The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Hearst Foundations’ Goals

The Foundations seek to achieve their mission by funding approaches that:

• Create sustainable employment and productive career paths for adults
• Improve health and quality of life
• Increase academic achievement though access to high-quality educational options
• Promote the arts and sciences as a cornerstone of society
• Support family stability and self-sufficiency

 

Hearst Foundations' Approach:

• Identify best-in-class organizations through the online application process, consensus-building team review of each applicant, financial due diligence and site visits
• Support and grow demonstrably impactful programs to create long-term benefits for society
• Monitor and measure the performance of grantees, using data to learn and improve our collective work