About Us
OUR STORY
Eric and Steve are the third generation of Hovdes who grew up in Madison. The brothers started doing business together after college and established the family foundation in 1998. Because Eric has Multiple Sclerosis, the initial focus of The Eric D. and Steven D. Hovde Foundation was to fund research aimed at finding a cure for the debilitating disease.
In 2000, however, Eric and Steve traveled to Kosovo and saw first-hand the devastation that armed conflict causes. More than seeing damaged buildings and infrastructure, they were struck by seeing homeless children on the streets, sniffing glue to stave off hunger, and understanding that innocent children were suffering with no recourse. Knowing that there were limited resources available to help these children, Eric and Steve decided to do something about it themselves. As a result, the mission of the Hovde Foundation expanded to include improving the lives of children in crisis.
Knowing that there were limited resources available to help these children, Eric and Steve decided to do something about it themselves. As a result, the mission of the Hovde Foundation expanded to include improving the lives of children in crisis.
Today, the Hovde Foundation continues to support two central missions – ending MS and improving the wellbeing and life opportunities of vulnerable children around the world.
OUR LEADERSHIP
The Hovde Foundation is governed by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director.
