OVERVIEW: The David Herro Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking strongly supports education and arts organizations in Chicago and other areas of the U.S.
IP TAKE: The David Herro Charitable Foundation is a funder with narrow funding interests; most grants go to either education or the arts. The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. It also worth noting that Herro is conservative and has supported Republican and free-market causes; however, he has also supported American Unity Fund, a same-sex marriage advocacy organization.
Unfortunately for new grantseekers, the David Herro Charitable Foundation is not open to unsolicited requests for funding. According to recent tax records, it only funds pre-selected organizations, and the foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers through its application process. Overall, Herro’s grants tend to be split between unrestricted contributions and support for specific projects.
PROFILE: Founded in 1997, the David Herro Charitable Foundation was established by Chicago businessman David Herro, a partner of Harris Associates a Chicago investment firm.David Herro grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin at Platteville, and then worked for Hormel. Herro also received an MA from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1985 and took a job starting and managing an international stock fund with Principal Financial Group. He took a similar position at The State of Wisconsin Investment Board. In the early 1990s, Herro joined Harris Associates, where he is partner and CIO of international equity.
Herro is a trustee, and his longtime partner Jay Franke is president, of the Hartford, Wisconsin-based HF Foundation, which has received millions in donations from the Herro Charitable Foundation, including more than $3.4 million in 2021 alone.
The David Herro Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking includes education and arts organizations.
Grants for K-12 Education
Herro comes from a humble background and attended Catholic schools, a cause he now strongly supports. Grants have also gone to area charter schools.
- Previous grantees include Big Shoulders Fund, which supports inner city kids, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Saint Mary’s Springs High School, and Lawndale Educational and Regional Network Charter School, as well as Colorado’s Charter Fund.
Grants for Arts and Culture
He and his longtime partner Jay Franke, a dancer, are also arts patrons. In 2007 Herro helped launch Chicago Dancing Festival, an event that draws dance companies from around the country. Jay serves as the festival’s artistic director.
- Recent Chicago grantees include a Better Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, the LEARN Charter School Network, Holy Trinity High School, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Music and Dance Theater Chicago and Better Government Association, “a Chicago-based investigative journalism non-profit organization.”
Important Grant Details
Grants have ranged from about $10,000 to over $1 million, with an average grant size of about $25,000. The foundation gave away over $4.5 million in grants in a recent year.
- Most grants stay in Wisconsin and Illinois; however, Florida grantees have seen increasing support in recent years.
- Review the funder’s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees.
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.
- Grantseekers may contact the foundation by phone with general questions at 312-587-0408.
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CONTACT:
David Herro Foundation
1230 S Ocean Blvd
Palm Beach, FL 33480-5006
(312) 587-0408
