The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In 2024, it made 40 grants totaling $1,289,824, with most grant dollars going to recipients in North Carolina.
Key facts about The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation
In short: The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation gave $1.3M across 40 grants in 2024 (avg $32K), mostly in North Carolina. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 56-1881015
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,289,824
- Grants made (2024)
- 40
- Average grant
- $32,246
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $23,148,310
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. 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
$23.1M
-3.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
-9.4% YoY
Grant Count
40
+42.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$32K
-36.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation gives
- 55% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+8%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 105% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). 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
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. For example, Old Hickory Council describes its mission as preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices; Wilkes Art Gallery says it provides art exhibits and arts education; and Wilkes Playmakers says it provides cultural and artistic programs for the public.
Other 2024 recipients include Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, which says it administers federal and state program grants in three North Carolina counties, and Higher Ed Works, which says it encourages public support for education at all levels. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 40 grants totaling $1,289,824. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $245,750, with a median of $15,000. The largest grants were $245,750 to Wilkes Community College, $230,000 to Wilkes Partnership for Children, and $225,000 to Wilkes Economic Development Corporation. Each was listed for general support. Other notable grants included $115,000 to Old Hickory Council, $60,000 to Wilkes County Library, and $50,074 to Sweet Briar College, also for general support.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Its filing lists written communication to A Lee Herring II as the application form and materials; award restrictions are listed as N/A.
Ready to take the next step with The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina, 4% to recipients in Virginia, and 3% to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2021) to $1.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 40 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Wilkes Community College ($246K). Together the top 10 received $1.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 124 grants of 144 (86%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wilkes Community College Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $245,750 |
| Wilkes Partnership for Children North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $230,000 |
| Wilkes Economic Development Corporation North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $225,000 |
| Old Hickory Council Winston-Salem, NC | General Support | $115,000 |
| Wilkes County Library North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $60,000 |
| Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, VA | General Support | $50,074 |
| Wilkes Art Gallery North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $30,000 |
| Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission Inc North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $26,000 |
| First United Methodist Church North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $20,000 |
| Wilkes Playmakers Inc North Wilkesboro, NC | General Support | $20,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,148,310 | $1,081,239 | $1,509,455 | $1,289,824 | 40 |
| 2023 | $23,941,981 | $839,882 | $1,810,338 | $1,423,070 | 28 |
| 2022 | $23,151,620 | $3,442,992 | $2,017,706 | $1,738,450 | 33 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,148,310 | $23,941,981 | $23,151,620 |
| Revenue | $1,081,239 | $839,882 | $3,442,992 |
| Expenses | $1,509,455 | $1,810,338 | $2,017,706 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,363,335 | $1,666,424 | $1,812,341 |
| Net Investment Income | $960,394 | $702,072 | $3,430,038 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,302,534 | $1,297,706 | $1,269,925 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sandra G Herring as chair/secretary, A Lee Herring II as president/treasurer, and Carson G Lutchansky as board member/vice chair.
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation is led by A. Lee Herring II, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
A. Lee Herring II
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sandra G. Herring
Chair & Secretary
Secretary → Chair & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carson G. Lutchansky
Board Member & Vice Chair
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Rozelia S Herring (2020–2022) — Vice 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.
Contact
Application contact: A Lee Herring Ii
Mailing address: PO Box 118, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 838-7181
Frequently asked questions about The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation
How much does The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation give each year?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation gave $1.3M across 40 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 28 grants.
What is The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $32,246, across 40 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation give grants?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation gives mostly in North Carolina: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were North Wilkesboro, NC (18 grants), Wilkesboro, NC (5 grants), Pittsburgh, PA (5 grants) and Winston-Salem, NC (2 grants).
Does The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (40 of 40) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Wilkes Community College ($245,750), Wilkes Partnership for Children ($230,000) and Wilkes Economic Development Corporation ($225,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation reported $23.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation?
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's EIN?
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-1881015. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in North Carolina
The Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds charitable organizations serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, economic opportunity, civic engagement, arts, health, and human services. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000; specific programs offer grants ranging from small grants of up to $2,000 to capital grants of up to $100,000. The profile describes application-based programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Community Foundation supports charitable organizations and community programs in areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. Its typical grant was $15,000 in 2025; it serves communities statewide, with an emphasis on rural North Carolina, and accepts applications through specific affiliate, giving-circle, and other grant programs.
Assets
$569.1M
Grants
732
Total Given
$30.6M
State Employees Credit Union Foundation
Raleigh, NC
The foundation funds capital projects, regional or statewide programs, and organizational capacity building that strengthen North Carolina communities; it favors projects with broad or replicable impact and does not fund operating budgets or shortfalls. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,500. Applications are accepted at any time and typically reviewed semiannually.
Assets
$61.0M
Grants
1,806
Total Given
$17.4M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
Dogwood Health Trust
Asheville, NC
Dogwood Health Trust funds work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness that improves wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including its 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $21 million, with a median of $37,500; application requirements vary by funding opportunity.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
835
Total Given
$148.2M
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Asheville, NC
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina funds nonprofits and public agencies serving 18 Western North Carolina counties, including the Qualla Boundary, in areas such as cultural resources, education, human services, and natural resources. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though award sizes varied widely; some local opportunities cap grants at $5,000 or $7,500. It provides an online application system, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
793
Total Given
$59.4M
Triangle Community Foundation Inc
Durham, NC
The foundation supports nonprofits in cultural arts, education and youth, nonprofit capacity building, and sustainable communities, with grants also benefiting fields such as health, conservation, and human services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000 and ranged from about $5,000 to $1.39 million; it primarily serves Durham, Orange, Wake, and Chatham Counties in North Carolina. It accepts applications for competitive discretionary programs during open grant cycles; donor-advised fund grants are also made.
Assets
$335.8M
Grants
599
Total Given
$26.7M
The Leon Levine Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Leon Levine Foundation funds healthcare, human services, education, and Jewish community work, primarily benefiting people in North and South Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $2.1 million, with a median of $60,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an eligibility quiz and portal, starting with a letter of inquiry.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
522
Total Given
$57.9M
NCHSAA Foundation Inc
Chapel Hill, NC
The NCHSAA Foundation supports NCHSAA member schools, mainly in North Carolina, with programs and resources for student-athletes’ wellness, safety, life skills, equipment, and scholarships. In 2025, grants ranged from $750 to $5,000, with a median of $1,845. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.9M
Grants
498
Total Given
$967K
The Duke Endowment
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Endowment funds child and family well-being, health care, higher education at four named colleges and universities, and rural churches, primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $6.8 million, with a median of $200,000. The application process varies by program; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
480
Total Given
$251.2M
The Morehead-Cain Foundation
Chapel Hill, NC
The Morehead-Cain Foundation primarily funds scholarships and leadership-development experiences for UNC–Chapel Hill students, with additional support for North Carolina educators and selected organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $23 to $4.75 million, with a median of $27,004; reported giving was concentrated in North Carolina. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$225.0M
Grants
422
Total Given
$14.9M
More Funders in North Carolina
The Leonard G Herring Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?