Grover Hermann Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Grover Hermann Foundation supports community, education, health, public policy and religion in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area.

IP TAKE: Although lesser known than many other Chicago foundations, this private funder often gives big grants in Northern Illinois multiple times per year. This funder accepts unsolicited applications and meets four times each year to review requests.

PROFILE: Established in 1955, the Grover Hermann Foundation is a private foundation based in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Herman (1890 to 1979) was a successful businessman who established the American Asphalt Paint Company and acquired and managed other businesses. The foundation “encourages individual liberty and a work ethic, with public assistance limited to the truly needy, that rewards the initiative and effort required to make a success of private enterprise and discourages wasteful bureaucratic alternatives.” It funds local efforts for community, education, health, public policy and religion.

The Grover Hermann Foundation’s education grants focus mostly on higher education in the form of scholarships, fellowships project support and capital expenditures. Health grants go towards basic research, facilities, disease-specific organizations and other health programs. Public policy grants aim to improve economic and government systems. The foundation’s grants for community needs go towards youth, the elderly, the disadvantaged and cultural organizations. The Hermann Foundation awards religion grants to organizations that further well-defined secular causes.

Grants range between about $50,000 and $5 million. Grantmaking focuses on the Chicago metropolitan area and also Monterey County, California, where the company has longstanding ties. Past local grantees include the Illinois Policy Institute, Lucky Plush Productions and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. It does not have a formal application form but welcomes written application materials submitted in triplicate by mail. The board meets quarterly in March, June, September and December to review grant requests. Direct general questions to the staff at 630-908-7800.

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CONTACT:

Grover Hermann Foundation

908 Kenmare Dr.

Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7091

(630) 325-6756