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The Engraved Pencil Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Engraved Pencil Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$1.6M
Granted FY2024still arriving
20
Grants FY2024still arriving
10
States reached
$550k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0188% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2019 to 2024.

Recreation & Sports$1.3MReligion$1.1MHealth$436kEducation$360kInternational$281kEmployment$110kYouth Development$73kHuman Services$70kOther$0
02FY2024 · 20 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k3 grants · $15k
  • $10k–50k8 grants · $180k
  • $50k–250k7 grants · $615k
  • $250k+2 grants · $800k
$40,000
Median grant
10
States reached
$14M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
ECCLESIA HOUSTON$550,000
THETA EDUCATION FUND$250,000
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES$174,979
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION$100,000
SAWMILL 6TH MAN$100,000
OAK GROVE MINISTRIES$75,000
WORLD HOPE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL$65,000
Individual grant recipient$50,000
FIRST LIBERTY$50,000
PEACE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL$40,000
HOPE INTERNATIONAL$35,000
COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS$30,000
YOUNG LIFE$25,000
FAMILY LEGACY$15,000
ATHLETES IN ACTION$15,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY19–24, $70k) land where the poverty rate runs at 16%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS: $30k → 16%COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS: $30k → 16%MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES: $1k → 16%NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES: $9k → 16%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

NY
PA
CA
CO
MO
VA
TN
OK
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

89%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$3.6M · 22 repeat orgs$442k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +71% since the first grant, against +19% for those funded once.

22 repeat relationships: 14 still active in FY2024, 8 since wound down; 6 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

22
11

Total granted

$3.6M
$60k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+71%
+19%

Still filing today

55%
55%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 76% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $382k went to new ones.

50%100%’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’19’20’21’22’23’24
EducationHealthHuman ServicesYouth DevelopmentInternationalReligionOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • FO
    FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
    6× · 2019–2024 · $637k · revenue +80%
  • TM
    THE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
    4× · 2019–2024 · $200k · revenue +82%
  • PG
    PEACE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL INC
    5× · 2020–2024 · $148k · revenue +12%

Funded once

  • PW
    Pokes With A Purpose Incgraduated
    one grant, 2023 · $25k · revenue +577%
  • NA
    NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES
    one grant, 2019 · $9k · revenue +4%
  • MF
    MILLER FOUNDATION INC
    one grant, 2023 · $5k · revenue +17%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Christianity Today International

Christianity Today is a global community inspired by evangelical conviction to advance the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God. Our mission is to elevate the storytellers and sages of the global church.

Religion
2
Youth for Christ International Ministries

As part of the body of Christ, to see that every young person in every people group in every nation has the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become a part of the local church.

Religion
3
Biglife International Inc

Biglife international inc. empowers believers worldwide to reach and disciple their own people for jesus christ.

Recreation & Sports
4
Christian Mission for the United Nations Community

Christian Mission for the United Nations Community is a ministry aimed at leading the head of every nation and other top leaders to faith in Jesus Christ and helping them to walk in dependence upon God as they discharge the…

—
5
Blue Letter Bible

The specific purpose of this corporation is to present a biblical, christian ministry of the gospel, hope, encouragement and strength to as many people as possible. the intent of those who will conduct this corporation's work is to present…

—
6
Freedom in Christ Ministries

To provide resources, training, and continuing support to leaders in the us and around the world in order that they may help others find freedom in christ.

Religion
7
Global City Missions Initiative Incorporated

Global City Mission Initiative is dedicated to cross-cultural evanglism, disciplemaking, church planting among diverse diaspora populations in strategic cities reaching out evangelistically to start multiply churches, training believers to…

Religion
8
The King's University

The King's University integrates Biblical education and practical ministry to shape Spirit-formed individuals who follow Jesus, serve His Church, and are sent to impact the world.

Education
9
Jewish Voice Ministries Intl

To proclaim the gospel, grow the messianic jewish community and engage the church concerning israel and the jewish people. this is done through education, evangelism and being a movement leader, all with excellence in order to transform…

—
10
Bibleproject

Bibleproject's mission is to help people experience the bible as a unified story that leads to jesus. this is achieved by creating biblical videos to be regularly released on a newly-created youtube channel. (continued on schedule o.)each…

Religion
11
Walk Thru the Bible Ministries Inc

Walk thru the bible (wtb) ignites passion for god's word. by developing a global network of influential pastors and leaders and then resourcing them with tools and training, wtb fulfills its role in the great commission.

Religion
12
Marketplace Ministries Inc

To share god's love in the workplace by providing a personalized and proactive employee care service through chaplain teams.

Religion
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Young Life; the most unlike its peers is Miller Foundation Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

22 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 22 of the 39 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
3
Early backer (in before they grew)
22/22
Grantees still filing
17/22
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

ECCLESIA HOUSTON: $690,000 · OtherECCLESIA HOUSTONATHLETES IN ACTION: $602,494 · OtherATHLETES IN ACTIONTHETA EDUCATION FUND: $250,000 · OtherTHETA EDUCATION FUNDHOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL: $227,500 · OtherHOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITALOAK GROVE MINISTRIES: $175,000 · OtherOAK GROVE MINISTRIESWORLD HOPE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL: $135,000 · OtherIndividual grant recipient: $100,000 · OtherSAWMILL 6TH MAN: $100,000 · OtherWORLD HOPE MINISTRIES: $100,000 · Other+15 more: $292,100 · Other+15 moreFELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES: $636,782 · Youth DevelopmentFELLOWSHIP OF CHRIS…YOUNG LIFE: $70,000 · Youth DevelopmentYOUNG LIFETHE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: $199,500 · Health+2 more: $7,301 · HealthPEACE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL INC: $148,350 · EducationThe Brookwood Community Inc: $40,000 · Education+2 more: $7,500 · EducationHOPE INTERNATIONAL: $115,000 · InternationalMISSION LAZARUS INC: $10,000 · InternationalCOVENANT HOUSE TEXAS: $60,000 · Human ServicesNORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES: $9,250 · Human Services+1 more: $1,000 · Human ServicesFIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE: $70,000 · Civil Rights
Other$2,672,094Youth Development$706,782Health$206,801Education$195,850International$125,000Human Services$70,250Civil Rights$70,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetFELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES: $636,782 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetTHE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: $199,500 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetPEACE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL INC: $148,350 over 5y, 4.8% of budgetWORLD HOPE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL: $135,000 over 4y, 2.5% of budgetHOPE INTERNATIONAL: $115,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetFIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE: $70,000 over 3y, 0.2% of budgetYOUNG LIFE: $70,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetCOVENANT HOUSE TEXAS: $60,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetThe Brookwood Community Inc: $40,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetTOOLBOX MINISTRIES INC: $35,000 over 2y, 3.5% of budgetPokes With A Purpose Inc: $25,000 over 1y, 2.6% of budgetFamily Legacy Missions International: $15,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetMISSION LAZARUS INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetTHE WORKFAITH CONNECTION: $10,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetNORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES: $9,250 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetMILLER FOUNDATION INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetOklahoma State University Foundation: $5,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetBLOOD CANCER UNITED INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetKanakuk Ministries: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetINSPIRE WOMEN: $2,500 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetBlue Skies Ministries Inc: $2,301 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetMemorial Assistance Ministries: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

  • Who funds FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES ↗
  • Who funds THE METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds PEACE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL INC ↗
  • Who funds WORLD HOPE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL ↗
  • Who funds HOPE INTERNATIONAL ↗
  • Who funds FIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE ↗
  • Who funds YOUNG LIFE ↗
  • Who funds COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS ↗
  • Who funds The Brookwood Community Inc ↗
  • Who funds TOOLBOX MINISTRIES INC ↗
  • Who funds Pokes With A Purpose Inc ↗
  • Who funds Family Legacy Missions International ↗
  • Who funds MISSION LAZARUS INC ↗
  • Who funds THE WORKFAITH CONNECTION ↗
  • Who funds NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES ↗
  • Who funds MILLER FOUNDATION INC ↗
  • Who funds Oklahoma State University Foundation ↗
  • Who funds BLOOD CANCER UNITED INC ↗
  • Who funds Kanakuk Ministries ↗
  • Who funds INSPIRE WOMEN ↗
  • Who funds Blue Skies Ministries Inc ↗
  • Who funds Memorial Assistance Ministries ↗

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Christian Community F…Greater Houston Commu…Natl Christian Charit…Raymond James Charita…Servant FoundationAmerican Endowment Fo…National Philanthropi…Vanguard Charitable E…Morgan Stanley Global…Charities Aid Foundat…American Online Givin…The Bank of America C…
Christian Community Foundation IncCO16.3× affinity6 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Christian Community Foundation Inc · Greater Houston Community Foundation · Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc · Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund · Servant Foundation · American Endowment Foundation · National Philanthropic Trust · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · Charities Aid Foundation America · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Engraved Pencil Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Engraved Pencil Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 20%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%5%10%15%20%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    2get no government money at all
    1report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–20%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 39 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Engraved Pencil’s filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home