Cocherl Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $616,098 (2023)
• Total Assets: $16.4 million (2024)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $300 - $150,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Kansas City metro area (primarily Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
• Number of Grants: 28 grants awarded in 2023

Contact Details

Mailing Address: 14105 Canterbury, Leawood, KS 66224

Phone: (913) 685-8855

Contact Person: Patrick J. Cocherl Jr., Trustee

Website: cocherlfamilyfoundation.org

Note: The foundation does not have a formal online application portal or public grant guidelines.

Overview

The Cocherl Family Foundation was established in 2003 by Patrick J. Cocherl Jr., a Kansas City businessman and founder of Heartland Customer Solutions, and his wife Kathleen (Kathy) Cocherl. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) private independent foundation with assets exceeding $16.4 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $616,000. All five of the Cocherl children serve on the board of trustees, making this a multi-generational family foundation. The foundation's philanthropic mission focuses on three primary areas: education (particularly college scholarships for students with financial need or facing challenges), support for military and first responder families, and local community services. The foundation has helped put more than 250 students through college over its 20+ year history. The foundation operates from a distinctive facility on the Heartland Customer Solutions property in Leawood—a detailed replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello that serves as both the foundation's headquarters and a meeting space for grant deliberations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

College Scholarship Program: The foundation's flagship program provides scholarships to 20-30 high school students annually. Scholarships are available to anyone in the greater Kansas City area in need of assistance seeking higher education at an accredited institution (four-year, two-year, or trade school). Recipients must maintain a C average and progress toward a degree. The foundation has historically focused on Blue Valley School District students but has expanded beyond this district.

Military Families Support: A separate initiative provides financial aid to the children of fallen Navy SEALs and other service members. This program aligns with the foundation's support of organizations like Folds of Honor.

First Responder Support: The foundation supports first responders and their families through various initiatives, including inviting first responders and their children to special events.

Domestic Violence Prevention: The foundation supports at least one facility in Kansas City that serves as a safe haven for victims of domestic violence.

Priority Areas

• Education: College scholarships, educational support for students with physical or mental challenges
• Human Services: Domestic violence prevention, community support programs
• Military & First Responder Support: Scholarships and support for families of fallen or injured service members and first responders
• Youth Development: Programs benefiting children and young adults in the Kansas City area
• Philanthropy and Voluntarism: Supporting other grant-making organizations and volunteer initiatives

Geographic Focus

The foundation primarily supports organizations in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, with a concentration in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. However, the foundation has also made grants to organizations in other states where family members have connections or where specific causes align with their mission.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a private family foundation, the Cocherl Family Foundation typically does not fund:

• Organizations outside their core program areas
• Capital campaigns for major institutions (focus is on direct service and scholarships)
• Political organizations or lobbying activities
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes
• International organizations without a direct Kansas City connection

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

All trustees are members of the Cocherl family and serve without compensation:

• Patrick J. Cocherl Jr. - Founder and Trustee. Established Heartland Customer Solutions in 1987, which repairs integrated circuitry and equipment for major corporations including Panasonic and McDonald's. Won exclusive Panasonic contract in 1988.
• Kathleen B. Cocherl - Co-Founder and Trustee
• Jennifer Cocherl Harris - Trustee
• Shawn P. Cocherl - Trustee
• Ryan M. Cocherl - Trustee
• Kristin Cocherl Tarpy - Trustee
• Patrick J. Cocherl III - Trustee

Foundation Philosophy

Patrick Cocherl Jr. has stated: "I realized I can make a difference in people's lives and that's pretty satisfying." This philosophy of direct, personal impact drives the foundation's hands-on approach to philanthropy. The family's approach is deeply personal—Patrick Cocherl has personally invited children battling terminal illnesses and first responders to special events, reflecting the foundation's commitment to direct engagement with beneficiaries.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Cocherl Family Foundation does not have a public application process. There are no formal application forms, published guidelines, or online portals for submitting grant requests.

The foundation operates as a private family foundation where grant decisions are made by the family board of trustees, typically based on:

• Personal connections and relationships with organizations
• Causes that align with family values and interests
• Organizations already known to the family
• Trustee-identified needs in the community

Scholarships for students appear to be administered through specific partnerships (such as with Blue Valley School District) rather than through a general public application process.

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions are made throughout the year on a rolling basis by the family board of trustees. The foundation filed its most recent Form 990-PF in November 2024, indicating that grants are reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis rather than fixed deadlines. Specific timeline information for grant decisions is not publicly available.

Notable Grants and Partnerships

The foundation has sponsored or contributed to:

• 2018 Arrowhead Concert Series: Sponsored concert series featuring Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran at Arrowhead Stadium, with proceeds supporting post-secondary scholarships for students with challenges, children of fallen military personnel, and local first responders
• City Year Kansas City: Matched Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 raffle proceeds, doubling the original donation for a total of $95,956 to support City Year's programs
• Blue Valley School District: Ongoing scholarship support for students
• Folds of Honor: Support for educational scholarships for military and first responder families
• Local domestic violence shelters: Ongoing support for safe haven facilities

Application Success Factors

Since the Cocherl Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, potential beneficiaries should understand that:

1. Family Connection is Key: Grants are made to organizations and individuals known to the family or identified through their network. The foundation's giving reflects personal values and connections rather than competitive application processes.

2. Focus on Direct Impact: The foundation prioritizes programs where they can see direct impact on individuals' lives—particularly education that changes life trajectories for young people facing challenges.

3. Education as Transformation: The foundation has put more than 250 students through college, indicating a strong belief in education as a vehicle for life change. Programs that help students with financial need or physical/mental challenges access higher education align with core values.

4. Military and First Responder Support: Given the foundation's dedicated programs for children of fallen Navy SEALs and support for first responders, organizations serving these communities may align with foundation interests.

5. Local Focus: While the foundation has made grants in multiple states, there is a clear preference for Kansas City-area organizations where the family can maintain direct engagement.

6. Multi-Year Relationships: The foundation appears to support organizations over time rather than making one-time grants, suggesting value placed on sustained partnerships.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process exists - This is an invitation-only, trustee-directed foundation. Do not submit unsolicited proposals.
• Education access is paramount - Over 250 scholarships awarded demonstrates sustained commitment to helping students access higher education, particularly those facing financial or personal challenges.
• Military and first responder support - Dedicated programs for children of fallen service members and first responders indicate these as priority areas.
• Kansas City focus - While grants extend to other states, the foundation's heart is in the greater Kansas City metro area.
• Family values drive decisions - All seven trustees are family members, and grants reflect the Cocherl family's personal values, connections, and philanthropic interests.
• Direct engagement matters - The family takes a hands-on approach, personally inviting beneficiaries to events and maintaining direct relationships with supported causes.
• Steady but selective grantmaking - With approximately 28 grants totaling $616,000 annually from assets of $16.4 million, the foundation is selective and strategic in its giving.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Cocherl Family Foundation (EIN 466266710). Form 990-PF filings accessed January 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/466266710
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Cocherl Family Foundation, Leawood, KS. Accessed January 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/cocherl-family-foundation
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Cocherl Family Foundation (EIN 466266710). Accessed January 2026. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/466266710-cocherl-family-foundation/
• Kansas City Chiefs Official Website. "The Cocherl Family Foundation is Committed to Inspire Through the Arrowhead Concert Series." Accessed January 2026. https://www.chiefs.com/news/the-cocherl-family-foundation-is-committed-to-inspire-through-the-arrowhead-conc
• Kansas City Chiefs Official Website. "Cocherl Family Foundation Matches Funds Raised Through Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 Raffle on Sunday." Accessed January 2026. https://www.chiefs.com/news/cocherl-family-foundation-matches-funds-raised-through-hunt-family-foundation-50
• Martin City Telegraph. "A story of family: The Cocherl family and the spirit of Christmas." January 7, 2019. Accessed January 2026. https://martincitytelegraph.com/2019/01/07/a-story-of-family-the-cocherl/
• Grantable Foundation Profile - Cocherl Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/cocherl-family-foundation-us-foundation-466266710