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.
Key facts about Richard and Ethel Herzfeld
- EIN
- 23-7230686
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,154,500
- Grants made (2024)
- 68
- Average grant
- $61,096
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $81,540,251
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation maintains open application seasons for specific grant programs.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Richard and Ethel Herzfeld funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's 68 itemized 2024 grants were Wisconsin (96%). The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (60 grants) and Madison, WI (2 grants). 88% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
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
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Richard and Ethel Herzfeld reported a distributable amount of $3.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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
s:**
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Richard and Ethel Herzfeld?
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
Share of all 68 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
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
322 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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Milwaukee Film Inc ($700,000), Milwaukee Ballet ($301,667), Milwaukee Repertory Theather ($200,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MILWAUKEE FILM INC MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $700,000 |
| MILWAUKEE BALLET MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $301,667 |
| MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATHER MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $200,000 |
| FIRST STAGE MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $155,000 |
| MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $155,000 |
| MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $150,000 |
| MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $140,000 |
| TEENS GROW GREENS MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $133,333 |
| FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $110,000 |
| IMAGINE MKE MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $100,000 |
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.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Richard and Ethel Herzfeld fund?
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 Wiscons…
How do I apply for a grant from Richard and Ethel Herzfeld?
**Grant Activity:** • Since Ethel Herzfeld's death in 1997, the foundation has invested more than $100 million in the community • Total giving in 2023: $2,710,726 • Number of grants awarded: 131 (as of most recent data) **Grant Sizes:** • Typical award range: $5,000 to $1,000,000 • Median grant amount: $35,556 **Recent Major Grants (2023):** • Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: $155,000 (General Operations) • Milwaukee Film: $150,000 (General Operations) • Milwaukee Art Museum: $140,000 (General Ope…
Where does Richard and Ethel Herzfeld make grants?
The foundation restricts funding to Wisconsin-based organizations, with a primary emphasis on those that benefit the people of the Greater Milwaukee area.
What size grants does Richard and Ethel Herzfeld award?
In 2024, Richard and Ethel Herzfeld awarded 68 grants totaling $4.2M — an average of about $61K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Richard and Ethel Herzfeld required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Richard and Ethel Herzfeld reported a distributable amount of $3.8M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's EIN?
Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7230686. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.