David Herro Charitable Foundation

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 foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

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. The David Herro Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking includes education and arts organizations.

Herro comes from a humble background and attended Catholic schools, a cause he now strongly supports. 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. It also worth noting that Herro is conservative and has supported Republican and free-market causes.

In a recent fiscal year, grants ranged from about $10,000 to over $1 million, with an average grant size of about $75,000. 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.” Review the funder''s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees.

The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. However, grantseekers may contact the foundation by phone with general questions at  312-587-0408.

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CONTACT:

David Herro Foundation

65 E. Goethe St., Ste. 3W

Chicago, IL 60610-7259

(312) 587-0408