Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust

Mission

To improve the lives of children, create opportunities for students, and enhance end of life care for the residents of North Dakota.

Annual application deadlines

August 1

Program areas

Education
Health
Human services

Program limitations

There are no program limitations; however, the trust has a practice of primarily supporting organizations that improve the lives of children, create opportunities for students, and enhance end of life care.

States served

North Dakota

Geographic limitations

North Dakota

Types of support

All

Population served

All

The Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust supports organizations serving the residents of North Dakota that improve the lives of children, create opportunities for students, and enhance end of life care.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Limitations

The trust intends to limit the number of grants awarded each year to ensure that the grant amounts are meaningful to the scope of the selected projects. The minimum grant size is $500.

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round. Applications must be submitted by August 1 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting that occurs in early September.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Grant decisions are generally communicated by 12/1 for applications received by the deadline.

Required agreements and reports

Except as otherwise specified when a grant is awarded, a progress report must be submitted within 6 months after receiving funds.

About the Foundation

Robert E. Herman came to North Dakota from southern Illinois in 1954 to work the first oil boom. He was united in marriage to Sharon Ness in 1955 in Columbus, ND. Over the next nine years, the couple lived in various small towns throughout western North Dakota. Bob worked the oilfield and Sharon stayed home to raise their young children. Bob’s farm roots had created a strong work ethic and dedication to work which led to a successful career throughout his life.

In 1964, the couple settled in Williston and started Bob’s Standard Service. Bob’s hard work and great business sense promoted the growth of the business. They sold the service station in 1974 and purchased the Amoco Bulk Plant in Williston. Sharon took over the bookkeeping while continuing to be a devoted mother. This business continued to thrive and came to be known as Herman Oil, Inc. The venture prospered and in time grew into two bulk plants and two convenience stores. Herman Oil served the oilfield and the agricultural communities in western North Dakota and eastern Montana for over thirty years. In 2011, Bob sold the business and retired after forty-seven years in the oilfield.

Bob and Sharon were committed to their family. They passed on the importance of faith, family, and public service to their children. This legacy continues to serve the community today through the Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust and will be carried on by their children, grandchildren, and generations to come. The mission of the foundation is to enrich the lives of children, create opportunities for students, enhance end of life care for families, and to support the communities in western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and southern Illinois.

Sharon was called home to her heavenly Father on September 10, 2001, and Bob joined her twelve years later, October 26, 2013. Their core beliefs in generosity and encouragement for leadership in family and business will continue through the Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust for many years to come.