Hirschfeld Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $11,283,342 (2023)
Total Assets: $93,061,191 (as of August 2023)
Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000 (preferred range)
Number of Awards: 55 grants (2024), 52 grants (2023)
Geographic Focus: Central and Western Nebraska (primary), but not exclusively
Application Method: Rolling basis with preliminary application
Decision Time: Ongoing review process

Contact Details

Foundation Contact: Christie Heacock
Address: P.O. Box 456, Kearney, NE 68848
Phone: (308) 238-2480
Website: https://hirschfeldfamilyfoundation.org

Overview

The Hirschfeld Family Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1993 to promote the well-being of the citizens of Nebraska. With total assets exceeding $93 million and annual giving of over $11 million, the foundation has become a significant philanthropic force in central and western Nebraska. The foundation's mission is straightforward: "To make a difference where we can." The foundation demonstrates consistent growth in its grantmaking, increasing from 30 awards in 2021 to 55 awards in 2024. The foundation prioritizes specific, time-limited projects that directly benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, with a strong preference for initiatives that demonstrate local community involvement and efficient operations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single, flexible grant program reviewed on a rolling basis:

General Grants: $1,000 - $25,000 (preferred range)
- Applications accepted through preliminary online application
- Rolling review process with no fixed deadlines
- Focuses on specific, time-limited projects
- Board of Directors approves all grants

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes funding for:

Projects benefiting disadvantaged and vulnerable populations: Direct service programs for those in need
Time-limited special projects: Specific initiatives with defined goals and endpoints rather than ongoing operational support
Community-involved initiatives: Projects where local communities actively participate in working toward goals and fundraising
Efficient nonprofit operations: Organizations demonstrating effective achievement of goals with efficient use of resources
Central and Western Nebraska focus: Geographic priority given to rural areas of Nebraska, though not exclusively

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

Individuals
For-profit businesses
Other private foundations
Churches
General organizational/budgetary support
Ongoing operational expenses
Routine program support without specific, time-limited objectives

Governance and Leadership

Leadership

Based on public filings, the foundation's trustees include:

Daniel J. Hirschfeld
Monya A. Hirschfeld

Administrative Contact

Christie Heacock serves as the foundation's contact for grant inquiries and applications.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a two-stage application process:

Preliminary Application: Complete the online preliminary application available on the foundation's website homepage
Full Application (by invitation only): If the Board of Directors is interested in learning more about your request, you will be emailed a full application

The foundation emphasizes that applicants should:

Review the foundation's mission and eligibility requirements before applying
Demonstrate how the community will be involved in the project
Show efficient operations and effective goal achievement
Focus on specific, time-limited requests rather than general support

Decision Timeline

Review Process: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing, rolling basis throughout the year
Communication: Applicants will be contacted via phone or email after a decision is made
Discussion: A foundation representative will reach out to discuss questions or application status

No specific timeline for decisions is published, though the rolling review process suggests relatively timely consideration.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly to discuss reapplication after an unsuccessful attempt.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Elements

Based on the foundation's stated preferences, successful applications typically demonstrate:

Local Community Involvement: The foundation explicitly states it "often prefers grants where the community is involved in working toward the goal and raising the money as well." Show how your community is invested in and participating in the project.
Time-Limited, Specific Projects: The foundation "prefers to fund specific, time-limited requests rather than budgetary programs" and gives "priority to special projects rather than routine program support." Frame your request as a defined project with clear beginning and endpoints.
Direct Benefit to Vulnerable Populations: Priority is given to "projects directly benefiting disadvantaged and vulnerable populations." Clearly articulate who will benefit and how they are disadvantaged or vulnerable.
Operational Efficiency: The foundation "invests in organizations that demonstrate efficient operations while effectively achieving their goals." Include metrics or evidence of your organization's efficiency and effectiveness.
Local Impact: While not exclusively limited to the region, the foundation gives "preference to applications that demonstrate local involvement and impact" with "emphasis on organizations engaged in activities in rural areas of Nebraska."

What to Avoid

Requests for general operating support or ongoing budgetary needs
Applications from organizations outside 501(c)(3) status
Projects without clear community involvement
Requests that don't clearly define time-limited objectives
Applications that don't address direct benefits to vulnerable populations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Think "project," not "operations": Frame funding requests as specific, time-limited projects rather than general support, even if the funds will ultimately support broader organizational needs
Emphasize community engagement: Demonstrate how the local community is actively involved in both the work and fundraising efforts—this is a stated preference
Focus on vulnerable populations: Clearly identify and describe the disadvantaged or vulnerable people who will directly benefit from your project
Stay within the range: While larger grants may be possible, the preferred range of $1,000-$25,000 suggests targeted requests within this band are most likely to succeed
Highlight efficiency: Given the emphasis on "efficient operations," include data or metrics that demonstrate your organization's effectiveness and good stewardship of resources
Start with the preliminary application: The two-stage process means you should view the preliminary application as your opportunity to make a compelling first impression—don't treat it as a mere formality
Rolling basis advantage: With no fixed deadlines, you can apply when your project is ready and well-planned rather than rushing to meet a deadline

References

Hirschfeld Family Foundation official website: https://hirschfeldfamilyfoundation.org (accessed January 2026)
Hirschfeld Family Foundation Grant Eligibility page: https://hirschfeldfamilyfoundation.org/grant-eligibility/ (accessed January 2026)
Hirschfeld Family Foundation Application Process page: https://hirschfeldfamilyfoundation.org/application-process/ (accessed January 2026)
Hirschfeld Family Foundation FAQ page: https://hirschfeldfamilyfoundation.org/f-a-q/ (accessed January 2026)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Hirschfeld Family Foundation Inc (EIN: 470762188): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/470762188 (accessed January 2026)
Grantmakers.io Profile - Hirschfeld Family Foundation Inc.: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/470762188-hirschfeld-family-foundation-inc/ (accessed January 2026)
Nebraska Children Foundation Resource Directory 2023: Foundation Resource Directory for Nebraska grants