Harmes C Fishback Foundation Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $540,000 - $650,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not published
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Colorado (86% of grants) and New York

Contact Details

• Phone: 203-622-1382
• Address: 8 Village Road, Englewood, Colorado 80110
• Contact: Jenna Stapleton, Executive Director
• Email: Not publicly available
• Website: None

Overview

The Harmes C Fishback Foundation Trust is a private family foundation established in 1972 in Englewood, Colorado. With assets of approximately $19.9 million, the foundation distributes between $500,000 and $700,000 annually across 17-38 individual awards. The foundation operates with minimal public profile and no formal application process, requiring direct contact with Executive Director Jenna Stapleton as the primary entry point for prospective grantees.

The foundation's mission encompasses religious, educational, charitable, scientific, and literary purposes, as well as public safety, amateur sports competition, and prevention of cruelty to children or animals. In practice, grantmaking concentrates on education, human services, and arts and culture, with the vast majority of grants staying in Colorado.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not publish formal grant programs. Grants are awarded at trustee discretion across:

• Education: ~26% of grants ($1,000 - $61,250)
• Human Services: ~26% of grants ($1,000 - $60,000)
• Arts & Culture: ~21% of grants ($1,000 - $100,000)
• Application method: Direct contact only (no public process)

Priority Areas

• Colorado-based nonprofits (primary focus)
• Education and school choice initiatives
• Youth development and services
• Arts and cultural institutions
• Military and veteran causes
• Community safety and relief
• Recovery and substance abuse programs

What They Don't Fund

No formal exclusions published, but practically:

• Organizations outside Colorado or New York rarely funded
• No evidence of international programs
• No documented advocacy or research grants

Governance and Leadership

• Benjamin F. Stapleton III - Trustee
• Craig R. Stapleton - Trustee (Former U.S. Ambassador to Czech Republic and France)
• Jenna Stapleton - Executive Director (primary contact for all grant inquiries)

Craig Stapleton serves on multiple prestigious boards including the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, American University in Paris, and the Trust for the National Mall.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. All grant inquiries must be directed to Jenna Stapleton:

• Phone: 203-622-1382
• Mail: 8 Village Road, Englewood, CO 80110

There are no published guidelines, deadlines, or application forms. Requirements are communicated individually after initial contact.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on documented patterns specific to this foundation:

• Direct contact with Jenna Stapleton is essential - she is the sole documented entry point
• YMCA network connections may help - Jenna previously led YMCA of Metro Denver, which received $1 million from the foundation
• History Colorado has an established relationship with the Stapleton family
• American Red Cross of Colorado receives recurring support, suggesting emergency services organizations are well-positioned

Decision Timeline

Not published. Annual 990-PF filing in November suggests consolidated annual grantmaking cycle.

Success Rates

Not disclosed. Foundation made 25 grants in 2024, 17 in 2023, and 38 in 2022.

Reapplication Policy

Not formally stated. Recurring grants to organizations like American Red Cross and YMCA indicate ongoing relationships are valued.

Application Success Factors

• Colorado location is crucial - 86% of grants stay in-state
• Established institutions preferred - Recipients include Denver Art Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs, US Air Force Academy
• Youth and education consistently funded - Both formal education and youth services appear regularly
• Direct service over advocacy - All documented grants support direct service or institutional operations
• Relationship-building essential - This is a discretionary family foundation requiring personal connection
• Significant grants possible - Awards of $50,000-$100,000 documented for aligned organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application exists - Direct contact with Jenna Stapleton (203-622-1382) is the only route
• Colorado organizations have strongest case - Out-of-state applicants need exceptional alignment
• Focus on proven programs - Foundation funds established organizations, not startups
• Education, youth, arts, and human services are core - These sectors receive majority of funding
• Prepare for relationship cultivation - Initial contact is just the beginning
• Grant sizes can be substantial - Awards up to $100,000 documented
• No website or public presence - All intelligence from 990 filings and direct outreach

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Harmes C Fishback Foundation Trust (EIN 84-6094542). Accessed February 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/846094542
• Grantmakers.io Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/846094542-harmes-c-fishback-foundation-trust/
• Instrumentl 990 Report. Accessed February 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/harmes-c-fishback-foundation-trust
• Here-4-You Consulting NPFunds Directory. Accessed February 2026. https://npfunds.com/directory/harmes-c-fishback-foundation-trust-2/
• American Red Cross of Colorado Blog - "Generosity of the Harmes C. Fishback Foundation." Accessed February 2026. https://cowyredcrossblog.org/harmes-c-fishback-foundation/
• CauseIQ Organization Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/harmes-c-fishback-foundation-trust,846094542/