HDR Foundation Grant

The HDR Foundation is the philanthropic arm of HDR, a 100% employee-owned global design firm. Through the foundation and associated global philanthropic funds, HDR supports charitable organizations within communities where its employees live and work. The foundation is fully employee-funded and driven, underscoring the importance of employee engagement in grantmaking efforts. The foundation funds discrete projects that align with one or more of its three focus areas: education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. A discrete project must have a clearly defined scope with a tangible product or measurable result, a specified start and end date, and the potential for lasting community impact. Projects must include quantifiable outcomes and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant term. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, educational institutions, and political subdivisions such as school districts and libraries. Importantly, applications must be sponsored by a current HDR employee who has been engaged with the applicant organization for at least one year. Applications without this employee engagement are not considered. The HDR Foundation does not fund grants to individuals, organizations with pending IRS status changes, operational support like salaries or contractor payments, faith-based organizations with religious affiliations, advocacy efforts, travel, capital campaigns, event sponsorships, or organizations focused on the welfare of domesticated animals. Applicants must submit several components, including an HDR employee sponsor form and letter of support, proof of tax-exempt status, recent financial statements or IRS Form 990, an annual operational budget, a completed itemized project budget (provided by HDR), and a project summary addressing need, population served, and expected outcomes. Grants must be achievable within a 12-month period. The 2025 grant cycle is now closed. Dates for the 2026 cycle have not yet been published, but applicants are encouraged to check the HDR Foundation site for updates. For questions, prospective applicants may contact the foundation via HDRFoundation@hdrinc.com.

Applications must include a clearly defined scope and demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability. Employee sponsorship is mandatory and non-negotiable.