FAQ
I) Questions about the proposal process:
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted via the Hearst Foundations’ Online Application portal. The Hearst Foundations no longer accepts applications or materials through the mail. Please use these links to access the Online Application and Instructions. Please use the Instructions to guide you through the process.
Program Application (all non-endowment requests)
What is the process after I submit an application? How long before I am notified of a decision?
Once submitted, every request goes through an initial rigorous evaluation by the program staff that generally spans eight weeks. If the purpose of the request and the mission of the organization fit within the Foundations' guidelines, a program officer will conduct a site visit to further consider the proposal. Following a site visit, further information may be requested.
What is an appropriate time frame to follow up on a proposal?
Applicants should receive an email confirmation of receipt of the proposal. All further status changes will be posted on the Online Application “Dashboard” and visible upon logging in to an applicant’s account.
What are the deadlines for proposals?
There are no deadlines. Proposals are accepted year round through the Hearst Foundations’ Online Application.
Can I send extra items such as video/audio tapes, newspaper articles, dvds, etc?
The only applications that will be reviewed are those submitted through the Online Application. Please do not mail in any materials. Please only provide those materials that are requested as attachments in the Online Application.
Do the Foundations make site visits?
A site visit to the organization is required for Board consideration.
What are the sizes of grants (i.e. how much should we request)?
Please refer to the grants approved section to see the types and amounts of grants the Foundations award.
If I have received a grant, when can I reapply?
Grantee organizations must wait a minimum of three years from their grant award date before the Foundations will consider another request.
If I have been declined for a grant, when can I reapply?
Declined organizations must wait one year from their application date before the Foundations will consider another request.
If I am part of a large institution, should I coordinate internally?
Proposals from institutions with more than one department (e.g. universities, medical centers, etc.) should be coordinated through the appropriate central development office.
II) Questions about the Hearst Foundations:
Why are there two Foundations? How are they different?
The Hearst Foundation, Inc. was founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1945. In 1948 Mr. Hearst established the California Charities Foundations, later renamed The William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Both Foundations are guided by the same charitable mission, which reflects the philanthropic interests of their founder. The two Foundations are managed as one entity, sharing the same funding guidelines, leadership, and staff. Staff based in New York City review all proposals from organizations located east of the Mississippi River, and staff in the San Francisco office review those from organizations west of the Mississippi.
What is the Foundations' relationship with The Hearst Corporation?
Both Foundations are independent private philanthropies operating separately from The Hearst Corporation.
When does the Board of Directors meet?
The Board of Directors for both Foundations meets quarterly in March, June, September and December.
How large is the Board of Directors? Who sits on the Board?
There are 13 members of the Foundations' Board of Directors:
James M. Asher
Anissa Boudjakdji Balson
David J. Barrett
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
John G. Conomikes
Ronald J. Doerfler
George R. Hearst, Jr., President, The Hearst Foundation, Inc.
John R. Hearst, Jr.
William R. Hearst, III, President, William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Harvey L. Lipton
Gilbert C. Maurer
Mark F. Miller
Virginia Randt
III) Questions about Hearst Foundations’ Funding:
Do the Foundations fund individuals?
The Foundations do not consider requests for grants to individuals.
Do the Foundations fund international work or organizations located outside of the United States?
No, grant funds must be used for charitable purposes exclusively within the United States and its territories.
Do the Foundations give multi-year grants?
The Foundations do not generally make multi-year grant commitments.
Do the Foundations fund start-ups?
The Foundations do not generally provide seed money or funding for start-up projects or organizations.
Do the Foundations fund religious or faith-based organizations?
The Foundations will consider requests from faith-based organizations, provided the services they offer are inclusive and fit within our guidelines.
Do you make program-related investments (PRIs)?
No, the Foundations do not make program-related investments.
Are there any other limitations?
The Foundations do not generally provide funding for organizations with an operating budget under $1 million, organizations involved in publishing, radio, film, television or other media-related projects, or organizations seeking funds for conferences, workshops or seminars. We also do not generally provide funding for advocacy and public policy research or support special events, tickets, tables or advertising for fundraising events.
Can the Foundations suggest other resources that may be useful to nonprofit organizations?
Please visit the websites for these organizations:
Council on Foundations
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Foundation Center
Guidestar
BoardnetUSA
Council of Independent Colleges
National Council of Nonprofit Associations
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