Sam And Helga Feldman Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $967,205 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $400,000
• Geographic Focus: TX, NY, GA

Contact Details

• Phone: (214) 521-4812
• Address: 7550 W IH 10 STE 1200, San Antonio, TX 78229-5813
• Alternative Address: 3510 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
• Website: None
• Email: Not available

Overview

The Sam And Helga Feldman Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in memory of Sam Noland Feldman (1938-2001) and continued by his widow Helga Feldman. With assets of $21 million, the foundation distributes nearly $1 million annually across education, healthcare, human services, and first responder support. Based in San Antonio with ties to Dallas, the foundation made 31 grants in 2024, demonstrating significant growth from 9 grants in 2022. The foundation operates without a public website, accepting applications through direct phone contact and maintaining a traditional, relationship-based approach to philanthropy rooted in the founders' legacy as Dallas art patrons and philanthropists.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $2,000 - $400,000 (rolling basis, direct contact required)
• Education Initiatives: Variable amounts
• Healthcare and Cancer Prevention: Up to $50,500 documented
• First Responder Support: Typically $2,000 - $25,000

Priority Areas

• Education at all levels
• Cancer prevention and support services
• First responder and veteran support
• Human services organizations
• Philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking initiatives

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions documented in public records

Governance and Leadership

• President: Sol Schwartz (compensation: $100,000)
• Secretary: Lee Schwartz (compensation: $100,000)
• Vice President: David M. Taylor (compensation: $100,000)
• Principal: Helga Feldman

The foundation was established by Sam Noland Feldman, who overcame muscular dystrophy to become a successful financial advisor, and Helga Feldman, a stockbroker and fashion entrepreneur whose designs were featured at Neiman Marcus. The couple were known art collectors and patrons in Dallas.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through direct phone contact at (214) 521-4812. Required application materials include:

• Brief organizational history
• Detailed project description
• Amount requested and payment timeline needed
• Complete project budget
• Current year-to-date fiscal statements
• List of governing body members
• Copy of IRS exemption letter

Grant agreements require acknowledgment of the foundation's right to withhold/recover funds if misused and commitment to provide utilization reports.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

Application and award statistics not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not documented

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented requirements and funding patterns:

• Financial transparency essential: Current financial statements and detailed budgets required, indicating preference for fiscally responsible organizations
• Strong governance valued: Requirement for governing body list suggests preference for well-managed organizations
• Accountability critical: Emphasis on reporting and proper fund usage in grant agreements
• Geographic connection helpful: Primary funding in TX, NY, and GA suggests local ties or compelling case needed for other locations
• Established organizations preferred: Documentation requirements suggest preference for organizations with proven track records
• Direct personal contact important: Phone-only application process indicates relationship-building may be crucial

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact the foundation directly at (214) 521-4812 to inquire about current funding priorities and application procedures
• Prepare comprehensive documentation before calling, as the foundation requires extensive organizational and project information
• Consider geographic alignment - most grants go to organizations in Texas, New York, and Georgia
• Grant sizes vary widely ($2,000 to $400,000), allowing for both small and substantial requests
• The foundation's growth from 9 to 31 grants between 2022-2024 suggests expanding grantmaking capacity
• Without a website or email, building phone relationships with foundation staff is essential
• The founders' background in finance and fashion, plus their patronage of the arts, may inform funding interests

References

• Charity Navigator - Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation Profile (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/262508550) - Accessed March 3, 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Sam And Helga Feldman Foundation (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/262508550) - Accessed March 3, 2026
• Grantmakers.io - Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation Profile (https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/262508550-sam-and-helga-feldman-foundation/) - Accessed March 3, 2026
• Cause IQ - Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/sam-and-helga-feldman-foundation,262508550/) - Accessed March 3, 2026
• IRS Form 990-PF filings accessed through nonprofit databases - March 3, 2026