U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,805,950 (2024)
• Total Assets: $5,361,239
• Decision Time: 8-10 weeks
• Grant Range: $250 - $800,000 (typical); Program grants up to $35,000
• G4 Youth Fund: Up to $15,000
• Number of Awards: 208 grants (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Wisconsin, with additional focus in California, Georgia, and other states where U.S. Venture operates

Contact Details

Address: 425 Better Way, Appleton, WI 54915

Phone: 920-831-8818

Email: CommunityEngagement@usventure.com

Website: https://www.usventure.com/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/

Grant Inquiries: foundation@usventure.com

Overview

Founded in 1985, the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation is a hybrid corporate/family foundation established by Art, Ray, and Bill Schmidt to honor the values of generosity and compassion instilled by their parents, Albert and Margaret Schmidt. The Schmidt family founded U.S. Venture (originally Schmidt Brothers Oil Company) into a major energy distribution company based in Appleton, Wisconsin. The foundation operates with a board that includes U.S. Venture team members alongside descendants of Albert and Margaret Schmidt. With total assets of approximately $5.4 million, the foundation awarded over $5.8 million in grants in 2024 through 208 separate awards, funded through an endowment and a percentage of U.S. Venture's net profits. The foundation is dedicated to driving meaningful change by supporting self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and vulnerable populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Program Grants

• Up to $35,000 per grant
• Typical Range: $250 - $800,000
• Application Method: Online through Temelio platform
• Currently only accepting applications from historically funded nonprofits
• Decision Timeline: 8-10 weeks after application deadline

Schmidt Family G4 Fund

• Up to $15,000
• Focus: Positive youth development, especially at-risk youth
• Designed to involve fourth generation shareholders (age 16+) in grant-making

Priority Areas

• Education: Educational programs and opportunities
• Human Services: Supporting disadvantaged communities
• Health: Health-related initiatives
• Community Development: Enhancing quality of life
• Economic Development: Promoting self-sufficiency
• Family Support: Strengthening families
• Arts and Culture: Cultural enrichment
• Environmental Stewardship
• International Relief
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals or families
• Conference expenses
• Medical procedures and research
• Organizations outside U.S. Venture geographic areas
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• More than one grant per organization per calendar year

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates as a hybrid corporate/family foundation with a board including U.S. Venture team members and descendants of Albert and Margaret Schmidt. Established by Art, Ray, and Bill Schmidt (second generation) to honor their parents' legacy. The Schmidt Family G4 Fund engages the fourth generation (age 16+) in philanthropy, serving as a model for other family-owned businesses.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status: Only accepting grant requests from historically funded nonprofits. New cycle begins March 30, 2026.

Platform: Temelio grants management system with live chat support during business hours

Requirements:

• 501(c)(3) status preferred
• Direct involvement from U.S. Venture team member/shareholder required
• Full list of pending/committed sponsors
• Must operate in U.S. Venture geographic areas

Decision Timeline

• Review Period: 8-10 weeks after application deadline
• Reporting: 12-month final report required before future requests

Success Rates

208 grants awarded in 2024 totaling $5.8 million. Specific acceptance rate not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Previous grantees must complete 12-month final report before reapplying. Organizations limited to one program grant per calendar year.

Application Success Factors

U.S. Venture Connection: Direct involvement or support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder is explicitly required. This connection appears critical for success.

Organizational Strength: Foundation seeks entities with strong organizational health, financial stability, and skilled staff and board members.

Measurable Impact: Prioritizes initiatives providing measurable, lasting benefits to substantial numbers of people. Include specific outcomes and evidence of effectiveness.

Collaborative Funding: Aims to partner with other funders rather than be sole contributor. Demonstrate diverse funding sources in application.

Geographic Alignment: Must operate where U.S. Venture has facilities or team members - primarily Wisconsin, California, Georgia, plus AL, AZ, AR, CO, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, and other states.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• U.S. Venture connection is essential - Direct involvement from employee/shareholder required; currently only funding historical grantees
• Geographic eligibility is strict - Verify your location aligns with U.S. Venture presence before applying
• Demonstrate organizational strength - Highlight financial stability, governance, and proven track record
• Show collaborative funding - Include complete list of other funders; avoid being sole funding request
• Quantify lasting impact - Provide specific metrics for substantial beneficiary numbers
• Use Temelio effectively - Utilize live chat support; contact foundation@usventure.com with pre-application questions
• Plan for timeline - Allow 8-10 weeks for decision; prepare for 12-month reporting requirement

References

• U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Official Website: https://www.usventure.com/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Schmidt Family G4 Fund: https://www.usventure.com/giving-back/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/schmidt-family-g4-fund/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/391540933 (Accessed March 2026)
• IRS Form 990 Filings (2020-2024)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation,391540933/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/391540933 (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/us-oil-schmidt-family-foundation-inc (Accessed March 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=USOI001 (Accessed March 2026)
• GrantStation Profile: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/us-ventureschmidt-family-foundation (Accessed March 2026)