Harman Family Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $578,000 (10 grants)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Average $57,800
• Geographic Focus: Iowa, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

Contact Details

Address: 6325 S Rainbow Blvd Ste 300, Las Vegas, NV 89118-3278
Website: None available
Phone: Not publicly available
Email: Not publicly available
Note: Inquiries likely need to go through Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services as trustee

Overview

The Harman Family Charitable Trust is a private foundation established in 2021 with assets of approximately $12.4 million. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the trust operates through Wells Fargo Bank N.A. as trustee and distributes approximately $578,000 annually through grants to organizations primarily in Iowa, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The foundation makes grants at the discretion of its grant committee, led by James R. Harman and four additional committee members. As a relatively new foundation, it represents the philanthropic interests of the Harman family, particularly focusing on communities with which they have personal connections.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust does not operate specific grant programs but makes discretionary grants averaging $57,800. In the most recent fiscal period, they awarded 10 grants totaling approximately $578,000.

Priority Areas

Geographic focus areas include:

• Iowa: Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines
• Tennessee: Nashville
• Wisconsin: Various communities

The trust does not specify particular subject areas, suggesting broad philanthropic interests within their geographic focus areas.

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented, but the narrow geographic focus effectively excludes organizations outside Iowa, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Governance and Leadership

Grant Committee Members (all serve without compensation):

• James R. Harman (Committee member and likely founder)
• Jayne K. Hintz
• John J. Burns
• Theresa E. Hoffman
• David Buck

Trustee:

• Wells Fargo Bank N.A. (Compensation: $57,978)

The committee structure suggests a family foundation with close advisors. James R. Harman appears to have strong ties to Cedar Falls, Iowa, with connections to the University of Northern Iowa and a successful career in banking and finance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the grant committee based on their personal knowledge of and relationships with organizations. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the trust operates through trustee discretion and personal relationships:

• Organizations with existing connections to grant committee members, particularly James R. Harman, are most likely to be considered
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services, as trustee, manages the administrative aspects of the foundation and may serve as an initial point of contact for established organizations
• Organizations operating in the specific communities of focus (Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Nashville, and Wisconsin communities) with demonstrable impact may attract attention through their work

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not have an open application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates through trustee discretion rather than applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this is a private foundation without a public application process:

• Geographic alignment is essential - organizations must operate in or serve Iowa, Tennessee, or Wisconsin
• Personal relationships with grant committee members, particularly those with Iowa connections, appear to be the primary pathway to funding
• Organizations should review the trust's Form 990-PF filings to identify which organizations have previously received grants and understand giving patterns
• Building visibility within the Cedar Falls/Northern Iowa community networks may be beneficial given the founder's apparent connections to that region

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private foundation without a public application process - do not submit unsolicited proposals
• Focus exclusively on Iowa, Tennessee, and Wisconsin - geographic alignment is non-negotiable
• Average grants are approximately $57,800, suggesting mid-level support rather than major gifts or small grants
• Relationship building with committee members is the only pathway to consideration
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services manages the trust administration
• Review Form 990-PF filings to understand past grant recipients and identify patterns
• This is a relatively new foundation (established 2021) still developing its grant-making patterns

References

• Charity Navigator - Organization Profile for EIN 831555150. Accessed March 2024. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/831555150
• Cause IQ - Harman Family Charitable Trust Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/harman-family-charitable-trust,831555150/
• GuideStar - Form 990 Profile for EIN 83-1555150. Accessed March 2024. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/83-1555150
• Candid - Foundation Profile #10989395. Accessed March 2024. https://app.candid.org/profile/10989395/harman-family-charitable-trust-83-1555150
• Grantable - Harman Family Charitable Trust Funder Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/harman-family-charitable-tr-main-us-foundation-831555150
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services - Private Foundation Services. Accessed March 2024. https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/