FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HERO stands for the Heppner Endowments for Research Organizations.

HERO is a private initiative of Beneficient (Ben), its clients and Texas University Members that benefits the public.

HERO identifies Texas University research programs to be designated as charitable beneficiaries of trusts established by Ben’s alternative asset investor clients.

Beneficient (Ben) is a financial services company that offers innovative liquidity solutions for alternative asset investors, empowering owners of alternative assets with new private trust, lending and liquidity products focused on bringing liquidity to their portfolios

University Members are selected from among institutions of higher learning in Texas whose research prowess aligns with HERO’s 8 Fields of Focus, as outlined below.

HERO is focused on making a difference in three key impact areas: Conservation of Texas Habitats, Texas Arts and Well-Being of Texans. Under the umbrella of these three impact areas are 8 Fields of Focus.

Texas Habitats
1. Ecosystems
2. Wildlife
3. Fisheries
4. Sustainable Energy
Texas Arts
5. Culinary Art
6. Performing and Visual Arts
Well-Being of Texans
7. Kindness
8. Equine

Owned by the Heppner family, Bradley Oaks Ranch is a historic Texas property covering a third of a league of land which has continuously seen farming and ranching operations since 1852. It serves as the centralized campus for HERO field work, research and gatherings.

The Ranch is located in Bradford, Texas, approximately 70 minutes from the suburbs of Dallas and 180 minutes from the Houston suburbs.

No. Though Bradley Oaks Ranch serves as a centralized campus for HERO research and gatherings, there is no private inurement between HERO or its University Members and the Bradley Oaks Ranch.

The funds for the HERO program are managed by the National Philanthropic Trust. Research and scholarship administration are provided by individual University Members.