The Roy A. Hunt Foundation supports environmental initiatives through its Environment grant program, focusing on sustainable solutions that address the root causes of ecological harm across the United States. The Foundation envisions a future where biodiversity is preserved, ecological systems are respected, and human activity is integrated sustainably within natural processes. Through its mission to protect natural resources and ecosystems, the Foundation seeks to encourage consumer and policymaker education and foster systemic environmental change.
The grant program is centered around strategic objectives that promote environmentally responsible decision-making in the private sector. The Foundation prioritizes three main environmental areas: Climate and Energy, Toxics and Waste, and Clean Water. Under the Climate and Energy priority, the Foundation aims to mitigate climate change impacts by supporting renewable energy adoption and reducing carbon-intensive consumption. The Toxics and Waste priority focuses on minimizing environmental and health hazards associated with product life cycles through green chemistry, sustainable design, and product stewardship. The Clean Water priority addresses the protection and restoration of freshwater and coastal ecosystems within the U.S.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor. For-profit businesses and international NGOs are ineligible. Additionally, the Foundation does not fund capital projects, local conservancies, or proposals focused on specific legislative outcomes. Preferred proposals incorporate private sector economic levers, promote compatibility between environmental protection and innovation, and facilitate cross-sector collaboration. The Foundation also supports initiatives that empower individuals and community groups as environmental stewards.
Grants typically range from $25,000 to $75,000 and may cover project management, contracted services, outreach, applied research, and innovations aimed at informing public policy. The Foundation awarded seven grants totaling $300,000 in 2024. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process via an online portal. Applicants can submit LOIs for the November 2025 meeting between June 2 and July 11, 2025, or for the May 2026 meeting between December 1, 2025, and January 16, 2026.
Submissions are acknowledged automatically, and applicants are generally notified within 45 days of the deadline whether a full proposal will be invited. The Foundation encourages the use of its New Applicant Help Guide and offers direct assistance for accessibility or technical issues through phone and email support during business hours.
