Seherr-Thoss Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,119,010 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 weeks
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $125,000
• Geographic Focus: Litchfield, Connecticut

Contact Details

Website: https://seherr-thoss.org/ Email: secretary@seherr-thoss.org Phone: Not publicly listed Mailing Address: P.O. Box 292, Litchfield, CT 06759

Overview

Established in 1994 by Sonia P. Seherr-Thoss and Hans C. Seherr-Thoss, the Seherr-Thoss Charitable Trust operates alongside its sister organization, The Seherr-Thoss Foundation (established 1991), with combined assets of approximately $19.2 million. The foundations provide permanent funding for organizations serving the Litchfield, Connecticut community, where the founders became residents in 1948 after purchasing 300 acres of farmland. As descendants of Henry Phipps (partner of Andrew Carnegie), the Seherr-Thoss family demonstrated deep commitment to community service, with Sonia serving on numerous local boards including the Litchfield Historical Society and White Memorial Foundation. The trust distributed $1,119,010 in charitable grants in 2024, continuing its mission to strengthen local cultural, educational, health-related, religious, and civic institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Support Grants: $5,000 - $125,000 (capital projects, equipment purchases, program support)
• Application methods: Biannual cycles with fixed deadlines (Spring and Fall)
• New online application system launching Spring 2026 via GrantInterface platform

Priority Areas

• Cultural organizations and arts initiatives
• Educational programs and institutions (including Litchfield Public Schools)
• Health-related services and medical equipment
• Religious organizations and churches
• Civic organizations and community services
• Capital improvements and infrastructure projects
• Emergency services equipment (ambulance, fire companies)

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Annual appeals or general operating support
• General endowment funds
• Organizations outside the specified geographic area (unless they directly serve Litchfield residents)

Governance and Leadership

Current Board Officers (2025):

• Michele Saunders - President
• Matt Karpas - Treasurer
• Tracy Keilty - Secretary
• Hilary Barhydt - Board Member
• Ann Borzilleri - Board Member
• Andrew Roraback - Board Member
• Denise Raap - 1st Selectman, Board Member

Staff:

• Emily Scozzafava - Administrative Assistant

The board meets twice annually to review applications and award grants. The foundations operate with deep community ties, as reflected by President Bruce Schnitzer's statement upon the death of long-serving director Harry Seherr-Thoss in 2022: "This is a sad day for our community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Complete Organization Profile via new online portal (launching Spring 2026)
2. Access application at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=TSTF
3. Download application forms from website (Word or PDF format available)
4. Submit complete application materials by cycle deadline

Decision Timeline

• Spring Cycle: Applications due early April (April 3, 2026), board review late April (April 24, 2026)
• Fall Cycle: Applications due early October (October 3, 2025), board review early November (November 7, 2025)
• Decision notification: Approximately 3-4 weeks after board meeting

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. In 2023, the foundation made 8 awards from their application pool.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated in available materials. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the foundation directly regarding reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and funding patterns:

• Stay hyperlocal: Emphasize direct service to Litchfield, Bantam, East Litchfield, Milton, and Northfield residents
• Focus on capital and equipment needs: The foundations have a strong track record supporting infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases
• Demonstrate clear community impact: Show how your project strengthens Litchfield's cultural, educational, or civic fabric
• Consider matching grants: The foundations look favorably upon requests for matching grants
• Build on legacy projects: Notable past recipients include Litchfield Historical Society, Litchfield Community Center, Oliver Wolcott Library, and White Memorial Conservation Center
• Provide specific project scope: Clear, well-defined projects with measurable outcomes align with the foundation's structured approach

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Seherr-Thoss foundations maintain an exclusively local focus - your organization must directly serve the Town of Litchfield
• Capital projects and equipment purchases have strong precedent for funding versus general operating support
• The foundations value long-term community institutions and have supported the same organizations over decades
• With only 8 grants awarded annually and $1.1 million distributed, competition is significant - ensure perfect alignment with geographic and program priorities
• New online application system in 2026 may streamline process but will require early Organization Profile completion
• Building relationships matters - board includes local officials and community leaders who understand Litchfield's needs
• Consider timing applications strategically across their two annual cycles

References

• Seherr-Thoss Foundations Official Website: https://seherr-thoss.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Seherr-Thoss Foundations Applicant Information: https://seherr-thoss.org/applicant-information (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Seherr Thoss Charitable Tr: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/66399636 (Accessed February 2026)
• Hinchilla Grant Database - Seherr-Thoss Charitable Trust: https://www.hinchilla.com/funders-us/066399636-seherr-thoss-charitable-tr (Accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Seherr Thoss Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/seherr-thoss-foundation-c-o-bessemer-trust-company-na (Accessed February 2026)
• Litchfield Community Center - Thanks to Sunny: https://thecommunitycenter.org/thanks_to_sunny.php (Accessed February 2026)
• CauseIQ - Seherr-Thoss Charitable Trust Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/seherr-thoss-charitable-trust,066399636/ (Accessed February 2026)