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Herrendorf Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.7M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.3M - $5.2M (2023-2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: N/A (pre-selected organizations)
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000+
  • Geographic Focus: United States and Canada (emphasis on Chicago, Vancouver, Israel)

Contact Details

Overview

The Herrendorf Family Foundation Inc. is a rapidly growing private family foundation established in 1987 with assets of $40.8 million (2023). The foundation distributed $2.3 million across 106 grants in 2023, with giving increasing to $5.2 million in 2024. Led by CEO Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen and President Joshua Herrendorf, the foundation focuses on youth empowerment, education, and social justice through strategic partnerships with established organizations. The foundation's philosophy emphasizes collaborative impact, working with existing successful programs rather than creating new ones. Their approach provides holistic, wrap-around support including multi-year commitments, emergency funds, and mentorship opportunities through signature programs like the LIVE Summit and Global Leadership Conference.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Oprah Winfrey Leaders Scholarship (OWLS): Multi-year scholarships for academically gifted student leaders
  • "We Got You" Program: Multi-year scholarships, annual bursaries, emergency funds ($10,000+ per student)
  • HBCU Scholars Program (via Hope Dealers Inc.): Support for historically Black colleges and universities
  • Mental Health Initiatives: Teen Mental Health First Aid training in Chicago high schools

Priority Areas

  • Education and scholarships for underserved youth
  • Leadership development and youth empowerment
  • Jewish education and anti-Semitism education
  • Mental health support and wrap-around services
  • Sports and recreation programs for youth
  • Community resource centers and infrastructure

What They Don't Fund

  • Unsolicited grant requests
  • Organizations outside their pre-selected network
  • Individual requests not through partner organizations

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team:

  • Joshua Herrendorf - President and Co-trustee
  • Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen - CEO (also founder of Face of Today Foundation)
  • Suzi Glassman - Vice President/Director
  • Additional professional staff including COO, VPs, and program directors

CEO Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen emphasizes collaboration: "Don't re-create the wheel. Just work with what's there and make it better. If we all just take the time to work together instead of individually, I think we could maximize our efforts."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states they "only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations and do not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded through invitation only, pre-existing relationships with partner organizations, and trustee discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation identifies partners through:

  • Their annual Global Leadership Conference in Chicago where they connect with youth-serving organizations
  • Existing partner organizations who may recommend aligned programs
  • The LIVE Summit virtual engagement platform connecting scholars with global mentors
  • Strategic partnerships with major organizations like the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and Simon Wiesenthal Center
  • CEO Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen's active involvement in the philanthropic community through her other foundation, Face of Today

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - organizations are pre-selected

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only basis

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation only basis

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated philosophy:

  • Demonstrated track record: The foundation partners with established organizations that have proven success in youth empowerment
  • Collaborative approach: Organizations willing to work within the foundation's network and participate in joint initiatives like the LIVE Summit
  • Holistic support model: Programs that offer comprehensive support beyond just financial assistance
  • Youth leadership focus: Programs that develop leadership skills and empower young people to create change
  • Geographic alignment: Strong preference for organizations in Chicago, Vancouver, and programs supporting Israel
  • Alignment with CEO's vision: As stated by Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen: "It's not about getting the most limelight. It's about doing things because you want to do it and you believe in it."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates exclusively through invitation and pre-existing relationships - no unsolicited applications are accepted • Focus on building relationships through their existing partner network or attending their Global Leadership Conference • The foundation prefers to enhance existing successful programs rather than fund new initiatives • Multi-year commitments and wrap-around support are hallmarks of their giving strategy • Strong emphasis on youth empowerment, particularly in Chicago and Vancouver communities • Leadership development and education access for underserved communities are core priorities • Consider partnership opportunities with their existing grantees to gain introduction to the foundation

References

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