Don A Sanders Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, primarily focusing on education, animal welfare, health charities, community service, and youth development. It provides grants to institutions such as universities and various nonprofit organizations, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community welfare. The foundation notably supports numerous animal shelters and rescue organizations, indicating a strong emphasis on animal welfare. Additionally, it engages with health-related charities and community service clubs, showcasing a broader interest in improving community health and support systems.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-midsize Texas-based nonprofits (especially Houston-area) working in education, animal welfare, youth development, or community service seeking modest project support in the $5k–$40k range and able to secure local introductions.
Good Fit
- • Located in Texas, particularly the Houston region.
- • Program focus aligns with education, animal welfare, youth, or community services.
- • Seeking modest, project-specific grants consistent with recent award sizes ($5k–$25k typical; occasional larger grants).
- • Has an introduction or nomination from a past grantee, local intermediary, or community leader.
- • Can demonstrate clear, local impact and credibility to the foundation's board or trustees.
Geography
The latest observed year shows strong state-level concentration: roughly 88% of dollars stayed in Texas, though grants also reached three other states, indicating a primarily in-state focus with limited out-of-state giving.
Recipient Variety
In 2024 the foundation funded 38 distinct recipients with 22 new grantees and 16 returning grantees, a pattern that indicates a broad and varied recipient set for the foundation's size across multiple program areas.
New Applicants
Behavioral evidence shows the funder added many new grantees in the latest year (22 new recipients), so new organizations do enter the portfolio; however, the foundation states grants are preselected/invitation-only and no public application path or contact details are visible, so unfamiliar applicants likely need nomination or a relationship rather than an open submission route.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
