Funding Limitations

Funding Limitations

The Hearst Foundations DO NOT FUND organizations that are:

  • based outside of the United States
  • operating with audited expenses less than $2 million
  • undergoing leadership transitions or with new leadership in place for less than one year
  • not registered as 501(c)(3) organizations. An IRS determination letter is required to receive funding

 

The Hearst Foundations DO NOT FUND proposals seeking funding for:

  • festivals, tours, conferences, workshops or seminars
  • radio, film or television production
  • publications, books, magazines or newspapers
  • advocacy or public policy research
  • special events, tickets, tables or advertising for fundraising events
  • seed money or pilot programs
  • established programs lacking demonstrable long-term impact on populations served
  • program-related investments (PRI)
  • local chapters of national organizations (the Foundations typically fund initiatives at the national/headquarters level)
  • scholarship or fellowship recipients studying or residing outside of the United States

 

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
  • Faith-based organizations, provided that the services they offer are inclusive and fit within the Foundations' guidelines
  • Organizations lacking regional and national support (Grants of $100,000 and above are preferred).