Since their founding in 1946, the Hearst Foundations have awarded over $1.4 billion in grant funding to 6,300 organizations in the United States. Their focus areas are Culture, Education, Health, and Social Service.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis for awards of $100,000 or more. The Board meets to approve grants in March, June, September, and December
Eligibility
This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations with annual operating expenses of more than $2 million.
Allowable Expenses
Allowable expenses vary by focus area. However, grant funds may not be used for:
- Seed money or pilot programs
- Advocacy or public policy research
- Established programs without proven long-term impact
- Festivals, tours, conferences, workshops, or seminars
- Radio, film, or television production
- Special events, tickets, tables, or advertising for fundraising events
Focus Areas
Culture
Supported organizations under Culture include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters. Grant funding may be used for programming, capital expenses, and general and endowment support, on a limited basis.
Preferred projects include:
- Arts education that fills the gaps in K-12 arts programming
- Artist development and training
- Projects that advance learning in science, technology, engineering, environment, arts, and math
Education
Support under Education is primarily directed to higher education, but exceptional projects in early childhood and K-12, as well as professional development, will also be considered. Grant funds may be spent on programming, scholarships, capital expenses, and general and endowment support, on a limited basis.
Preferred projects include:
- College access and college success programming
- Higher education programs and scholarships
- Programs for the next generation of health professionals
- Programs that develop career pathways in STEM
- Professional development for educators
Health
Supported organizations under Health include top regional hospitals, medical centers, and specialized institutions serving high-needs communities. Programs that increase the number of healthcare educators, practitioners, and researchers are also eligibile. Grant funds may be used for programming, capital expenses, and endowment support, on a limited basis.
Preferred projects include:
- Increasing healthcare access for low income and/or rural populations and veterans
- Providing mental health care
- Scaling more efficient healthcare delivery methods
- Developing and providing specialized care for the elderly
Social Service
Supported organizations under Social Service are directly addressing the roots of chronic poverty. Priority will be given to programs that have proven effective at increasing economic independence and strengthening families and that can be scaled. Grant funds may be used for programming, capital expenses, and general operating costs.
Preferred projects include:
- Affordable housing
- Youth development
- Job creation and training
- Legal aid
- Assistance to domestic violence survivors
Evaluation Process
- Step 1 – Program staff will review each proposal and discuss which will be forwarded to the Board. This generally takes 4-6 weeks.
- Step 2 – An in-person or virtual site visit will be conducted and relevant experts will be consulted.
- Step 3 – The Board meets in March, June, September, and December for final approval
- Step 4 – Grants are awarded
Applicants should expect the entire process to take approximately 6 months.
