Legacy of Learning and Future of Innovation
About
Founder ~ John Van Nostrand Dorr (JVN)
Founder ~ John Van Nostrand Dorr (JVN)
Our Story
Founded in 1940 by inventor and entrepreneur John Van Nostrand Dorr (JVN), The Dorr Foundation carries forward a legacy of innovation and impact.
JVN was a pioneer in the mining and waste water treatment industries, inventor of the white safety line on highways, and an early collaborator with Thomas Edison. He believed small sparks could ignite big change - a philosophy that still drives our work today.
For over 80 years, the Foundation has acted as a catalyst for science and engineering education and public programs, providing seed funding and support to help promising ideas grow into lasting impact.
More information coming soon.
Our Priorities
We exist to empower nonprofit organizations and schools, focused on science and engineering education to launch and expand initiatives that create change and inspire learning, innovation, discovery, and improve the environment around us. Through seed money, pilot programs, curriculum development, and new program implementation, we invest in ideas that shape the future.
Who We Serve
We strive to empower nonprofit organizations, and schools focused on science and engineering education to launch and expand initiatives that inspire learning, innovation, and discovery. Through seed money, pilot programs, curriculum development, and new program support, we invest in ideas that shape the future.
Our Approach
We specialize in seed funding - helping new ideas take root and grow.
We focus on programs that:
Develop innovative science curricula
Support hands-on learning and pilot initiatives
Provide research resources and equipment
Leadership
Our Board of Trustees ensures that the Foundation stays true to its founding principles while adapting to the needs of today’s learners and educators.
Barbara McMillan, Chair
Kenneth Punzelt, Vice Chair
Roger Hardon, Co-Treasurer
Virginia Sesler, Co-Treasurer
Allen Hardon, Trustee
Peter McMillan, Trustee
Lynne Johnson, Trustee
Peter Wiese, Trustee
Looking Ahead
The Dorr Foundation honors its rich history while embracing the future of science education. We continue to support visionary programs that have the potential to inspire generations.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Legacy of Learning and Future of Innovation
© 2026 The Dorr Foundation • All Rights Reserved