The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation is a private foundation in Omaha, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $40.3 million in 149 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $25.2 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$40.3 million
- Number of grants149
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$25.2 million
- Assets$429 million
- New grantees34%
Giving in 2025 was up from $30.8 million the year before.
34% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $4.3 million | 125 | $94.5 million |
| 2023 | $15.6 million | 136 | $363 million |
| 2024 | $30.8 million | 151 | $424 million |
| 2025 | $40.3 million | 149 | $429 million |
How to apply
The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 118 | $36.6 million |
| Florida | 1 | $900,000 |
| Colorado | 4 | $625,000 |
| New York | 3 | $611,000 |
| Kentucky | 8 | $565,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $550,000 |
| Iowa | 7 | $193,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $155,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
Officers and trustees
- Cindy M Heider
- Scott C Heider
- Erin Swanson Russell
- Michael T Findley
- Rachel H Powell
Questions people ask
Does The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation give?
$40.3 million in tax year 2025, across 149 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cindy M Heider (President/Treasurer), Scott C Heider (Vice-President/Secretary), Erin Swanson Russell (Officer) and Michael T Findley (Officer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.