Our Purpose
Richard and Ethel Herzfeld created a foundation to continue their generosity to the greater Milwaukee area after their deaths. They were particularly intent on sustaining their legacy in the city’s civic and cultural areas as well as in enhancing the quality of its educational institutions.
We attempt to carry on that legacy by investing in a variety of nonprofit organizations that have a similar goal of providing access for all Milwaukeeans to high-quality arts and cultural opportunities and educational offerings, and to funding vital services that enhance our civic landscape. We especially look to support organizations that embody the principles of collaboration, innovation, and accessibility and that serve historically disadvantaged communities in the city with thoughtfulness and compassion.
Our Strategic Focus
The Herzfeld Foundation embarked on a new strategic focus in 2025, after concentrating the previous three years largely on providing multi-year general operations grants to help dozens of organizations navigate the effects of the pandemic.
For the next few years, we plan to offer general operations grant opportunities to more than a dozen “bedrock” organizations that we have consistently supported for many years. In addition, we have developed three competitive grant application opportunities related to arts and culture and two related to education, and we will continue to invite applications from organizations working on important civic improvements. This will be a time of experimentation as we seek to develop new grantmaking strategies to maximize our impact.
Program Areas We Support
Arts & Culture
The Herzfeld Foundation recognizes that arts & culture are vital to the well-being of a community. A vibrant arts and cultural community is one that offers diverse cultural experiences to everyone.
Education
Throughout its history, the Herzfeld Foundation has supported organizations and initiatives that promote educational quality in Milwaukee and expand access to educational opportunities for all children.
Civic Improvements
On a limited basis and by invitation only, the Herzfeld Foundation considers grant requests for civic improvements initiatives that address important societal or public policy challenges in Milwaukee.