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Heller Foundation Inc at a glance

· Private foundation

Heller Foundation Inc

Its FY2018 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$261k
Granted FY2018
53
Grants FY2018
13
States reached
$26k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0196% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2018.

Health$168kArts & Culture$81kEducation$70kEnvironment$64kPhilanthropy$36kHuman Services$13kRecreation & Sports$12kInternational$12kOther$0
02FY2018 · 53 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2018

  • Under $10k46 grants · $129k
  • $10k–50k7 grants · $132k
$2,500
Median grant
13
States reached
$2.1M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
SCHWAB CHARITABLE$26,071
NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERV$26,071
MOUNT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM$26,071
THE GUNNERY$22,588
MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL RESEARC$11,000
KYLE'S KORNER INC$10,000
GUNN MEMORIAL LIBRARY INC$10,000
NATURE CONSERVANCY$7,589
ACLU FOUNDATION$7,500
Individual grant recipient$7,089
NORTH SUBURBAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS$7,000
NORTHBRIDGE$6,320
ST CHRISTOPHER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH$6,000
OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL$5,000
CITIZENS' CLIMATE EDUCATION$5,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY18–18, $26k) land where the poverty rate runs at 17%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%MOUNT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM: $26k → 17%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

NH
WA
MT
IL
WI
MI
NY
CT
CA
CO
WV
MD
AZ
DC
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

72%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$328k · 25 repeat orgs$129k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +53% since the first grant, against +23% for those funded once.

25 repeat relationships: 25 still active in FY2018, 0 since wound down; 21 grantees were first funded in FY2018 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

25
9

Total granted

$328k
$44k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+53%
+23%

Still filing today

52%
56%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2018, 62% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $86k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18
Arts & CultureEnvironmentEducationHealthPhilanthropyInternationalOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • TF
    THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL INC
    2× · 2017–2018 · $44k · revenue +72%
  • RAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION
    2× · 2017–2018 · $8k · revenue +53%
  • SK
    SENO KRLT CONSERVANCY INC
    2× · 2017–2018 · $8k · revenue +140%

Funded once

  • SB
    SANTA BARBARA CHANNELKEEPER INCgraduated
    one grant, 2017 · $10k · revenue +80%
  • PP
    PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF CENTRAL AND N
    one grant, 2017 · $6k
  • PP
    PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF ATLANTA
    one grant, 2017 · $6k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Npr Foundation

The npr foundation ("foundation") is organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of its sole supported organization, national public radio, inc. ("npr inc."). the foundation supports npr inc. through various activities such as…

—
2
Native Plant Trust Inc

The organization's mission is to conserve and promote new england's native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse landscapes.

Environment
3
University of Minnesota Foundation Investment Advisors

To provide the highest level of stewardship for university donors through professional management and oversight of the university of minnesota foundation's assets by creating a focused investment environment with clarity of purpose,…

Education
4
The Water Research Foundation

The purpose of the water research foundation (wrf) is a definitive research organization to advance the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. to engage exclusively in…

Environment
5
National Public Radio Inc

National public radio, inc. ("npr") works collaboratively with member public radio station licensees ("member stations") to create a more informed public, one that is challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of…

Arts & Culture
6
United States Naval Institute

Provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.

—
7
Npr International Operations Inc

Npr international operations, inc. ("nprio") supports the international newsgathering activities of national public radio, inc. through bureaus and offices established locally in foreign countries.

—
8
African Parks Foundation of America

To engage the united states and its citizens in the work of african parks and to promote access to american experience and expertise in the african parks actiities by 1) raising funds for specific projects, activities, training, equipment…

Recreation & Sports
9
The Rand Corporation

Help improve policy and decision making through research and analysis.

Public Benefit
10
Eastern National

Eastern national promotes the public's understanding and support of america's national parks and other public trust partners by providing quality educational experiences, products and services.

Recreation & Sports
11
Museum of American Finance

Finance impacts everyone. as a socially relevant organization, the museum of american finance seeks to improve understanding of the influence of financial institutions and capital markets on the u.s. and global economies, and on…

—
12
Environmental Investigation Agency

To establish and promote programs to protect the global climate, forests, wildlife and the natural environment, through research, advocacy, and investigation.

International
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is National Park Foundation; the most unlike its peers is Partners in Health a Nonprofit Corporation. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

37 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2026.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2026, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 37 of the 58 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
4
Early backer (in before they grew)
36/37
Grantees still filing
30/37
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL RESEARC: $106,186 · OtherMAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL RESEARCNATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERV: $32,349 · OtherNATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVGUNN MEMORIAL LIBRARY INC: $20,000 · OtherGUNN MEMORIAL LIBRARY INCTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $18,983 · OtherTHE NATURE CONSERVANCYNORTH SUBURBAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS: $12,000 · OtherKYLES KORNER INC: $11,500 · Other+27 more: $112,230 · Other+27 moreTHE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL INC: $43,983 · EducationTHE FREDERIC…Trustees of Dartmouth College: $10,000 · EducationTrustees of …+2 more: $2,000 · EducationSANTA BARBARA CHANNELKEEPER INC: $10,000 · EnvironmentSENO KRLT CONSERVANCY INC: $7,700 · EnvironmentTHE WETLANDS INITIATIVE: $6,494 · EnvironmentSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $5,000 · EnvironmentCITIZENS CLIMATE EDUCATION CORP: $5,000 · EnvironmentCHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: $5,000 · EnvironmentDONOR ADVISED CHARITABLE GIVING INC: $26,071 · PhilanthropyAURORA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION INC: $6,094 · PhilanthropyGATES PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS: $5,000 · PhilanthropyRAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION: $8,000 · Arts & CultureMILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM INC: $7,700 · Arts & CultureWriters Theatre Inc: $5,000 · Arts & CultureMUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART INC: $2,500 · Arts & CultureFRIENDS OF BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS INC: $2,500 · Arts & CultureWalkers Pointe Center for the Arts: $2,000 · Arts & Culture+2 more: $1,000 · Arts & CultureMOUNT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM INC: $26,071 · Human ServicesPLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA INC: $5,500 · HealthBRADLEY FAMILY FOUNDATION INC: $4,000 · HealthPARTNERS IN HEALTH A NONPROFIT CORPORATION: $2,000 · Health
Other$313,248Education$55,983Environment$39,194Philanthropy$37,165Arts & Culture$28,700Human Services$26,071Health$11,500

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetTHE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL INC: $43,983 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetMOUNT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM INC: $26,071 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetDONOR ADVISED CHARITABLE GIVING INC: $26,071 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGUNN MEMORIAL LIBRARY INC: $20,000 over 2y, 1.4% of budgetTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $18,983 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetKYLES KORNER INC: $11,500 over 2y, 5.5% of budgetTrustees of Dartmouth College: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSANTA BARBARA CHANNELKEEPER INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.6% of budgetOPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL INC D/B/A OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL-US: $9,900 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC: $9,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetRAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION: $8,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetMILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM INC: $7,700 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetTHE WETLANDS INITIATIVE: $6,494 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetAURORA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION INC: $6,094 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHUNGER TASK FORCE INC: $5,849 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetPLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA INC: $5,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGATES PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCITIZENS CLIMATE EDUCATION CORP: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetINTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION INC: $5,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetCHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: $5,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetWriters Theatre Inc: $5,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetBRADLEY FAMILY FOUNDATION INC: $4,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetSWIFT YOUTH FOUNDATION: $3,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetMILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION INC: $3,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetMUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetNATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFRIENDS OF BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetPARTNERS IN HEALTH A NONPROFIT CORPORATION: $2,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetWalkers Pointe Center for the Arts: $2,000 over 1y, 1.1% of budgetUniversity of Arizona Foundation: $1,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetWILD SPACE INC: $500 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetPUBLIC BROADCASTING OF COLORADO INC: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHISTORIC MILWAUKEE INC: $500 over 1y, 0.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Greater Milwaukee Fou…Baird Foundation IncRichard and Ethel Her…Wisconsin Humanities …United Way of Greater…Herbert H Kohl Charit…Marcus Corporation Fo…Zurn Foundation Inc (…Milwaukee Jewish Fede…AbbVie FoundationJpmorgan Chase Founda…Ge Aerospace Foundati…
Greater Milwaukee Foundation IncWI19.1× affinity7 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc · Baird Foundation Inc · Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation Inc · Wisconsin Humanities Council Inc · United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Inc · Herbert H Kohl Charities Inc · Marcus Corporation Foundation Inc · Zurn Foundation Inc (Fka Rexnord Foundation Inc) · Milwaukee Jewish Federation Inc · AbbVie Foundation · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · Ge Aerospace Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Heller Foundation Inc funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Heller Foundation Inc. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%6%13%19%25%share of the org’s income from government →median 0%
  • Partners in Health a Nonprofit Corporation: 0% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
1get no government money at all
11report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–25%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 58 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2018, released 2018. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Heller’s filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home