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Robert & Michelle Diener Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.8M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.4M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,792,402 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified (rolling basis)
  • Grant Range: $360 - $413,310
  • Median Grant: $18,000
  • Total Grants: 39 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Florida, New York, and Louisiana
  • Foundation Assets: $28.9 million

Contact Details

Address: 3010 LBJ Freeway Suite 748, Dallas, TX 75234

Phone: (305) 865-9300

Website: Not available

Application Method: Accepts unsolicited applications; no specific application form or deadlines

Overview

The Robert & Michelle Diener Foundation was established in 2001 in Texas and received tax-exempt status in May 2002. The foundation has total assets of approximately $28.9 million and distributed $1,792,402 in grants to 39 organizations in 2023. Led by Robert "Bob" Diener, co-founder and president of getaroom.com and founder of Hotels.com, the foundation focuses primarily on Jewish education, religious organizations, healthcare, and human services. The foundation's giving is concentrated in Florida, New York, and Louisiana, reflecting the Dieners' strong ties to Miami's Jewish community and their commitment to supporting Israel and Jewish causes nationally. The foundation operates on a rolling application basis with no formal deadlines or application forms required.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal named grant programs but awards grants on a rolling basis. Recent grants ranged from $360 to $413,310, with a median grant of $18,000.

Application Method: Rolling basis, no fixed deadlines, no specific application form required

Priority Areas

Religious Organizations: The foundation's largest funding category, with 17 grants awarded to Jewish religious organizations in 2023. Top recipients include:

  • Chabad on Campus ($413,310)
  • Aish Hatorah Inc ($155,000)
  • Greater Miami Jewish Federation ($144,300)

Education: Eight grants focused on Jewish education and educational institutions

Healthcare: Five grants to healthcare organizations, particularly those supporting medical research and Israel-related medical services

  • American Friends of Magen David Adom ($175,000)

Human Services: Support for social services within the Jewish community, including the JCS Kosher Food Bank

Geographic Focus: While based in Texas, the foundation primarily funds organizations in Florida, New York, and Louisiana

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not limit grants to in-state organizations. However, based on grant patterns, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on Jewish organizations and causes related to Israel. No publicly available information indicates funding for secular organizations or non-Jewish causes.

Governance and Leadership

Robert "Bob" Diener (President/Co-Founder): Bob Diener is a successful entrepreneur who founded Hotel Reservations Network in 1991, which became Hotels.com. He created the merchant model for booking hotel rooms and launched one of the first travel sites on the web in 1995, later taking Hotels.com public as President in 2000. He subsequently co-founded getaroom.com, where he currently serves as President. Bob holds a law degree from Cornell, where he was an editor of the Law Review, and practiced securities and corporate law with Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. He was awarded Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year by the University of Florida and has taught at Cornell Law School and served as scholar in residence at the University of Florida Entrepreneurship program.

Michelle Diener (Co-Founder): Michelle Diener serves as Treasurer and Vice Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. She is actively involved in Miami's Jewish community alongside her husband.

Board Affiliations: Bob Diener serves on the National Boards of AIPAC, Israel Bonds, and the Hasbara Fellowships. Both Bob and Michelle are active with Scheck Hillel Community School, Aish HaTorah, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the JCS Kosher Food Bank, and the Miami Children's Museum.

Philanthropic Philosophy: According to Michelle Diener, the foundation focuses on "innovation, inspiration, and compassion," prioritizing organizations making significant differences within the Jewish community and Israel. Bob Diener states, "Israel is my homeland... I feel an incredible emotional connection every time I set foot off the plane." Michelle noted about one of their supported organizations: "Hadassah brought modern health care to Israel over 100 years ago... Israel and Hadassah hold up the torch in medicine to make people's lives better around the globe."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Robert & Michelle Diener Foundation accepts unsolicited applications. There is no specific application form, formal application portal, or stated deadlines. The foundation operates on a rolling basis.

To Apply: Organizations interested in applying should contact the foundation directly at:

  • Phone: (305) 865-9300
  • Mail: 3010 LBJ Freeway Suite 748, Dallas, TX 75234

Given the foundation's structure as a private family foundation with strong ties to specific communities and causes, applicants should clearly demonstrate alignment with the foundation's focus on Jewish education, religious organizations, healthcare (particularly Israel-related), and human services within the Jewish community.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish specific decision timelines or board meeting schedules. As a private family foundation operating on a rolling basis, decision times likely vary depending on the timing of trustee review and the nature of the request.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 39 grants in 2023 with total giving of $1,792,402. Specific data on the number of applications received and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is published. As the foundation accepts unsolicited applications on a rolling basis, unsuccessful applicants may presumably reapply, though timing and approach should be considered based on initial feedback if provided.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns and the Dieners' stated philanthropic philosophy, organizations seeking funding should consider:

Alignment with Jewish Causes: The foundation's entire grant portfolio focuses on Jewish organizations, including synagogues, Jewish educational institutions, Israel-related organizations, and Jewish social services. Organizations outside this focus area are unlikely to receive funding.

Connection to Priority Geographies: While based in Texas, the foundation concentrates funding in Florida (particularly Miami, where the Dieners reside), New York, and Louisiana. Organizations in these regions, especially South Florida, may have an advantage.

Israel Connection: The Dieners have expressed strong emotional and practical connections to Israel. Organizations supporting Israel through healthcare (like Magen David Adom), education, or advocacy (like AIPAC) align well with their priorities. Bob Diener's quote emphasizes this: "Israel is my homeland... I feel an incredible emotional connection every time I set foot off the plane."

Innovation and Impact: Michelle Diener states they prioritize "innovation, inspiration, and compassion" and support organizations "making significant differences." Organizations should demonstrate innovative approaches and measurable impact.

Educational Excellence: With eight grants to educational institutions in 2023 and the Dieners' active involvement with Scheck Hillel Community School, Jewish education is a clear priority. Educational organizations should highlight quality, innovation, and outcomes.

Healthcare and Medical Research: The foundation supports organizations like Hadassah Medical Organization and American Friends of Magen David Adom. Michelle noted Hadassah's role in bringing "modern health care to Israel over 100 years ago." Healthcare organizations should emphasize research innovation and commitment to serving diverse populations.

Established Organizations: Top recipients include well-known organizations like Chabad on Campus, Aish HaTorah, and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The foundation appears to favor established organizations with proven track records, though they also support smaller community organizations.

Personal Connection: As a private family foundation, personal connections to the Dieners or organizations they are already involved with may influence funding decisions. Organizations where the Dieners have existing relationships or board involvement (like the Greater Miami Jewish Federation) receive consistent support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Jewish focus is essential: The foundation exclusively funds Jewish organizations and Israel-related causes; organizations outside this focus should not apply
  • Geographic alignment matters: Priority is given to organizations in Florida (especially Miami), New York, and Louisiana, reflecting the Dieners' personal connections
  • Emphasize innovation and impact: Align proposals with the foundation's stated values of "innovation, inspiration, and compassion" and demonstrate measurable differences
  • Israel connection strengthens applications: Organizations supporting Israel through healthcare, education, or advocacy align strongly with the Dieners' personal commitments
  • Rolling applications allow flexibility: With no deadlines or formal application requirements, organizations can reach out when ready, though competition for limited funds remains
  • Relationship-building is valuable: As a private family foundation, personal connections matter; organizations should consider engaging with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and other organizations the Dieners support
  • Wide grant range allows varied asks: Grants range from $360 to over $400,000, though the median is $18,000; organizations should request amounts appropriate to their project scope and the foundation's typical giving patterns

References

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