Sylvan C Herman Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.6 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Likely Washington, DC region

Contact Details

No public website or contact information available.

Overview

The Sylvan C Herman Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation established in 2005 and based in Washington, DC. With total assets of $87.1 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $2.6 million in charitable disbursements during that year. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on philanthropy and grantmaking. While the foundation maintains significant assets and an active grant-making program, it operates without a public-facing website or published application guidelines.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available. The foundation distributed $2.6 million in charitable giving in 2024, representing 27% of its total expenses.

Priority Areas

Specific funding priorities are not publicly disclosed.

What They Don't Fund

Exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation's leadership includes:

• Dr. Michael Knable (Director) - Compensation: $299,073
• J. Scott Ogden (Director)
• Dr. Michael Brown (Psychiatrist)
• Caroline Cantrell (Director)

Total officer compensation for 2024 was $773,133.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation appears to operate as a private family foundation that likely makes grants through trustee discretion or to pre-selected organizations. There is no public website, application portal, or published contact information for grant inquiries.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process.

Success Rates

Not available.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Without public application guidelines or documented funding priorities, organizations seeking support from the Sylvan C Herman Foundation would need to establish connections through board members or other existing relationships. The presence of medical professionals on the board (including a psychiatrist) may suggest an interest in health-related causes, though this cannot be confirmed without access to grant recipient data.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation is an active grant maker with substantial assets ($87.1 million) and annual giving ($2.6 million)
• No public application process exists - grants appear to be made through trustee discretion
• The foundation operates without a public website or published contact information
• Board composition includes medical professionals, which may indicate health-related interests
• Organizations would need existing relationships or board connections to be considered for funding

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Sylvan C Herman Foundation Inc (EIN: 20-3265230), accessed December 2025
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Database, accessed December 2025