Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$5.9 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (3-4 months)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $25,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Greater Houston area, Texas, some New Mexico

Contact Details

• Website: https://herzsteinfoundation.org
• Phone: 713-681-7868
• Email: mail@herzsteinfoundation.org
• Online Application Portal: https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/2c3f359f-e1d5-402d-9156-769a5b92d056
• Address: 6131 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055

Overview

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation was established in 1965 by Albert and Ethel Herzstein in Houston, Texas. Albert Herzstein served as Executive Vice President of Big Three Industries until his retirement in 1965. Over its 60-year history, the foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants to over 1,300 organizations.

With total assets of approximately $132 million, the foundation distributes $5-6 million annually through 300+ grants. The foundation's mission is to strengthen communities, empower individuals overcoming adversity, preserve the heritage of Texas and the United States, and help every person realize their full potential. Its grantmaking is guided by Judeo-Christian beliefs and American values, including limited government, individual freedom, equality of opportunity, self-sufficiency, hard work, and resourcefulness.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides grants for:

• Program Support: Primary mode of giving
• Capital Campaigns: Building projects and facility improvements
• General Operating Support: Organizational sustainability

Typical grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with 320 awards totaling $5,876,300 made in 2024.

Priority Areas

1. Education (primary focus) - schools, scholarships, financial aid, literacy, skills development
2. Historic Preservation, Museums, Humanities, and the Arts - cultural institutions, heritage projects
3. Youth Development - programs supporting young people's growth and opportunity
4. Human Services/Social Services - supporting individuals overcoming adversity
5. Health and Science
6. Public Affairs and Civic Life - free enterprise, policy research aligned with foundation values
7. Environment
8. Religious Causes - faith-based organizations
9. Community Enrichment - programs celebrating human dignity and creating opportunity

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals (only qualified nonprofit organizations)
• Organizations outside Houston/Texas receive lower priority
• Proposals inconsistent with core values (free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Mike Viator (Chairman)
• Craig Loewenstern
• Bryan Miller
• Steven Sheldon
• Rob Shoss
• George W. "Trey" Strake, III
• Richard J. Loewenstern (Emeritus Advisory Director)

Staff:

• Renee Masaryk (President)
• Kara Boleyn (Grants Officer)
• Peter Nagel, JD (Grants Officer)
• Marissa Cutaia (Controller)
• Kristina Gantz (Executive Assistant)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Submit applications through the online portal only (no paper proposals)
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no deadlines
• Organizations limited to one grant request per 12-month period
• Only 501(c)(3) or equivalent organizations eligible
• Do not contact individual board members - may result in adverse consideration

The evaluation process includes proposal review, financial analysis, team discussions, and possible site visits.

Decision Timeline

Board meets quarterly to approve grants:

• February
• May
• August
• October

Applications can be submitted anytime and will be reviewed at the next appropriate board meeting.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation made 292 awards in 2023 and 320 awards in 2024.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit only one grant request per 12-month period. No specific restriction on reapplying after an unsuccessful application beyond the annual limit.

Application Success Factors

1. Explicitly align with core values: Use language reflecting "limited government, individual freedom, equality of opportunity, self-sufficiency, hard work, and resourcefulness"

2. Education proposals have highest priority: Schools, scholarships, financial literacy, and workforce programs are strong fits. Recent grantees include St. Thomas High School, Strake Jesuit, Beta Academy, Junior Achievement, and The Shlenker School

3. Demonstrate Houston community roots: Foundation strongly prefers Greater Houston organizations with deep local connections

4. Capital campaigns welcome: Unlike many foundations, Herzstein explicitly considers building projects and facility improvements

5. Heritage and civic values resonate: Organizations like Alamo Trust, Texas Public Policy Foundation, and Lone Star Flight Museum align well with foundation interests

6. Scale requests appropriately: With typical grants of $5,000-$25,000, requests should match this range

7. Follow proper channels: All contact through official portal and staff - never contact board members directly

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Education is the top priority - schools, scholarships, financial literacy, and workforce programs have the best chance
• Values alignment is essential - frame impact in terms of individual empowerment and self-reliance
• Rolling applications offer flexibility - apply anytime but plan around quarterly board meetings
• One shot per year - submit your strongest proposal as you only get one application annually
• Capital projects are fundable - rare among private foundations, making this a good prospect for facilities
• Houston/Texas location is crucial - overwhelming preference for local organizations
• Avoid board contact - all communication through official channels only

References

• Herzstein Foundation Official Website: https://herzsteinfoundation.org/ (accessed February 2026)
• Application Guidelines: https://herzsteinfoundation.org/application-guidelines/ (accessed February 2026)
• Online Application FAQ: https://herzsteinfoundation.org/online-application-faq/ (accessed February 2026)
• Grantee Highlights: https://herzsteinfoundation.org/grantee-highlights/ (accessed February 2026)
• Leadership Page: https://herzsteinfoundation.org/about-us-2/ (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 74-6070484): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/746070484 (accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/albert-and-ethel-herzstein-charitable-foundation (accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/albert-and-ethel-herzstein-charitable-foundation,746070484/ (accessed February 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy Profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/texas-grants/herzstein-charitable-foundation (accessed February 2026)
• GrantStation Profile: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/albert-and-ethel-herzstein-charitable-foundation (accessed February 2026)