Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust
/OVERVIEW: The Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust supports arts, culture, humanities, education, health, human services, medical research, and youth development in Texas.
IP TAKE: This is a relatively new grantmaking foundation in Texas, but one that is giving sizable grants for specific local needs and multi-year periods.
PROFILE: Established in 2017, the Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust is a private foundation based in Texas. This is the foundation of Dorace and Morton Fichtenbaum, who lived in the city of Dallas. The couple married in 1954, Morton passed away in 1984, and Dorace passed away in 2015. The founders were supportive of the local community throughout their lives, and Dorace was actively involved with the National Council of Jewish Women, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Ballet, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and other local groups. This foundation is managed by Bank of America’s Texas office. Grantmaking includes arts, culture, humanities, education, health, human services, medical research, and youth development.
Grants for Arts and Culture, Education, Public Health and Access, and Community Development
This funder supports broad grantmaking endeavors for charitable, scientific, religious, literary, and educational purposes. It is particularly interested in cancer, heart, vision, and Myasthenia Gravis medical research. Education and research for children who have physical and mental disabilities are also interests. Another big priority for Fichtenbaum is children’s education and exposure to the fine arts. Overall, Fichtenbaum looks to fund programs that are unique, high priorities, and that do not duplicate other services. The funder also prefers to support groups that cannot secure funds from other readily available sources. In addition to capital and program grants, it also funds scholarships. The funder also plans to provide large multi-year commitments in the future.
Important Grant Details
Foundation grants are often between $10,000 and $100,000. The average Fichtenbaum grant is approximately $35,000. Grantmaking is focused on Texas communities. It is necessary for foundations to wait one year before submitting a new grant application after being awarded a grant. This funder’s grants are typically only for one-year periods.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The annual application deadline is May 1, and the funder notifies applicants about its decisions by June 30 of each year. Grant seekers must use the Bank of America online system to apply for a grant. Direct general questions to the staff at tx.philanthropic@ustrust.com.
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