to Texas education.
Geographic Reach
Statewide, Texas-specific.
Impact and Legacy
Since its founding, Moody Foundation has become a major Texas grantmaker, supporting education, health, arts, science, social services, and community development. Its long-term initiatives include scholarship funding, Galveston education investments, Moody Gardens, and neurorehabilitation services. The foundation reports more than 5,500 grants and more than $2.6 billion in charitable funding.
Partnerships, Leadership, and Other Details
Partnerships
The foundation works with nonprofit organizations, public entities, schools, universities, healthcare institutions, and community partners across Texas. Its M-Pact Fund includes collaboration with education institutions, nonprofits, governing agencies, grantee networks, and evaluation partners.
Leaderships
Frances Moody-Dahlberg|CEO & President
Other Details
Moody Foundation is governed by three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross R. Moody, and Elizabeth Moody. Its current leadership continues the family foundation’s focus on Texas communities while expanding strategic education giving through the M-Pact Fund. The foundation’s website describes it as a family foundation investing in grantmaking opportunities that honor its founders and support a more equitable Texas.