The Foundations do not fund:
- Organizations operating outside the United States
- Organizations with an operating budget under $1 million
- Organizations involved in publishing, radio, film or television
- Organizations seeking support for tours, conferences, workshops or seminars
- Organizations seeking support for advocacy or public policy research
- Organizations seeking support for special events, tickets, tables or advertising for fundraising events
- Organizations seeking seed money or support for start-up projects
- Organizations seeking support for program-related investments (PRI)
- Organizations’ local chapters (the Foundations typically fund initiatives at the national/headquarters level)
- Organizations undergoing leadership transitions or with new leadership in place for less than one year
- Organizations lacking demonstrable long-term impact on populations served
- Individuals seeking support (a 501(c)(3) letter is required to receive funding)
In limited cases, the Foundations fund:
- Endowment grants, provided the organization has an existing endowment with the Hearst Foundations and a track record of strong performance and consistent stewardship.
- Organizations focusing on domestic abuse, substance abuse or child abuse
- Food banks and food delivery
- Faith-based organizations, provided that the services they offer are inclusive and fit within the Foundations’ guidelines
Please also note:
- Declined organizations must wait one year from the date of their notice of decline before the Foundations will consider another request.
- Grantee organizations must wait a minimum of three years from their grant award date before the Foundations will consider another request.
- For more information on our grant-making practices, please visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).