2026 Hearst Foundations Grants

Overview

The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of culture, education, health and social services. In addition, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation operates two programs, the United States Senate Youth Program and the Journalism Awards Program.

Funding Priorities in Education -- The Hearst Foundations fund educational institutions demonstrating uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundations’ focus is largely on higher education, but they also fund innovative models of early childhood and K-12 education, as well as professional development.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted for new grantees.

In the recent past, 30% of total funding has been allocated to Education. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 80% of the funding in Education.

Types of Support: Program, scholarship, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Preference will be given to:

• Higher education programs and scholarships and, on a limited basis, scholarships for post-graduate education

• College access and college success programming

• Professional development for educators

• Science education programs that focus on developing career pathways in science, technology, engineering, environment and math

• Programs educating the next generation of health professionals, such as nursing and mental health

Funding Priorities in Culture -- The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Health -- The Hearst Foundations assist leading regional hospitals, medical centers and specialized medical institutions providing access to healthcare for high-need populations. In response to the shortage of healthcare professionals necessary to meet the country’s evolving healthcare demands, the Foundations also fund programs designed to enhance skills and increase the number of practitioners and educators across roles in healthcare. The Foundations also support public health, medical research and the development of young investigators to help create a broad and enduring impact on the nation’s health.

Funding Priorities in Social Service -- The Hearst Foundations fund direct-service organizations that tackle the roots of chronic poverty by applying effective solutions to the most challenging social and economic problems. The Foundations prioritize supporting programs that have proven successful in facilitating economic independence and in strengthening families. Preference is also given to programs with the potential to scale productive practices in order to reach more people in need.

ASU may submit only one (1) application to the sponsoring organization.

Notice: The Hearst Foundations have a year-round, rolling application; there are no deadlines. However, ASU received funding in June 2023 and organizations must wait a minimum of three years from their grant award date before the Foundations will consider another request.

ASU Internal Deadline: After the posted internal deadline of June 3, 2026, this opportunity will be first come, first served.

Awards: Minimum grant size is $100,000. If a grant request is unsuccessful, an organization must wait a minimum of one year from the date of declination before reapplying. Grantees must wait a minimum of three years from their grant award date before the Foundations will consider another request. For more information on our process, please visit the Funding Limitations, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the Grant Request Evaluation Process pages

Frequently Asked Questions (Sponsor FAQs)