Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education
The Foundation for Excellence in Higher Education (FEHE) is a public charity based in Princeton, New Jersey. Established in 2012, it describes itself as an independent, non-partisan grant-making organization that funds and advises programs at elite universities.
Key facts about Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education
In short: Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education gave $4.4M across 16 grants in 2025 (avg $272K), top state Massachusetts. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 46-1439784
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,350,091
- Grants made (2025)
- 16
- Average grant
- $271,881
- Median grant
- $250,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 16, 2025)
- Total assets
- $7,225,482
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (18% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- FEHE says it supports only pre-selected programs; the available information does not state an application process for prospective grantees. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$7.2M
-38.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.4M
-21.6% YoY
Grant Count
16
-5.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$272K
-16.7% YoY
Is Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 16 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count
- 88% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−16%). Method
- In 2021 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
FEHE states that its mission is academic and cultural renewal: it builds internal university programs supported by external institutes, and aims to form students through mentorship, intellectual friendship, and connections with faculty, industry leaders, and one another. Its programs include courses, lectures, conferences, workshops, and summer seminars. FEHE says the network’s programs share a commitment to rigorous, civil, and open intellectual exchange across ideological differences.
The 2025 filing describes most grants as annual general-operating support for a fixed group of about two dozen programs. Examples of grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of organizations supported: the Morningside Institute says it brings scholars and students together to examine human life and the humanities; the Abigail Adams Institute says it supports scholarship, instruction, and debate about the relationship between academic disciplines and their implications for self-understanding and the common good; and the Berkeley Institute says it explores and passes on principles of reason and order underlying academic inquiry. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, FEHE reported 16 grants totaling $4,350,091. Grant amounts ranged from $100,000 to $624,619, with a median grant of $250,000. The largest awards included:
How to Apply
for prospective grantees.
Ready to take the next step with Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The network serves university communities in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to FEHE. In filing year 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts (18%), Pennsylvania (16%), New York (14%), California (12%), and Texas (10%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 16 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $4.4M (2025) to $10.2M (2020). In 2025 it made 16 grants totaling $4.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Morningside Institute ($625K). Together the top 10 received $3.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
91 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $250–500K range: 46 grants of 91 (51%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Morningside Institute New York, NY | General operations | $624,619 |
| The Abigail Adams Institute Cambridge, MA | General Operations | $487,500 |
| Collegium Institute Philadelphia, PA | General operations | $475,000 |
| Austin Institute FSOFC Austin, TX | General operations | $325,000 |
| Elm Institute New Haven, CT | General operations | $310,000 |
| The Berkeley Institute Berkeley, CA | General operations | $301,977 |
| Harvard University Cambridge, MA | General operations | $300,000 |
| Hyde Park Institute Chicago, IL | General operations | $250,000 |
| Johns Hopkins UNIVERSITY Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $250,000 |
| Zephyr Institute Palo Alto, CA | General operations | $220,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7,225,482 | $5,032,451 | $5,655,280 | $4,350,091 |
| 2024 | $11,723,941 | $7,290,829 | $9,825,103 | $5,547,565 |
| 2023 | $13,285,530 | $7,899,396 | $10,284,802 | $6,120,402 |
Separately from its grants to others, FEHE announced in January 2026 that the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded it a $10 million grant for new classical humanities programs within its network and at other elite universities.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,225,482 | $11,723,941 | $13,285,530 |
| Revenue | $5,032,451 | $7,290,829 | $7,899,396 |
| Expenses | $5,655,280 | $9,825,103 | $10,284,802 |
| Net Investment Income | $154,658 | $179,361 | $108,986 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 19, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Francis Hager as chairman, Luis Tellez as president, and Donald Readlinger as secretary. It also lists Keith Fullenweider, Robert George, Myles Harrington, Steven Justice, Boyd Smith, Thomas Trkla, and G. David Bednar as trustees. FEHE’s website identifies Francis J. Hager as chairman, Luis Tellez as president, and Donald Readlinger as secretary.
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education is led by Luis Tellez, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); none of the 12 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Luis Tellez
President
President → President & Trustee, 2022
President & Trustee → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Francis Hager
Chairman
Trustee → Chairman - From, 2023
Chairman - From → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Boyd Smith
Trustee
Chairman → Chairman & Trustee, 2022
Chairman & Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
G David Bednar
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Hanlon
Director of Operations
On filings since 2020
28 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert George
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven Justice
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Trkla
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Myles Harrington
Trustee
Trustee - From → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keith Fullenweider
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donald Readlinger
Secretary
Secretary → Secretary & Trustee, 2022
Secretary & Trustee → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Doherty
Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer → Assistant Treasurer & Director Finance, 2024
Assistant Treasurer & Director Finance → Assistant Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
18 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Peter Binckerhoff (2020–2023) — Treasurer -
- Former: Russell J. Snell (2020–2023) — Program Committee Member
- Former: Thalia Considine (2020–2023) — Trustee -
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 16 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540-6813
Phone: (609) 688-8779
Website: https://excellenceinhighered.org
Frequently asked questions about Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education
How much does Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education give each year?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education gave $4.4M across 16 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.5M across 17 grants.
What is Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's typical grant size?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's median grant in 2025 was $250,000, and its average grant was $271,881, across 16 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education give grants?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's top state is Massachusetts, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (16%) and New York (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cambridge, MA (2 grants) and Princeton, NJ (2 grants).
Does Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 16) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's largest grantees?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's largest 2025 grantees include The Morningside Institute ($624,619), The Abigail Adams Institute ($487,500) and Collegium Institute ($475,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education reported $7.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.0M.
What does Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education fund?
FEHE states that its mission is academic and cultural renewal: it builds internal university programs supported by external institutes, and aims to form students through mentorship, intellectual friendship, and connections with faculty, industry leaders, and one another. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education?
FEHE says it supports only pre-selected programs; the available information does not state an application process for prospective grantees. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's EIN?
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-1439784. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations advancing constitutional order, free markets, civil society, and informed citizens, with grants across the U.S. and the largest share going to Wisconsin. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $6.62 million, with a median of $100,000. It accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry online on an ongoing basis; full applications are by invitation.
Assets
—
Grants
361
Total Given
$56.5M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Donors Trust Inc
Alexandria, VA
Donors Trust supports charities and programs in social welfare, health, the environment, economics, governance, foreign relations, and arts and culture, with a strong emphasis on conservative and libertarian policy and education groups. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though awards ranged from $5,038 to $35 million, and recipients were concentrated in Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York, Texas, and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests; donor-advisors recommend grants through their accounts.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
919
Total Given
$282.1M
Emergency Medicine Foundation
Irving, TX
Emergency Medicine Foundation funds U.S.-based emergency medicine research and education, including pilot, resident, and medical student research grants. Recent awards ranged from $3,500 to $986,839, with a median of $15,000; its listed programs offer up to $100,000 for pilot research, $10,000 for resident research, and $5,000 for medical student grants. It uses an RFP process, so the profile does not state that it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.6M
Grants
20
Total Given
$2.1M
KPMG US Foundation Inc
Montvale, NJ
KPMG US Foundation supports education, mental health, community vitality, and community relief and resilience, with grants distributed across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $2.2 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$12.4M
Grants
387
Total Given
$33.5M
Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders
Chicago, IL
The fund supports Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, including scientific, clinical, social, and behavioral research, as well as related policy work. It awards grants to U.S. and international researchers; the profile does not state a typical giving level or whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$523.7M
Grants
79
Total Given
$73.3M
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University funds research grants to universities and other organizations; its 2025 grants ranged from $5,125 to $2,208,816, with a median of $63,420. Its grants are concentrated in Pennsylvania, with additional funding in states including California, Texas, Maryland, and New Jersey. The available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.9B
Grants
120
Total Given
$16.9M
Weil Gotshal & Manges Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The foundation supports nonprofits working in medical and disaster relief, legal and social services, education, and youth programs. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $500,000, with a median of $10,000; most funding went to organizations in New York, followed by Massachusetts. Its filing lists application materials and a November 1 deadline, indicating that it accepts requests beyond a preselected group of organizations.
Assets
$4.1M
Grants
90
Total Given
$2.4M
The Robert D and Patricia E Kern
Waukesha, WI
The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Foundation supports initiatives that help young Americans flourish through character development, quality education, and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a focus on long-term, systemic impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $3,000 to $14.4 million, with a median of $46,250; recipients were based across the U.S., with the largest shares going to Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Virginia. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
108
Total Given
$66.5M
Adult Congenital Heart Association
Columbia, MD
To empower the congenital heart disease (CHD) community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes.
Assets
$2.1M
Grants
4
Total Given
$85K
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds work to improve health and health equity in the United States, including health policy, community health, prevention, and social justice. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to recipients across multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports nonprofits and projects across arts, education, environment, health and human services, and social welfare. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $19,800, though awards varied widely; funding went to organizations in multiple states, with 32% of itemized grant dollars going to New Jersey. It accepts applications for specific opportunities, and its FAQ encourages eligible New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply; requirements vary by opportunity.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
More Funders in New Jersey
Foundation For Excellence in Higher Education down — hundreds of funders to go?