Douglas J Hertz Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,065,968 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $5,500,000
• Geographic Focus: Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA

Contact Details

• Phone: 678-305-2000
• Address: 5500 United Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30082-4755
• Website: None
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Douglas J. Hertz Family Foundation is a private independent foundation established by Douglas J. Hertz, President and CEO of United Distributors, Georgia and Alabama's largest wholesale distributor of spirits, wines, and beer. With approximately $22.4 million in assets, the foundation distributed $3,065,968 through 74 grants in 2023. The foundation reflects the Hertz family's deep commitment to children's welfare, healthcare, higher education, and Jewish causes. Doug Hertz, recognized as Georgia's 2017 Philanthropist of the Year and 2018 Most Respected Business Leader, has personally founded Camp Twin Lakes (serving 10,000+ special needs children annually) and helped engineer the merger that created Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The foundation operates as a family enterprise with Doug as President, his wife Lila as Vice President, daughter Amy as Secretary, and son Michael as Treasurer.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes discretionary grants ranging from $5,000 to $5.5 million, with an average grant size of approximately $41,432. In 2023, they awarded 74 grants totaling over $3 million.

Priority Areas

• Children and Community Services: Primary focus area, including special needs programs, youth development, and community support
• Health and Medical Research: Healthcare institutions and medical research initiatives
• Higher Education: Universities and educational institutions, particularly Tulane University and Morehouse College
• Jewish Causes: Synagogues and Jewish community organizations in Atlanta

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation without published guidelines, exclusions are not explicitly stated. However, funding patterns suggest they do not support:

• Organizations outside Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA
• Individual requests
• Organizations without established track records
• Causes outside their four core priority areas

Governance and Leadership

Officers (all serving without compensation):

• President: Douglas J. Hertz - CEO of United Distributors, Board Chair of Tulane University (2017-2020), Trustee of Morehouse College, Founder of Camp Twin Lakes
• Vice President: Lila Hertz
• Secretary: Amy H. Agami (daughter)
• Treasurer: Michael Hertz (son)

Doug Hertz's extensive board service includes past chairmanships of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, The Temple (Atlanta), and Woodruff Arts Center. He has received numerous honors including the Jefferson Award for distinguished service to children and Atlanta Rotary Club's Community Service Award.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their personal knowledge of organizations and causes. There is no website, application portal, or published grant guidelines.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on documented giving patterns, organizations may come to the foundation's attention through:

• Board connections: Organizations where Doug Hertz serves or has served on the board (Tulane, Morehouse, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Woodruff Arts Center)
• Camp Twin Lakes network: Organizations connected to this signature initiative serving special needs children
• Atlanta philanthropic community: Through connections at The Temple, Rotary Club of Atlanta, and other civic organizations
• Tulane University connections: The family's multi-generational involvement (Doug '74, '76; Lila '76; Amy NC '02; Michael B '05) drives significant support

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without formal application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no formal application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since there is no public application process, organizations should focus on:

• Established credibility: The foundation supports well-established organizations with proven track records, as evidenced by recipients like Tulane University, Covenant House Georgia, and Woodruff Arts Center
• Geographic alignment: Strong preference for Atlanta and New Orleans organizations
• Mission alignment: Clear connection to children's welfare, healthcare, education, or Jewish causes
• Leadership connections: Many grants go to organizations where family members have board or volunteer involvement
• Long-term relationships: Pattern of multi-year support to favored organizations suggests the importance of sustained engagement

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder with no public application process - cold applications will not be considered
• Focus areas are clearly defined around children, health, education, and Jewish causes in Atlanta and New Orleans
• The foundation makes both large transformational gifts ($5.5M to Tulane) and smaller operational grants ($5,000-$40,000)
• Doug Hertz's extensive civic leadership creates natural funding pathways for organizations in his network
• Multi-generational family involvement suggests long-term stability in funding priorities
• With 74 grants annually, they maintain a diverse portfolio while focusing on established organizations
• Consider engaging through Atlanta's philanthropic community rather than direct solicitation

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Douglas J Hertz Family Foundation Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023). Accessed March 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/262792485
• Candid Foundation Directory: Douglas J Hertz Family Foundation Profile. Accessed March 2025. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=HERT023
• Cause IQ: Douglas J Hertz Family Foundation Overview. Accessed March 2025. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/douglas-j-hertz-family-foundation,262792485/
• Tulane University News: "Doug and Lila Hertz donate $5.5 million to Tulane University Center for Sport" (2020)
• Georgia Trend Magazine: "Most Respected Business Leaders" (2018)
• Covenant House Georgia Annual Report FY24: Donor recognition listings
• Morehouse College: Board of Trustees listing
• Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Atlanta Chapter: 2017 Philanthropist of the Year announcement