Fred M Hector Jr Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $663,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $225,000
• Geographic Focus: Greater Fargo-Moorhead area (ND/MN)

Contact Details

• Website: www.fmhectorfoundation.org
• Phone: 701-371-9960
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7186, Fargo, ND 58106-7186
• Online Application: www.fmhectorfoundation.org/apply
• Application Status Check: fmhectorfoundation.org/application-status

Overview

The Fred M. Hector Jr. Charitable Trust, also known as The Hector Foundation, is a private foundation established in 2017 with initial funding of $7 million. With current assets of $19.2 million, the foundation distributes approximately $663,000 annually through grants ranging from $1,000 to $225,000. The foundation continues the Hector family's century-long legacy of philanthropy in the Fargo-Moorhead area, carrying forward Fred M. Hector Jr.'s lifetime commitment to helping military veterans, youth, the disabled, and others less fortunate. The foundation became active in June 2019 following Fred Hector Jr.'s death and began accepting applications in July 2020, maintaining his preference for straightforward, no-nonsense giving to organizations that directly enhance the lives of everyday people in need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides general charitable grants ranging from $1,000 to $225,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through their online portal.

Priority Areas

• Military veterans support services
• Youth development and recreation programs
• Services for individuals with disabilities
• Education initiatives
• Human services
• Environmental organizations
• Philanthropy and volunteerism

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed on their website. Grant seekers should contact the foundation directly for clarification on funding restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was established by Fred M. Hector Jr. (1933-2019), a lifelong Fargo resident and farmer who descended from one of Fargo's premier pioneer families. Fred was known as a "bare bones type of guy who didn't like a lot of fluff," reflecting the foundation's straightforward approach to philanthropy. The Hector family's philanthropic legacy includes the donation of land that became Hector International Airport and the Rose Creek Golf Course. Specific board members and trustees are not publicly disclosed.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations can apply online at www.fmhectorfoundation.org/apply. The application includes required fields marked with asterisks. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Decision Timeline

The foundation notifies successful applicants by phone if their grant is being considered for acceptance. Denied applications receive notification via email. Specific timeframes from submission to decision are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 40 grants in 2024, 31 in 2023, and 26 in both 2022 and 2021. Total application numbers and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations whose applications are denied may reapply for funding the following year. There is a one-year waiting period before resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and focus areas:

• Demonstrate clear benefit to Fargo-Moorhead area residents
• Show direct service to veterans, youth, disabled individuals, or disadvantaged populations
• Present straightforward, no-nonsense proposals aligned with Fred Hector's practical approach
• Focus on programs that enhance the lives of "ordinary, everyday people in need"
• Emphasize local impact within Cass County, ND and Clay County, MN

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation strongly focuses on the greater Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area - projects must benefit this region
• With grants ranging from $1,000 to $225,000, the foundation supports both small and substantial projects
• The foundation's giving reflects the founder's practical, straightforward approach - avoid overly complex or theoretical proposals
• Veterans, youth, and disability services align closely with the foundation's core mission
• Applications can be submitted year-round through the online portal
• Check application status online rather than following up by phone or email
• Organizations can reapply after one year if initially unsuccessful

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Fred M Hector Jr Charitable Trust (EIN 826127063). Accessed February 2025
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile - Fred M Hector Jr Charitable Trust. Accessed February 2025
• The Hector Foundation Official Website (www.fmhectorfoundation.org). Accessed February 2025
• InForum: "The Hector Foundation starts to work with Fred Jr's legacy" - July 2020
• Grand Forks Herald: "Fargo's Hector Foundation continues family legacy of helping those in need" - 2020
• Instrumentl Foundation Database - Fred M Hector Jr Charitable Trust Profile. Accessed February 2025
• Candid Foundation Directory - Fred M Hector Jr Charitable Trust. Accessed February 2025