Charities
With the loss of our benefactor, we now begin the process of working to keep both his memory and legacy alive. This will inevitably be a period of transition and change going forward for the foundation and its gift recipients. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through this process.

Since its inception in 1983, Herb Kohl Charities has awarded thousands of grants totaling more than $30 Million ($30,000,000) to programs throughout Wisconsin. Herb Kohl Charities offers a Small Grants Program that accepts a broad array of requests on a statewide basis throughout the year under the guidelines outlined below. There is no deadline for requests.


Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for funding, an organization must:

  • Be a Wisconsin based non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status
  • Operate with clearly defined objectives and viable plans to achieve them
  • Demonstrate strong community ties and operate at the community level
  • The Charities program does not fund individuals, debt reduction, endowments, publications, research, capital projects other private foundations or scholarship funds.

For national organizations with local chapters, we only fund the local chapter located in Wisconsin.
To be considered please check back at a later time for when we start the program again. or if you are not able to apply on-line, please provide the following in writing:

  • a personalized letter on your organization's letterhead, including address, phone, contact person, his/her e-mail address, which provides the reason and detailed purpose of your request;
  • include specific information pertaining to cost, viability, dates and deadlines and best mailing address, if different from the address provided with initial contact information;
  • a brochure, website address or description of your group's activities and how the grant will be utilized; and
  • a copy of your Internal Revenue Service Section 501(c)(3) determination letter
    (NOTE: The foundation only contributes to entities which are determined to be charitable under this provision and have been determined under section 509(a) not to be a private foundation.)

This funding is provided to organizations once per year. If multiple requests are sent, only one will be considered. Requests are reviewed on an ongoing monthly basis. Due to volume, requests can take up to 120 days for final decision. We require at least 90 days prior notice for special event requests.


Herb Kohl Charities
825 N Jefferson Street, #350
Milwaukee WI 53202
info@herbkohlphilanthropies.org