Richard and Ethel Herzfeld
The Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1974, the foundation operates with a small staff and a five-member Board of Directors that meets quarterly. The foundation is dedicated to advancing the philanthropic vision of its founders, Richard and Ethel Herzfeld, by supporting nonprofit organizations that enrich the Milwaukee community.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$81.5M
+7.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.2M
+79.8% YoY
Grant Count
68
+30.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$61K
+37.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation makes grants in three primary areas:
- Arts & Culture — Supporting cultural organizations and artistic initiatives
- Education — Funding academic success and educational programs for children and youth
- Civic Improvements — Supporting projects that enhance the vitality, attractiveness, and quality of life of the greater Milwaukee area
The foundation's mission emphasizes funding that benefits the people of the Greater Milwaukee area, with funding restricted to Wisconsin-based organizations.
Grantmaking
The foundation maintains open application seasons for specific grant programs. As of February 2026, applications for Arts and Culture grants are open until April 10, with funding available for small arts and culture groups, new arts and culture programs or projects, arts education, and arts awareness initiatives.
Grant Range
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How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation restricts funding to Wisconsin-based organizations, with a primary emphasis on those that benefit the people of the Greater Milwaukee area.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2023:
- Total Assets: $76,210,557
- Total Revenue: $1,455,675
- Total Expenses: $2,903,299
- Total Liabilities: $263
- Investment Income and Dividends: $1,527,951
- Giving Rate: 3.7%
Staffing:
- 1 employee (as of 2023)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $81,540,251 | $76,210,557 | $69,467,917 |
| Revenue | $8,834,034 | $1,455,675 | $1,657,216 |
| Expenses | $4,774,157 | $2,903,299 | $5,254,290 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,581,742 | $2,710,726 | $4,886,147 |
| Net Investment Income | $8,641,619 | $1,249,106 | $1,427,573 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,814,696 | $3,564,066 | $3,686,699 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Richard and Ethel Herzfeld
Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Awareness Grant
RICHARD AND ETHEL HERZFELD
Amount
Up to US $100,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant
RICHARD AND ETHEL HERZFELD
Amount
US $5,000 - US $40,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Herzfeld Foundation: Early Childhood Education Grant
RICHARD AND ETHEL HERZFELD
Amount
US $15,000 - US $60,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Fred Haberman — President (4 hours/week, $11,200 compensation)
- Donna Baumgartner — Vice President (2 hours/week, $10,000 compensation)
- Sarah Haberman — Treasurer (2 hours/week, $11,200 compensation)
- Alexander Fraser — Secretary (2 hours/week, $10,000 compensation)
- Katherine A. Heil — Director (2 hours/week, $10,000 compensation)
- Carmen Haberman — Ex-President (2 hours/week)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROB HENKEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $50,417 |
| FRED HABERMAN | PRESIDENT | 4 | $10,800 |
| DONNA BAUMGARTNER | VICE PRESIDENT | 2 | $10,000 |
| SARAH HABERMAN | TREASURER | 2 | $10,800 |
| ALEXANDER FRASER | SECRETARY | 2 | $10,000 |
| KATHERINE A HEIL | DIRECTOR | 2 | $10,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**February 2026:** The foundation announced an open application season for new Arts and Culture grants, with applications due April 10, 2026. Funding is available for small arts and culture groups, new arts and culture programs or projects, arts education, and arts awareness.
Applications for New Arts and Culture Grants for 2026 Now Available**November 2025:** Three members of the Board of Directors visited an early childhood education center in Milwaukee following the foundation's first-ever open solicitation for grant applications from ECE providers.
Applications for New Arts and Culture Grants for 2026 Now Available**December 2025:** Foundation leadership highlighted an article in Milwaukee Magazine addressing challenges facing Milwaukee's nonprofit arts and culture sector and the philanthropists who support it.
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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