The Roy A. Hunt Foundation is a private foundation that supports organizations working to improve the quality of life. It envisions a natural environment where human and ecological systems coexist harmoniously, with biodiversity preserved as an integral part of economic and technological progress. The foundation's mission is to protect natural resources and ecosystems in the United States by supporting sustainable solutions to environmental damage and fostering consumer and decision-maker education.
The Environment Grants program focuses on promoting strategic activities that incentivize environmentally responsible decisions, particularly within the private sector. Priority areas include Climate and Energy, with efforts to increase the use of cleaner energy and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive goods and services; Toxics and Waste, aiming to reduce environmental and human health risks through green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing; and Clean Water, dedicated to protecting and restoring the quality of the nation’s freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Funding ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 per award, with total program funding reaching $300,000 in 2024 across seven grants. Grants support multi-state, national, or systems-level projects, covering costs such as project management, contracted services, educational programs, applied research, and innovations that could inform public policy. The foundation does not fund capital projects, local land trusts, direct legislative lobbying, international NGOs, or for-profit businesses.
Eligible applicants are U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or those working with a fiscal sponsor. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) via the foundation’s online portal. For the May 2025 grant cycle, LOIs must be submitted between December 2, 2024, and January 17, 2025. The foundation typically responds within 45 days after the submission deadline to indicate whether a full proposal will be invited.
The foundation encourages applicants to review its New Applicant Help Guide and reach out for assistance if needed. Contact details include info@rahuntfdn.org and 412-281-8734. Applicants should plan accordingly, as grants are not awarded on a rolling basis but recur biannually, with the next cycle expected to open in June 2025.
