John W and Effie E Speas Memorial Trust
Dallas, TX · EIN 44-6008249. Reported 210 grants totalling $10.4M to 105 recipients across tax years 2021-2025. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.
Does this foundation accept applications?
Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. John W and Effie E Speas Memorial Trust did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.
How big are its grants?
The median grant is $25,000. Half of everything it gave fell between $15,000 and $40,000; the smallest was $5,000 and the largest $500,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.
Every organization it funded
This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Recipients are grouped by name and state as they were written on the returns, so an organization entered under two different names appears twice. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which that name received money.
| Organization | Location | Total received | Grants | Years funded | Last |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas University Endowment Association | Kansas City, KS | $1,250,000 | 5 | 4 | 2025 |
| Donnelly College | Kansas City, KS | $925,000 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| Truman Medical Center Charitable Foundation | Kansas City, MO | $733,333 | 3 | 3 | 2025 |
| Adventhealth Foundation | Merriam, KS | $600,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Kansas City Hospice Inc | Kansas City, MO | $340,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College Foundation | Kansas City, KS | $330,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Kansas City Ks Community College Foundation | Kansas City, KS | $300,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Kids Tlc Inc | Olathe, KS | $255,000 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| CASA of Jackson & Wyandotte Counties | Mission, KS | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College Fdn | Kansas City, KS | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Mocsa | Kansas City, MO | $210,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Ottawa University | Ottawa, KS | $200,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| El Centro Inc | Kansas City, KS | $180,000 | 3 | 3 | 2025 |
| Kcpt - Public Television 19 | Kansas City, MO | $170,000 | 4 | 4 | 2024 |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City | Overland Park, KS | $148,750 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Family Conservancy Inc | Kansas City, KS | $145,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Northeast Community Center Inc | Kansas City, MO | $141,000 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| Safehome Inc | Overland Park, KS | $140,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Arts Council of Metro Greater Kc | Kansas, MO | $125,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Pro Deo Youth Center | Lees Summit, MO | $125,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Sunflower House Inc | Shawnee, KS | $120,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Seton Center Inc | Kansas City, MO | $115,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Kc Healthy Kids | Kansas City, KS | $110,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties Inc | Overland Park, KS | $105,000 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| Catholic Charities of Ne Kansas Inc | Kansas City, KS | $105,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Friendship Inn Kc Inc | Kansas City, KS | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Metropolitan Arts Council of Greater Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $100,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Shelter Kc Dba Kansas City Rescue Mission | Kansas City, MO | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Swope Parkway Health Center | Kansas City, MO | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Vibrant Health | Kansas City, KS | $100,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Giving the Basics Inc | Bucyrus, KS | $90,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Shepherd's Center of Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $90,000 | 5 | 5 | 2025 |
| Lyric Opera of Kansas City Inc | Kansas City, MO | $80,000 | 3 | 3 | 2025 |
| The Literacy Lab | Washington, DC | $80,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Ability Kc | Kansas City, MS | $75,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Mercy & Truth Medical Missions Inc | Kansas City, KS | $75,000 | 3 | 3 | 2025 |
| Young Women on the Move | Kansas City, KS | $75,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Cross-Lines Cooperative Council Inc | Kansas City, KS | $70,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Association | Prairie Village, KS | $65,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| The Whole Person | Kansas City, MO | $65,000 | 4 | 4 | 2024 |
| Phoenix Family Housing Corporation | Kansas City, MO | $60,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Synergy Services Inc | Parkville, MO | $60,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Arts Council of Metropolitan Greater Kansas City | Kansas, MO | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Assistance League of Kansas City Fka Operation School Bell | Gladstone, MO | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Child Protection Center Inc | Kansas City, MO | $50,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Torah Learning Center | Overland Park, KS | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Turner House Clinic Inc Dba Vibrant Health | Kansas City, KS | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Bishop Ward High School | Kansas City, KS | $45,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Community Health Council of Wyandotte County Inc | Kansas City, KS | $45,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Happybottoms | Kansas City, MO | $45,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Cross-Lines Community Outreach Inc | Kansas City, KS | $40,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Folly Theater | Kansas City, MO | $40,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Hillcrest Ministries of Midamerica Inc | Kansas City, MO | $40,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Kc Common Good Inc | Kansas City, MO | $40,000 | 3 | 3 | 2025 |
| United We | Kansas City, MO | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Johnson County Community College Foundation | Overland Park, KS | $38,863 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Children's Center for the Visually Impaired | Kansas City, MO | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Community Health Council Wyandotte County | Kansas City, KS | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Kansas City Medical Society | Lenexa, KS | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Pharmacy of Grace Inc | Kansas City, KS | $35,000 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| The Launchcode Foundation | St Louis, MO | $35,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Wildwood Outdoor Education Center Inc | Lacygne, KS | $34,855 | 4 | 4 | 2025 |
| Baptist Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation | Kansas City, MO | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Foster Adopt Connect Inc | Independence, MO | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Gan Chabad Torah Center Inc | Overland Park, KS | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Greater Kansas City Community Foundation | Kansas City, MO | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Kansas Childrens Service League | Wichita, KS | $30,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Turner House Clinic Inc | Kansas City, KS | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Archdiocese of Kansas City Fbo Bishop Ward High School | Kansas City, KS | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Bach Aria Soloists | Kansas City, MO | $25,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Brain Injury Association of Ks & Greater Kansas City | Overland Park, KS | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Caritas Clinics Inc | Leavenworth, KS | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Local Initiatives Support Corporation | Kansas City, MO | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Nurture Kc | Kansas City, MO | $25,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| University of St Mary Inc | Leavenworth, KS | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Art As Mentorship Inc | Kansas City, MO | $22,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Bike Walk Kc | Kansas City, MO | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Growing Futures Early Education Center Inc | Overland Park, KS | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Kanbes Markets | Kansas City, MO | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Kansas Children's Service League | Olathe, KS | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Inc | Kansas City, MO | $20,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Kansas City Medical Society Foundation | Merriam, KS | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Cancer Action Inc | Overland Park, KS | $15,000 | 2 | 2 | 2025 |
| Elevate Metro Kc | Overland Park, KS | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Joco Ihn Inc | Overland Park, KS | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Parkinsons Exercise & Wellness Center | Leawood, MO | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Performing Arts Foundation | Kansas City, MO | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Youth Chorus of Kansas City Inc | Kansas City, MO | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Connections to Success Inc | Kansas City, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Gateway of Hope | Olathe, KS | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Interurban Arthouse | Overland Park, KS | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Journey to New Life Inc | Kansas City, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | Kansas City, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Rosedale Development Association Inc | Kansas City, KS | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Sisters in Christ | Raytown, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| The Golden Scoop LLC | Overland Park, KS | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Theater for Young America Inc | Kansas City, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Three Dog Night Charities | Overland Park, KS | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Wonderscope Inc | Kansas City, MO | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
| Pcs for People Kansas City LLC | St Paul, MN | $6,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Independence Police Department Charitable Foundation | Independence, MO | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Paws & Pals | Blue Springs, MO | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Unicorn Theatre | Kansas City, MO | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2025 |
50 of 105 (48%) received money in more than one year over the 5 years we hold.
Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 57%, across 4 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is about typical. This measures how often it paid the same organizations again. It says nothing about whether it would consider a new one.
What the money was for
Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.
- Donnelly College
SUPPORT THE TRANSFORMATIONS - Kansas University Endowment Association
PROFESSORSHIP IN CELLULAR - Pro Deo Youth Center
SUPPORT YOUTH CENTER AT THE - Swope Parkway Health Center
SUPPORT NEW HEALTH CLINIC - Friendship Inn Kc Inc
BABE'S PLACE AT FRIENDSHIP - Ottawa University
LAUNCH PA MS DEGREE PROGRAM
What kind of organizations it funds
By the activity category the IRS assigns each recipient, for the 133 grants where we could match the recipient to a registered organization. The categories are the IRS's. The match, made from the name and address on the return, is ours.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants | Total | Median grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 35 | $1,892,196 | $25,000 |
| 2022 | 46 | $2,191,750 | $27,500 |
| 2023 | 42 | $2,051,000 | $25,000 |
| 2024 | 36 | $2,030,000 | $20,000 |
| 2025 | 51 | $2,204,855 | $25,000 |
Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.
Where its money goes
65% of its giving went to organizations in Kansas. If your organization is based elsewhere, look in the recipient list for grants to your area before writing.
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Funders that support the same organizations
These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are a sign of overlapping priorities and nothing more: they do not show that any of these funders would consider a new organization. Each page says what its filings show.
How to approach this foundation
- Check you are its size. The median grant is $25,000. A request many times that size asks for something it has rarely or never given.
- Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in Kansas.
- Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
- Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.
Where these numbers come from
Everything above is taken from John W and Effie E Speas Memorial Trust's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 5 returns (tax years 2021-2025). Grant figures are from its returns. Matching recipients to registered organizations, their IRS classifications, the retention rate and the funders that support the same organizations are our own calculations, described in how we build this.
Address of record on the latest return: Po Box 653067, Dallas, TX, 75265. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.
EIN 44-6008249 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this
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