Welcome to the Summerlee Foundation
Founded in 1988, the Summerlee Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to the support of animal welfare and the preservation of Texas history.
The foundation is governed by a seven member Board of Directors composed of animal and history experts and community leaders. Our Board of Directors and staff are actively involved in the broader philanthropic sector as members of national and regional philanthropy serving organizations including Animal Grantmakers, Exponent Philanthropy, and Philanthropy Southwest.
The Summerlee Foundation has been recognized as an Outstanding Foundation by the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Leadership Transition
Jessica Lee Hamlin became President and Texas History Program Director of the Summerlee Foundation on January 1, 2026. Jessica, who for the past eleven years has served as Executive Director of Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center, succeeds Gary N. Smith, who served the Summerlee Foundation for the past ten years.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/Archaeology and Spanish from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts degree in Human Geography from the University of Texas. Shumla is a global leader in rock art research and education using advanced science and technology to preserve the information held in the oldest “books” in North America — the ancient murals of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas.
Prior to taking the helm at Shumla, Jessica was a Senior Consultant in the Communications and Change Management practice at Willis Towers Watson, an international consulting firm. She has also worked in administration at the Smithsonian Institution and in travel programming at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.
Gary will assume the position of Co-Trustee with the Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation in 2026. The Roberts Foundation is a Summerlee-related foundation that makes grants in three areas: Texas history, graduate business school scholarships, and medical research.
Animal Protection Program
The Animal Protection application portal is now closed. Information regarding future opportunities to apply for funding will be posted here when it is available. Thank you.
Texas History Program
The LOI portal for the Fall grant cycle is open July 6-27 to those who have met with Jessica Hamlin, Texas History Program Director, and been invited to apply.
The next opportunity to apply for funding in Texas History will be our Winter Cycle. To be considered, email Jessica Hamlin, at jhamlin@summerlee.org, in September to schedule an appointment to discuss your project. The LOI portal will open in mid-November.
What We Fund
The Foundation makes grants for two specific purposes: to alleviate fear, pain and suffering of animals and to promote animal protection and the prevention of cruelty to animals, and to research, promote and document all facets of Texas History.
