The Hearst Foundations Social Service Grant

The Hearst Foundations support U.S.-based direct-service organizations addressing persistent social and economic challenges through proven interventions. Within the Social Service funding category, the Foundations focus on initiatives that help individuals achieve economic independence, strengthen family structures, and promote scalable solutions that can extend the reach of successful programs to larger populations in need. These efforts target the systemic roots of chronic poverty through long-term, sustainable change. Historically, 15% of the Foundations’ total funding has been allocated to the social service sector. The majority of this support—approximately 75%—has gone to organizations with annual budgets exceeding $5 million. The competitive nature of this grant opportunity is evident: only about 25% of all applicants receive funding, with 80% of awarded funds typically directed toward prior grantees and 20% to new applicants. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and support is available for programmatic, capital, and general operating purposes. Priority funding areas include affordable housing, job creation and workforce development, youth development, food banks and food delivery (when part of structured programs), economic development with environmental sustainability, domestic violence prevention, prison education and reentry programs, and legal services for underserved populations. Preference is given to proposals submitted by national headquarters rather than local affiliates of national organizations. Applications must be submitted through the Hearst Foundations’ online Grants Portal. There are no fixed deadlines; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The average review period is six months and includes internal financial and programmatic evaluation. Proposals that advance to the Board of Directors for approval require a site visit conducted by Foundation staff. The Board meets quarterly to make final grant decisions. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with audited expenses of at least $2 million and stable leadership in place for one year or more. The Foundations do not fund local chapters, seed programs, fundraising events, or proposals for pilot programs, advocacy work, or media production. Organizations must wait one year after a declination or three years after receiving a grant before submitting a new application. Detailed eligibility requirements, application instructions, and information on prior recipients are available on the Foundations’ website.