Hoehl Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,395,525 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 6+ months (board meets twice yearly)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $600,000
• Geographic Focus: Vermont only
• Average Grant: ~$28,400

Contact Details

Website: https://www.hoehlfamilyfoundation.org/

Email: laura@hoehlfamilyfoundation.org

Phone: 802-238-0990

Contact Person: Laura Latka, Foundation Manager

Address: Shelburne, VT

Pre-Application Support: All applicants must complete a prescreen form before invitation to apply

Overview

The Hoehl Family Foundation was established in 1993 by Robert and Cynthia Hoehl, founders of IDX Systems (acquired by GE Healthcare in 2005 for $1.2 billion), to support Vermont communities through strategic philanthropy. With assets of $58.3 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation continues the legacy of its founders who were named Most Outstanding Vermont Family Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2002. The foundation focuses on addressing basic human needs across Vermont, believing that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, deserves access to housing, food, education, mental and physical health, and stable employment to promote self-sufficiency. In 2022, the foundation made 113 grants across its priority areas, demonstrating broad community engagement while maintaining strategic focus on transformative impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have separate named grant programs but provides flexible funding across its priority areas:

• Operating Support: $5,000+ (supports core organizational operations)
• Program Funding: $5,000+ (supports specific programmatic initiatives)
• Capacity Building: $5,000+ (organizational development and strengthening)
• Capital Projects: $5,000 - $600,000 (facilities, equipment, and major initiatives)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through a prescreen form, with the board reviewing invited proposals twice yearly.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on five core areas that promote self-sufficiency and quality of life:

1. Housing: Supporting housing stability, homelessness prevention, and shelter services. Recent example: $200,000 challenge grant to COTS for Waystation homeless shelter renovation.

2. Food Security: Ensuring access to nutritious food for Vermont families.

3. Education: Supporting educational access, workforce development, and skill-building. Recent examples include $300,000 to The Curtis Fund for Credentials of Value scholarship program and $600,000 to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum for the "Education for All" Fund.

4. Mental and Physical Health: Improving healthcare access and wellness services. Previous support to Community Health Center of Burlington demonstrates this commitment.

5. Stable Employment: Workforce development programs that help Vermonters achieve economic stability.

The foundation particularly values programs that demonstrate community support and leverage funding to multiply impact through challenge grants and matching opportunities.

What They Don't Fund

• Geographic Restrictions: Does not fund programs outside Vermont
• Consecutive Year Funding: Does not provide grants in consecutive years (1 year on/1 year off, or 3 years on/2 years off for multi-year grants)
• Full Campaign Funding: Applicants should not request funding for entire fundraising needs; the board prefers partial funding that demonstrates community support

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes family members and community representatives committed to continuing the philanthropic legacy of Robert and Cynthia Hoehl.

Known Board Members:

• Katharine Kostin, Board Member: "It's not charity, it's solidarity. We believe we're only as strong as our most vulnerable neighbors."
• Martha Hoehl: Has served as trustee; daughter of founders Robert and Cynthia Hoehl

Staff

Laura Latka, Foundation Manager and Philanthropic Advisor: Serves as the primary contact for applicants and manages grant operations. Latka emphasizes the foundation's commitment: "The Foundation Board prioritizes quality education and providing equal access and opportunity to all."

Leadership Philosophy

The foundation operates with a values-driven approach rooted in the founders' belief in community responsibility. As noted by a Community Health Center of Burlington representative: "Bob Hoehl not only helped transform the Community Health Center, but also his Burlington community. His warmheartedness, compassion and generosity set a standard that few can follow."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a two-stage application process:

1. Prescreen Stage: All potential applicants must complete a prescreen form available on the foundation website to determine eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

2. Invitation to Apply: Organizations that meet prescreen criteria are invited to submit full grant proposals. The foundation has no formal application template and asks invited organizations to submit proposals by email.

3. Submission: Full proposals must be submitted by the deadline for the next board meeting (e.g., December 1, 2025 deadline for Winter 2026 board meeting).

Required Elements:

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Programs serving Vermont residents
• Demonstrated alignment with foundation mission
• Evidence of community support
• Clear articulation of impact
• Budget showing partial funding approach (not requesting entire campaign needs)

Decision Timeline

• Application Submission: Rolling prescreen; invited proposals due by board meeting deadlines
• Board Meetings: Twice yearly (specific dates vary; Winter 2026 meeting as an example)
• Decision Timeframe: Typically 6+ months from initial prescreen to final decision
• Notification: Applicants notified after board meetings
• Grant Disbursement: Varies based on grant structure and recipient needs

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2022, the foundation made 113 grants totaling $3,212,021, suggesting a selective but active grantmaking approach. The foundation appears to prioritize depth over breadth, with grants ranging from small capacity-building awards to transformative six-figure commitments.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has a clear consecutive funding restriction:

• One-Year Grants: Organizations receiving one year of funding must wait one year before reapplying
• Multi-Year Grants: Organizations with prior funding history may apply for three-year grants, followed by a two-year waiting period before reapplying
• New Applicants: First-time applicants may only apply for single-year funding

This policy ensures the foundation can support a diverse range of organizations while building sustained relationships with proven partners.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

1. Community Solidarity: The foundation views its work as solidarity, not charity. Board member Katharine Kostin emphasized: "It's not charity, it's solidarity. We believe we're only as strong as our most vulnerable neighbors."

2. Leverage and Matching: The foundation frequently structures grants as challenge grants to inspire broader community support. The $200,000 COTS grant was designed to leverage an additional $200,000 in matching funds.

3. Demonstrated Community Support: Do not request the entire funding need. The foundation wants to see evidence of community investment and multi-source funding strategies.

4. Educational Access: "The Foundation Board prioritizes quality education and providing equal access and opportunity to all" - Laura Latka. Programs that remove barriers to education receive strong consideration.

5. Dignity and Self-Sufficiency: Programs should promote participant agency and long-term independence rather than short-term relief.

6. Trauma-Informed Approaches: Recent funding priorities show appreciation for organizations creating supportive, dignified environments for vulnerable populations.

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

• COTS Waystation Shelter ($200,000 challenge grant): Capital campaign for expanded homeless shelter with trauma-informed design
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum ($600,000): Robert & Cynthia Hoehl Memorial "Education for All" Fund supporting expanded educational programming
• The Curtis Fund ($300,000 over 3 years): Credentials of Value scholarship program for workforce training
• Make-A-Wish Vermont ($150,000 over 3 years): Supporting wishes for Vermont children with critical illnesses
• Lund ($1 million): Capital campaign for facility expansion serving families in need

Language and Terminology

• Use terms like "self-sufficiency," "equal access," "quality of life," and "dignity"
• Frame proposals around addressing "basic human needs" with long-term impact
• Emphasize "community strength" and "solidarity" rather than charity models
• Highlight how programs help participants "break the poverty cycle"

Common Success Indicators

• Strong alignment with one or more of the five priority areas
• Vermont-focused programming with clear local impact
• Multi-year organizational stability and track record
• Realistic budgets showing diverse funding sources
• Clear metrics for measuring impact on self-sufficiency
• Leadership commitment to equal access and opportunity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Complete the Prescreen First: This is a mandatory gateway; invest time in crafting a compelling prescreen that clearly demonstrates mission alignment and Vermont impact.

2. Don't Request Full Funding: The foundation explicitly prefers partial funding requests that demonstrate community buy-in. Show your diversified funding strategy and how HFF's contribution fits within a larger support ecosystem.

3. Emphasize Solidarity, Not Charity: Frame your work as community strengthening and partnership with participants, not service delivery to beneficiaries. The foundation's philosophy centers on collective responsibility.

4. Plan for Long Decision Timelines: With board meetings twice yearly and a prescreen process, factor in 6+ months from initial contact to funding decision. Time your application accordingly.

5. Leverage Previous Grantees: If your organization has received HFF funding before, you may be eligible for three-year grants. Build long-term relationships rather than viewing this as transactional funding.

6. Demonstrate Self-Sufficiency Outcomes: Show how your program helps participants achieve lasting independence across housing, food, education, health, or employment. Metrics matter.

7. Consider Challenge Grant Potential: If you're in a capital campaign or major initiative, propose a challenge grant structure that can inspire additional community investment - the foundation has shown strong interest in this approach.

References

1. Hoehl Family Foundation Official Website - https://www.hoehlfamilyfoundation.org/ - Accessed November 2024
2. Hoehl Family Foundation Contact Page - http://www.hoehlfamilyfoundation.org/contact - Accessed November 2024
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Hoehl Family Foundation 990 Forms - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/30354374 - Accessed November 2024
4. Vermont Business Magazine - "Hoehl Family Foundation pledges $200,000 challenge grant to transform COTS's Waystation shelter" - https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/may/09/hoehl-family-foundation-pledges-200000-challenge-grant-transform-cotss-waystation - May 2025 (Accessed November 2024)
5. The Curtis Fund - "The Curtis Fund Receives $300,000 from Hoehl Family Foundation" - https://www.thecurtisfund.org/news-and-press/the-curtis-fund-receives-300000-from-hoehl-family-foundation - Accessed November 2024
6. Vermont Business Magazine - "Hoehl Family Foundation grants $150,000 to Make-A-Wish Vermont" - https://vermontbiz.com/news/2022/april/24/hoehl-family-foundation-grants-150000-make-wish-vermont - April 2022
7. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - "Hoehl Family Foundation Gift Supports Educational Programs" - https://www.lcmm.org/hoehl-family-foundation-gift-supports-educational-programs-at-lake-champlain-maritime-museum-and-research-institute/ - Accessed November 2024
8. Lund Blog - "Meet The Hoehl Family Foundation – 2014 Heart of the Community Award Honoree" - https://lundvt.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/meet-the-hoehl-family-foundation-2014-heart-of-the-community-award-honoree/ - February 2014
9. Wikipedia - "Robert Hoehl" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hoehl - Accessed November 2024