The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer

Private foundation · Grantmaker Houston, TX EIN: 76-0403101

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable, educational, and religious organizations, including organizations working in food assistance, housing, health, youth services, and education.

Key facts about The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer

In short: The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer gave $317K across 37 grants in 2024 (avg $9K), mostly in Texas. 14% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

EIN
76-0403101
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$316,500
Grants made (2024)
37
Average grant
$8,554
Median grant
$5,000
New grantees (estimate)
14% first-time grantees (5 of 37, 2024)
Total assets
$4,022,982
Primary geography
Texas (76% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

$4.0M

+0.2% YoY

Annual Giving

$317K

+9.9% YoY

Grant Count

37

-37.3% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$9K

+75.2% YoY

Is The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer open to new grantees?

14%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 5 of 37 grantees (14%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $9K. How we count

Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.

  • 54% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+1%). Method
  • In 2021 it paid out 106% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for organizations with varied missions. Houston Habitat for Humanity says it brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope, with the goal of a decent place to live for everyone. Memorial Hermann Foundation describes its health system as dedicated to improving health and creating healthier communities. Out Youth says it promotes the well-being of sexual and gender minority youth.

Other 2024 recipients include Vermont College of Fine Arts, which says it uses support for its operations and programs; Momentum Education, which supports students from low-income families pursuing post-secondary education and employment; and The Brookwood Community, which provides an educational environment for adults with disabilities.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation reported 37 grants totaling $316,500. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $47,500, with a median of $5,000.

The largest reported grants included $47,500 to Houston Food Bank, $40,000 to Artist Boat, and $37,500 to Houston Habitat for Humanity. Other grants included $20,000 to The Schlenkler School, $15,000 to Spring Branch FFA, and $10,000 each to St Anne’s School, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Memorial Hermann Foundation, Out Youth, and Maternity Care Coalition-Philadelphia.

How to Apply

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, Texas recipients accounted for 76% of grant dollars. Other reported recipient-state shares were New York, 9%; Pennsylvania, 5%; Vermont, 3%; and Illinois, 2%.

Grant Distribution by State

18states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 37 itemized grants.

Cities

HoustonAustinPortlandPhiladelphiaIthicaNew YorkGalvestonHousotnElmiraBrookshireMontpelierMount GretnaBeaumontColorado SpringsColumbusDenverExtonMilwaukieMt HorebChester Springs

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$100K$200K$300K$400K39 grants2020 80 grants2021 68 grants2022 59 grants2023 37 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $235K (2020) to $317K (2024). In 2024 it made 37 grants totaling $317K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Houston Food Bank: $48KHouston Food Bank$48KArtist Boat: $40KArtist Boat$40KHouston Habitat for Humanity: $38KHouston Habitat for Humanity$38KThe Schlenkler School: $20KThe Schlenkler School$20KSpring Branch FFA: $15KSpring Branch FFA$15KSt Anne's School: $10KSt Anne's School$10KVermont College of Fine Arts: $10KVermont College of Fine Arts$10KMemorial Hermann Foundation: $10KMemorial Hermann Foundation$10KOut Youth: $10KOut Youth$10KMaternity Care Coalition-Philadelph: $10KMaternity CareCoalition-Philadelph$10K

The largest 2024 recipient was Houston Food Bank ($48K). Together the top 10 received $210K.

Grant Size Distribution

283 grants across all recorded years

283<$50K$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 283 grants of 283 (100%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Houston Food Bank Houston, TXCharitable$47,500
Artist Boat Galveston, TXCharitable$40,000
Houston Habitat for Humanity Houston, TXCharitable.$37,500
The Schlenkler School Houston, TXEducational$20,000
Spring Branch FFA Houston, TXEducational.$15,000
St Anne's School Houston, TXReligious$10,000
Vermont College of Fine Arts Montpelier, VTEducational$10,000
Memorial Hermann Foundation Houston, TXCharitable$10,000
Out Youth Houston, TXCharitable$10,000
Maternity Care Coalition-Philadelph Philadelphia, PACharitable$10,000

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants
2024 $4,022,982 $277,834 $399,474 $316,500
2023 $4,015,636 $171,021 $332,393 $288,000
2022 $4,121,693 $83,832 $333,149 $289,300
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$200K$400K$600K2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$4,022,982$4,015,636$4,121,693
Revenue$277,834$171,021$83,832
Expenses$399,474$332,393$333,149
Qualifying Distributions$316,500$289,800$289,300
Net Investment Income$190,630$128,428$114,046

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Carl Herman as President, Paul F. Herman as Vice President, and Lee E. Herman as Treasurer. Trustees listed are Kate Herman, Anne Chamberlain, Joe Herman, Katherine Herman, Lisa Herman, and Randi Faust.

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer is led by Carl Herman, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 9 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Carl Herman

    President

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Anne Chamberlain

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Joe Herman

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Kate Herman

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Katherine Herman

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Lisa Herman

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Randi Faust

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Lee E. Herman

    Treasurer

    On filings since 2020

    5 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Paul F. Herman

    Vice President

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Contact

Mailing address: 10207 Oylmpia Drive, Houston, TX 77042
Phone: (713) 220-9143

Frequently asked questions about The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer

How much does The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer give each year?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer gave $317K across 37 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $288K across 59 grants.

What is The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's typical grant size?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $8,554, across 37 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer that year got $7K on average.

Where does The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer give grants?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer gives mostly in Texas: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (9%) and Pennsylvania (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (15 grants), Philadelphia, PA (2 grants), New York, NY (2 grants) and Ithica, NY (2 grants).

Does The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 37 grants with a stated purpose on The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable." (25 grants) and "Educational." (7 grants).

Who are The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's largest grantees?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's largest 2024 grantees include Houston Food Bank ($47,500), Artist Boat ($40,000) and Houston Habitat for Humanity ($37,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer reported $4.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $278K.

What does The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer fund?

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for organizations with varied missions. Houston Habitat for Humanity says it brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope, with the goal of a decent place to live for everyone. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer?

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's EIN?

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 76-0403101. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Does The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer accept unsolicited proposals?

No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas

Greater Houston Community Foundation

Houston, TX

The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.

Assets

$1.1B

Grants

1,724

Total Given

$232.3M

Albert & Ethel Herzstein

Houston, TX

The foundation supports qualified nonprofits working in education, community strengthening, helping people overcome adversity, heritage preservation, and related efforts to help people reach their potential. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; it favors Houston-area and other Texas organizations, though it also funds elsewhere. It accepts proposals through an online portal on a rolling basis, with no more than one request per organization in any 12-month period.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$132.3M

Grants

320

Total Given

$5.9M

Communities Foundation of Texas Inc

Dallas, TX

Communities Foundation of Texas funds a broad range of community needs, including health, education, housing, and community development, primarily in North Texas and across Texas. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $18,800, though amounts varied widely; nearly all opportunities are by invitation, with some specific programs open for applications.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.2B

Grants

2,209

Total Given

$209.2M

BNSF Railway Foundation

Fort Worth, TX

The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$23.0M

Grants

993

Total Given

$7.0M

Baker Hughes Foundation

Houston, TX

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$2.2M

Grants

990

Total Given

$3.2M

Community Foundation of North Texas (Tax

Fort Worth, TX

The foundation supports nonprofits and community projects in areas including animal welfare, nonprofit capacity building, first responders, land conservation, neighborhood development, opportunity and access, and scholarships. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1.5 million, with a median of $14,250; its service area covers 11 North Texas counties. It accepts applications for some competitive grant programs through its online portal, but donor-advised grants are not open to nonprofit applications.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$544.9M

Grants

872

Total Given

$41.3M

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Austin, TX

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds education, health, jobs and livelihoods, and family economic stability, with its deepest U.S. focus in Texas and additional work across the U.S. and internationally. In 2024 it awarded 835 grants totaling about $164.6 million; grants ranged from $75 to $50 million, with a median of $19,324. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online application process.

Assets

$7.8B

Grants

835

Total Given

$164.6M

American Heart Association Inc

Dallas, TX

The American Heart Association funds basic, clinical, behavioral, translational and population research on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health, along with research training and education programs. In 2025 it awarded 833 grants totaling about $198 million; amounts ranged from $5,000 to nearly $9.93 million, with a median of $20,000. Research awards are for eligible U.S.-based nonprofit institutions, and the profile describes a formal proposal process but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines

Assets

$2.0B

Grants

833

Total Given

$198.2M

Laura and John Arnold Foundation

Houston, TX

Arnold Ventures funds evidence-based research, policy analysis, and reforms in areas including criminal justice, health care, education, higher education, public finance, and infrastructure, with a focus on improving outcomes for Americans. Its 2024 grants ranged from $685 to $12.5 million, with a median of $122,776. It does not accept unsolicited requests; most proposals come through direct outreach, with periodic RFPs.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$4.8B

Grants

789

Total Given

$193.3M

The Dallas Foundation

Dallas, TX

The Dallas Foundation funds nonprofit work in Greater Dallas, with a current emphasis on early childhood and family well-being and other areas including economic mobility, homelessness, and youth mental health. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,020 to $7.85 million, with a median of $25,000; applicants generally must serve Dallas County residents. It accepts applications through its online portal when a grant cycle is open, but reports no open opportunities at this time.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$491.5M

Grants

788

Total Given

$87.3M

More Funders in Texas

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?