About the Hertz Foundation
Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators
The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.
A mission like no other
Since 1957, Hertz Foundation has served as an unwavering source of independent support for our nation’s most exceptional minds. Our Hertz Fellows continue to bring the scientific leadership our world needs — grounded in rigor, responsibility and impact — making history with every breakthrough.
Learn about our impactHertz Fellowship
The Hertz Fellowship is the nation’s most competitive award for doctoral students in applied science, engineering, and mathematics. Awarded through a rigorous selection process that has been honed over eight decades, Hertz Fellows receive up to five years of funding — offering the unique flexibility to pursue bold ideas and a community of influential peers dedicated to their success.
A thriving Community
Collaboration across disciplines is at the heart of the Hertz Community. Our more than 1300 Hertz Fellows form an interdisciplinary, intergenerational community working together to solving some of the world’s hardest problems—from health and energy to AI and national security. By uniting electrical engineers with neuroscientists, or mathematicians with biologists, we enable discoveries that could only happen at these intersections.
Our Partners are part of our mission
Our partners—ranging from early-stage startups to world-renowned institutions—collaborate with Hertz Fellows on work that drives societal progress. From innovation challenges to global health efforts, these partnerships put science in action.
Dive deeper into the Hertz Foundation
Our People
The Hertz Foundation is a team of optimists, working together to support our extraordinary Fellows and community.
Meet the staff and advisorsStrategic Plan
Our ambitious vision is to fuel world-changing investment in science and technology. Our strategic plan is how we get there.
Read moreOur History
John and Fannie Hertz established their namesake foundation more than 60 years ago, endowing their fortune to fund a better future.
Explore our storyFinancial Information
Fundraising, financial support and investment allow the Hertz Foundation to continue our mission.
See Our financial pictureLatest
News
July 10, 2025
Reuben Saunders Wins Hertz Thesis Prize for Mapping Gene Function in Living Tissues
amplify our mission
Hertz Gear Awaits
Our new gear store enables anyone to be a champion for the Hertz Community. Shop for new Hertz Foundation gear and help us amplify our mission wherever you go.
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