[Hearst Foundations](https://www.hearstfdn.org)

Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

Minimum grant size is $100,000; typical awards vary, average time to decision is six months.

Supports U.S.-based nonprofits in culture, education, health, and social service through a streamlined online grants portal.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility and funding limitations; see details below.

--- ## Description The Hearst Foundations provide grants to nonprofit organizations across the United States working in the fields of culture, education, health, and social service. Funding is offered to organizations with established track records and significant impact, supporting program, capital, and (in limited cases) endowment needs. The Foundations have launched a new Grants Portal to streamline the application process, allowing applicants to submit, manage, and track the status of their proposals online. The Foundations emphasize measurable impact, financial health, and established leadership in grantee organizations. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a **rolling basis**; there are no set deadlines. - The Board meets quarterly to approve grants. - Average time from submission to award is approximately six months. --- ## Funding Amount - **Minimum grant size:** $100,000. - Typical awards vary by field and organization size; refer to the [Grant Recipients Database](https://www.hearstfdn.org/grant-recipients-database) for examples. - Grants may support program, capital, or (in limited cases) endowment needs. - The Foundations distributed over $52 million across 275+ grants in 2024. --- ## Eligibility **Eligible Applicants:** - U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (IRS determination letter required). - Organizations with audited expenses **greater than $2 million**. - Organizations with stable leadership (no leadership transitions or new leadership in place for less than one year). - Applicants must not be local chapters of national organizations (exceptions are rare). - Faith-based organizations are eligible if services are inclusive and meet guidelines. **Ineligible Applicants/Requests:** - Organizations based outside the U.S. - Organizations with audited expenses under $2 million. - Organizations with recent leadership transitions (less than one year). - Non-501(c)(3) organizations. - Requests for festivals, tours, conferences, workshops, media productions, publications, advocacy/policy research, fundraising events, seed money, pilot programs, or programs lacking demonstrable long-term impact. - Scholarship/fellowship recipients studying or residing outside the U.S. - Capital projects less than 50% toward fundraising goal. - Endowment grants only for organizations with a prior endowment relationship and strong stewardship. - Applicants must wait **one year** after a declination or **three years** after a grant award before reapplying. --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted via the [Hearst Foundations Grants Portal](https://hearstfoundations.my.site.com/s/login/). - New users must create an account; returning users (pre-August 2025) must reactivate their account. - Applicants complete an eligibility quiz before accessing the full application. - The application includes detailed organizational, financial, and program information, as well as required attachments (audited financials, budgets, IRS documentation, board list, etc.). - Progress can be saved for up to three months before submission. - Applications are reviewed in multiple stages, including financial analysis and, if advanced, a site visit. - Applicants are notified of a decision or next steps within 4–6 weeks of submission; average time to award is six months. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per organization or institution (for universities, via central development office). - Applications missing required information or attachments will not be reviewed. - Grantees must report on progress and results until funds are expended; endowment grant recipients report annually in perpetuity. - For more details, review the [Funding Limitations](https://www.hearstfdn.org/funding-limitations), [Application Instructions](https://www.hearstfdn.org/documents/d/hearstfdn/hearst-foundations-application-instructions-3), and [FAQ](https://www.hearstfdn.org/faq). --- ## External Links - [Hearst Foundations Home](https://www.hearstfdn.org) - [How to Apply](https://www.hearstfdn.org/applying-reporting/how-to-apply/) - [Grants Portal Login](https://hearstfoundations.my.site.com/s/login/) - [Funding Limitations](https://www.hearstfdn.org/funding-limitations) - [Grant Request Evaluation Process](https://www.hearstfdn.org/grant-request-evaluation-process) - [FAQ](https://www.hearstfdn.org/faq) - [Sample Application](https://www.hearstfdn.org/documents/d/hearstfdn/hearst-foundations-sample-application-1) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.hearstfdn.org/documents/d/hearstfdn/hearst-foundations-application-instructions-3) - [Grant Recipients Database](https://www.hearstfdn.org/grant-recipients-database) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------| | East of Mississippi River | [support.ny@hearstfdn.org](mailto:support.ny@hearstfdn.org) | 212-649-3750 | | West of Mississippi River | [support.sf@hearstfdn.org](mailto:support.sf@hearstfdn.org) | 212-649-3750 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.hearstfdn.org/contact-us/) | | ---

Hearst Foundations Grants Portal Application

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