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Eric Schwartz Fam Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.1M
Grant Range
$5K - $1.3M

Eric Schwartz Fam Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,078,120
  • Total Assets: $32,781,517
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,291,889
  • Typical Grant Median: $10,000
  • Number of Grants (2024): 38
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Iowa with national and limited international support
  • Founded: 2003

Contact Details

Address: 1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556
Phone: (641) 472-5100
EIN: 43-6900504

Overview

The Eric Schwartz Fam Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2003 by Eric Schwartz, founder and Executive Chairman of Cambridge Investment Research, one of the largest independent broker-dealers in the United States. Located in Fairfield, Iowa—a hub for the Transcendental Meditation movement and home to Maharishi International University—the foundation reflects Schwartz's deep commitment to consciousness-based education and meditation practices that he credits for his business success since beginning the practice at Amherst College in 1971. With assets exceeding $32 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $4 million, the foundation primarily supports educational institutions, consciousness-based programs, scholarship initiatives, and community development projects. The foundation received substantial contributions of $11.8 million in 2024, enabling significant charitable disbursements. Eric Schwartz has donated approximately 25% of Cambridge Investment Research's stock to his charitable foundation, demonstrating a profound commitment to philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs with specific application cycles. Grantmaking is conducted through trustee discretion on a rolling basis.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Consciousness-Based Education: Major support for Maharishi International University and related institutions teaching Transcendental Meditation
  • Educational Infrastructure: Digital infrastructure, campus facilities, and technology improvements for educational institutions
  • Scholarship Support: Funding for student scholarships, particularly at Maharishi School and other institutions aligned with the foundation's mission
  • International Education: Support for educational programs in developing countries (e.g., Thailand school support)
  • Youth Development: Programs supporting achievement, wellness, and education for young people
  • Community Development: Support for local Fairfield, Iowa initiatives and beyond

Recent Grant Examples (2024):

  • $1,291,889 to Maharishi International University Foundation (Thailand school support)
  • $673,746 to Maharishi International University (digital infrastructure)
  • $300,000 to Maharishi School (5-year plan and scholarships)
  • $250,000 to Africa College Fund
  • $250,000 to David Lynch Foundation (consciousness-based education and meditation programs)
  • $600,000 to Community Foundation of Jackson Hole

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's grantmaking history suggests limited funding for:

  • Organizations unrelated to education or consciousness-based programs
  • Projects outside their core focus areas
  • General operating support for organizations not aligned with their mission

Governance and Leadership

President/Trustee: Eric Schwartz (1 hour/week, $0 compensation)
Trustee: Kelly Schwartz (1 hour/week, $0 compensation)

Eric Schwartz moved Cambridge Investment Research from the East Coast to Fairfield, Iowa in 1992 to join the Transcendental Meditation community. Investment Advisor magazine named him broker-dealer of the year in 2003, and in 2024, he received the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 'Legacy' award for his profound and lasting impact on Fairfield and surrounding communities. Schwartz credits Transcendental Meditation for fueling his business success and has built his philanthropic mission around supporting consciousness-based education and related causes.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Eric Schwartz Fam Foundation does not have a public application process or online portal. According to available information, "Applications should be written and include all relevant information," but there are no specific application forms, deadlines, or formal submission procedures outlined.

Grants appear to be awarded primarily through:

  • Trustee discretion and initiative
  • Ongoing relationships with supported organizations
  • Direct knowledge of institutional needs within their funding priorities
  • Personal connections to the Fairfield, Iowa and Transcendental Meditation community

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation with trustee-directed grantmaking, decisions are likely made on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not have a formal public application process, organizations seeking support should consider:

  • Alignment with Consciousness-Based Education: The foundation demonstrates the strongest support for institutions and programs related to Transcendental Meditation and consciousness-based education, particularly Maharishi International University and affiliated organizations
  • Educational Mission: Projects supporting education, particularly those involving scholarships, educational infrastructure, and student achievement, align with the foundation's priorities
  • Connection to Fairfield, Iowa: Geographic proximity and connection to the local community may be advantageous
  • Track Record: Established institutions with demonstrated impact appear to receive the largest grants
  • Comprehensive Information: The foundation advises that applications "should be written and include all relevant information," suggesting the importance of thorough, well-documented proposals
  • Multi-Year Impact: Several grants support multi-year initiatives and infrastructure projects, indicating openness to longer-term commitments
  • International Development: The foundation has supported international educational projects, particularly in developing countries

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Eric Schwartz Fam Foundation is a private family foundation with primary focus on consciousness-based education and institutions related to Transcendental Meditation
  • Major grants ($250,000+) go to Maharishi International University, David Lynch Foundation, and other consciousness-based education organizations
  • The foundation does not have a formal public application process; grantmaking is primarily trustee-directed
  • Median grant size is $10,000, but the foundation has capacity for major gifts exceeding $1 million
  • Organizations aligned with Transcendental Meditation, educational infrastructure, or scholarship programs are most likely to receive support
  • The foundation has grown significantly, with substantial annual contributions enabling expanded grantmaking
  • Written proposals including comprehensive information are advised for organizations seeking support
  • Geographic focus is Iowa-based but extends nationally and internationally for education projects

References

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