The Hearst Foundations Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations, established as private philanthropic entities independent of the Hearst Corporation, support nonprofit organizations in the United States with demonstrated impact and sustainability. Within their Cultural funding priority, the Foundations seek to support institutions offering meaningful arts and sciences programs, particularly those that engage youth and foster lasting societal benefit. Grantees have included prominent cultural institutions such as museums, symphonies, performing arts centers, ballets, operas, theaters, and arts education schools. Approximately 25% of the Foundations’ total grantmaking is allocated to cultural programs, with a preference for organizations with annual budgets exceeding $10 million, which have historically received 60% of cultural funding. Program, capital, and in limited cases, general and endowment support are available. Particular emphasis is placed on programs for artist development, arts education filling gaps in K–12 curricula, and science-based initiatives in cultural institutions that enhance skills in science, technology, environment, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). All grant applications must be submitted through the Hearst Foundations’ Grants Portal. There are no fixed deadlines; the application process is rolling, and proposals are reviewed continuously. Evaluation includes internal staff review, financial analysis, team discussions, and—if a proposal is advanced to board review—a required site visit by a program officer. Final grant decisions are made quarterly by the Board of Directors. On average, the time from submission to grant award is six months. The minimum grant size is $100,000. Organizations may reapply three years after receiving a grant or one year after a declination. However, only about 25% of all grant requests are approved, and roughly 80% of that funding goes to prior grantees, with the remaining 20% directed toward new applicants. Proposals must be submitted by organizations registered as U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least $2 million in audited expenses and stable leadership in place for over one year. The Foundations do not fund seed programs, public policy work, event sponsorships, productions, publications, or fundraising-related expenditures. Local chapters of national organizations are typically not eligible unless funding is directed to the national level. Applications for endowment support are considered only if the applicant already maintains a strong existing endowment relationship with the Foundations. Applicants can consult the Grant Recipients Database for guidance on appropriate funding request sizes and examples of past grantees.