Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant

Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation Inc.
Amount: US $5,000 - US $40,000
Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Summary

The Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant aims to strengthen organizations dedicated to arts education for youth up to age 18 in Milwaukee. It supports innovative projects that enhance capacity and sustainability, encouraging collaboration among organizations. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, prioritizing proposals that improve fiscal stability and access to arts education for underserved communities. The Foundation honors Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy by investing in cultural life and educational opportunities in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Overview

History It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future. Richard and Ethel lived in Milwaukee and on Pine Lake for most of their lives. Richard’s father was the founder of a company that bought and managed the Boston Store from 1906 to 1948. There, after serving in World War I and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Richard worked his way up from stock boy in 1920 to president in 1940. Boston Store was sold to Federated Department Stores, Inc. in 1948. Ethel Ann Davis Herzfeld was born in Chicago and attended Milwaukee-Downer College. She received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College in 1920. Her mother, Emma J. Davis, resided on Marietta Avenue in Milwaukee. Richard and Ethel were active in the Milwaukee community and contributed significant time and resources to enriching cultural life in the city. Sparked by a spirit of innovation and recognizing the need to adapt to an ever-changing world, both took a lively interest in all aspects of the greater Milwaukee area and ways to enhance the quality of life of its institutions and citizens. What We Support Arts & CultureEducationCivic Improvement (On a limited basis and by invitation only) Arts Education Grant Grants are intended to help strengthen the capacity and build the sustainability of organizations that demonstrate dedication and past success in providing arts education to youth up to age 18 in the city of Milwaukee and to support innovative arts education projects and programs in Milwaukee. Priority will be given to applications that propose use of grant monies in ways that enhance capacity and long-term organizational fiscal stability for the applicant(s); demonstrate or promote collaboration among two or more arts education organizations or between arts education organizations and general education or community-based organizations; or demonstrate innovation in educational strategies or efforts to reach underserved youth. Examples of arts education programs that may be looked upon favorably include artist residencies in Milwaukee K-12 or early childhood education settings, artist visits or short-term programs in such settings, afterschool or summer school arts programs, and efforts to improve and enhance arts curricula or programming in early childhood education settings or K-12 schools in Milwaukee. We also welcome proposals that are designed to enhance the capacity of arts education organizations or improve their fiscal stability for the purpose of ensuring that they can continue to provide high-quality arts education in Milwaukee; and proposals to support new programs or projects that provide arts education in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Proposals for activities designed to improve access to arts education programs – such as transportation assistance – will be considered. Funding Maximum grant is $40,000, minimum grant is $5,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Herzfeld Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Organizations whose missions are primarily centered on substantial and ongoing arts education activities – as opposed to performances, exhibitions, or other audience-generating activities – are eligible for grants to support specific arts education programs or initiatives or to enhance organizational capacity and fiscal sustainability.Entities that receive general operating support from the Herzfeld Foundation may apply for support under this program for new collaborative arts education programs or initiatives, but not for supplemental general operating support.Funding is restricted to Wisconsin-based organizations with an emphasis on those that benefit the people of the Greater Milwaukee area.

Ineligibility

Organizations that receive funds under our Small Arts grants category are not eligible to receive funding under this category.This program does not fund capital campaigns, general operations, or fundraising/gala events.