The Hersh Foundation
The Hersh Foundation is a private foundation based in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1997, it supports organizations with demonstrable results in efforts that enrich quality of life and advance healthy communities, with a focus on North Texas.
The Hersh Foundation at a glance
In short: The Hersh Foundation gave $961K across 102 grants in 2024 (avg $9K), top state Texas. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $961,003
- +44.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 102
- +59.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $9,422
- -9.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Total assets
- $13,524,701
- -3.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (42 of 99, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (36% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Hersh Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
Applications are by invitation only; the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. It makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. It does not fund other private foundations, individuals or families, certain faith-based organizations or initiatives, political organizations or related entities, fraternal or social groups, athletic teams or bands, unqualified international organizations, or agencies that redistribute grant funds to nonprofits.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4143 Maple Avenue 350, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (972) 432-3842
Website: https://hershfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Hersh Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Horatio Alger Association ($275K). Together the top 10 received $615K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($25,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
379 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 343 grants of 379 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that its giving is primarily focused on Dallas and surrounding communities and describes its broader mission as supporting healthy communities in the United States, with a focus on North Texas. In 2024, 36% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas, 34% to Virginia, 11% to California, 6% to the District of Columbia, and 3% to Colorado.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 102 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Hersh Foundation open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 42 of 99 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $8K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 40% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 64% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $664K (2023) to $2.9M (2020). In 2024 it made 102 grants totaling $961K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Horatio Alger Association Alexandria, VA | Recurring Support | $275,000 |
| Stanford Hoover Institute Stanford, CA | Hoover Institute | $100,000 |
| American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Washington, DC | Annual Fund Support | $50,000 |
| CAF Momentumstand Together Dallas, TX | Stand Together/Momentum Advisory Collective | $40,000 |
| Global War on Terrorism Memorial Fdtn Fayetteville, NC | Annual Support | $25,000 |
| Grace Bridge Celina (Master Cares Foundation) Frisco, TX | General Ops Support | $25,000 |
| Greenlight Fund Boston, MA | General Support | $25,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Waco Waco, TX | Bomb Shelter in Israel | $25,000 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $25,000 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Dallas, TX | Ongoing Support | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Hersh Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13,524,701 | $1,637,116 | $1,650,490 | $961,003 | 102 | $1,253,082 | $1,631,168 | $1,087,530 |
| 2023 | $13,952,196 | $12,305,364 | $1,156,818 | $663,888 | 64 | $714,659 | $6,477,792 | $676,925 |
| 2022 | $7,886,913 | $413,859 | $17,771,812 | $1,224,275 | 60 | $2,021,216 | — | $967,790 |
| 2021 | $16,877,471 | $1,417,870 | $3,019,171 | $2,700,975 | 66 | $2,733,567 | $1,178,066 | $1,518,576 |
| 2020 | $18,945,688 | $523,884 | $3,782,067 | $2,854,416 | 87 | — | $135,641 | $1,362,925 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Hersh Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to support healthy communities in the United States, with a focus on North Texas. It identifies quality education, accessible healthcare—with intentional attention to mental health research and treatment—leaders who cultivate democracy, support organizations assisting people in need, and cultural institutions accessible to all as elements of a healthy community.
Its focus areas include efforts that cultivate leaders and encourage civil discourse and civic participation; education, including early education; direct health services and research focused on brain and mental health; and North Texas cultural and social service programs that foster creativity, conversation, collaboration, and inclusion while addressing community needs.
Examples of grantees’ work include the Greenlight Fund’s efforts to identify community needs and bring programs to high-poverty urban areas, as described by the grantee. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas describes its work as bringing together community, corporate, civic, and nonprofit partners to strengthen access to education, income, and health across North Texas. The foundation also lists Bachman Lake Together, Café Momentum, Momentous Institute, Klyde Warren Park, and St. Philip’s School & Community Center among organizations it highlights.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 102 grants totaling $961,003. Grants ranged from $250 to $275,000, with a median grant of $2,500.
The largest reported grants included $275,000 to Horatio Alger Association for recurring support; $100,000 to Stanford Hoover Institute for the Hoover Institute; $50,000 to the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research for annual fund support; and $40,000 to Café Momentum/Stand Together for the Stand Together/Momentum Advisory Collective. Other grants of $25,000 included support for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Grace Bridge Celina, Greenlight Fund, Jewish Federation of Waco, an individual recipient, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and UT Southwestern Medical Foundation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kenneth A. Hersh as chairman, Valerie Dillard as secretary/treasurer, and Regen Horchow as president. The foundation’s website identifies Hersh as its founder and chairman.
The Hersh Foundation is led by Regen Horchow, President on the 2024 filing; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Regen Horchow
President
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$175K (2024)
Kenneth A. Hersh
Chairman
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Valerie Dillard
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Rick O'Brien (2022–2023) — President
- Former: Julie K. Hersh (2020–2022) — President
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $175K, to Regen Horchow (President).
Frequently asked questions about The Hersh Foundation
How much does The Hersh Foundation give each year?
The Hersh Foundation gave $961K across 102 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $664K across 64 grants.
What is The Hersh Foundation's typical grant size?
The Hersh Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $9,422, across 102 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Hersh Foundation that year got $11K on average.
Where does The Hersh Foundation give grants?
The Hersh Foundation's top state is Texas, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Virginia (34%) and California (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Dallas, TX (62 grants), Washington, DC (3 grants), Telluride, CO (3 grants) and Waco, TX (2 grants).
Does The Hersh Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 15% of The Hersh Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (15 of 102) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Annual Support" (47 grants), "Ongoing Support" (8 grants) and "One-Time Gift" (3 grants).
Who are The Hersh Foundation's largest grantees?
The Hersh Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Horatio Alger Association ($275,000), Stanford Hoover Institute ($100,000) and American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($25,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 44% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Hersh Foundation?
The Hersh Foundation reported $13.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Hersh Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to support healthy communities in the United States, with a focus on North Texas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Hersh Foundation?
Applications are by invitation only; the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Hersh Foundation's EIN?
The Hersh Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-2720646. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Hersh Foundation 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Hersh Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas
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.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
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.
Assets
$491.5M
Grants
788
Total Given
$87.3M
Meadows Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The foundation funds Texas-benefiting work in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, the environment, health, and human services, with added consideration for postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness. Its 2024 median grant was $75,000, and it accepts proposals year-round through its online application portal.
Assets
$718.0M
Grants
161
Total Given
$24.1M
Hillcrest Foundation
Dallas, TX
Hillcrest Foundation funds Texas charitable organizations working in education, health, and poverty relief, with most grants going to Dallas County and nearby communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $500,000, with a median of $55,000. It accepts online applications and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$145.2M
Grants
84
Total Given
$8.0M
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
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.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Hersh Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-hersh-foundation-morg_c156a63778e047178f8fb04355beea20
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_752720646_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Hersh Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-hersh-foundation-morg_c156a63778e047178f8fb04355beea20},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Hersh Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Hersh Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?