Hearst Foundations' Mission

The Hearst Foundations identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives.

Hearst Foundations' Goals

The Foundations seek to achieve their mission by funding approaches that result in:

• Improved health and quality of life
• Access to high quality educational options to promote increased academic achievement
• Arts and sciences serving as a cornerstone of society
• Sustainable employment and productive career paths for adults
• Stabilizing and supporting families

Funding Priorities

The Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of interests – culture, education, health and social service – and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Culture

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those which enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent.

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

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.

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

Health

The Hearst Foundations assist leading regional hospitals, medical centers and specialized medical institutions providing access to high-quality healthcare for low-income populations. In response to the shortage of healthcare professionals necessary to meet the country’s evolving needs, the Foundations also fund programs designed to enhance skills and increase the number of practitioners and educators across roles in healthcare. Because the Foundations seek to use their funds to create a broad and enduring impact on the nation’s health, support for medical research and the development of young investigators is also considered.

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

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.

Types of Support: Program, capital and general support

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is committed to embracing the entire state through our various grant programs. We seek the creative spark that makes a true difference in people's lives by supporting innovative programs promoting the sciences, health and education. 

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today's society and future generations. For decades, the Foundation has been a proud supporter of programs in our state that help advance science, health and education.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that includes community leaders and GSK corporate executives. The day to day operations are overseen by the staff.

The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane brought the company from Florida to the Research Triangle Park and with it his passion for community. His vision was to establish an annually budgeted corporate giving program and a stable, long-term source of support for our state. In 1996, the company ceased funding the foundation. The foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment.

Since our establishment in 1986, we have awarded $68.9 million in grants over 30 years! We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.

Ribbon of Hope Grants

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation invites nonprofit organizations to apply for one-time grants of $25,000 for projects furthering science, health and education in their local communities. These grants are intended to offer organizations a one-time opportunity to develop a new initiative or to grow and expand and/or enhance an existing program. The Foundation does not fund core mission support, general operating, indirect or overhead costs, construction or renovation projects, medical assistance or services, or equipment.

Many nonprofits are providing outstanding services, but are struggling with limited resources to meet the needs of their local communities as their own budgets are squeezed. These grants are intended to offer organizations a one-time opportunity to expand and/or enhance an existing program or provide seed funds for a new initiative. In addition to the financial assistance, recipients benefit from customized consulting services and technical assistance provided by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.

Ribbon of Hope proposals will be considered that relate to the establishment and implementation of new projects or expansion of an existing program which:

• address critical community needs that have been identified through comprehensive needs assessment activities
• tightly align with goals and objectives of local community agencies
• demonstrate their sustainability after grant funds are expended.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today's society and future generations. For decades, the Foundation has been a proud supporter of programs in our state that help advance science, health and education.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that includes community leaders and GSK corporate executives. The day to day operations are overseen by the staff.

The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane brought the company from Florida to the Research Triangle Park and with it his passion for community. His vision was to establish an annually budgeted corporate giving program and a stable, long-term source of support for our state. In 1996, the company ceased funding the foundation. The foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment.

Since our establishment in 1986, we have awarded $68.9 million in grants over 30 years! We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.

Traditional Grants

The Foundation provides grants of $25,000 and above to organizations working to help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations.

The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide seed funds for new and worthwhile educational programs. This policy does not preclude the consideration and possible funding of ongoing projects. This policy does not preclude the consideration and possible funding of ongoing projects. Proposals may be submitted for one year of funding or multi-year funding with a maximum duration of five years.

Ordinarily, the board does not provide funds to programs that benefit a limited geographical region. The board may make an exception to this policy when a program has the potential to transcend its community’s geographic boundaries or is established as a pilot program to be replicated on a larger scale.

Walmart’s more than 2 million associates are residents, neighbors, friends and family in thousands of communities around the globe. Walmart works to strengthen these communities through both retail business and community giving, and we support and invest in communities through local giving. The following programs have open application processes with specific deadlines for eligibility and consideration.

Local Community Grants

Each year, our U.S. stores and clubs award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where we operate. They include a variety of organizations, such as animal shelters, elder services and community clean-up projects.

Areas of Funding

• There are eight (8) areas of funding for which an organization can apply. Please review the areas listed below to ensure your organization’s goals fall within one of these areas.
• Community and Economic Development: Improving local communities for the benefit of low-income individuals and families in the local service area
• Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering the building of relationships and understanding among diverse groups in the local service area
• Education: Providing afterschool enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
• Environmental Sustainability: Preventing waste, increasing recycling, or supporting other programs that work to improve the environment in the local service area
• Health and Human Service: Providing medical screening, treatment, social services, or shelters for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
• Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating: Providing Federal or charitable meals/snacks for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
• Public Safety: Supporting public safety programs through training programs or equipment in the local service area
• Quality of Life: Improving access to recreation, arts or cultural experiences for low-income individuals and families in the local service area

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

NC Humanities

Mission

To connect North Carolinians with cultural experiences that spur dialogue, deepen human connections, and inspire community

Vision

A North Carolina enriched by the humanities and equipped with empathy, understanding, and respect.

At NC Humanities we know that access to public humanities programs is essential. The humanities stoke curiosity, promote dialogue, and allow people to better understand the diverse and complex world in which they live. They are a vital component of thriving communities, enhancing quality of life, and promoting economic development and civic engagement.

What We Support

NC Humanities has been a leading humanities funder in North Carolina since 1972. We welcome diverse projects from across North Carolina addressing different themes and using a variety of public humanities formats. NC Humanities’ grant-making programs are a direct extension of our organizational mission and we seek proposals which:

Connect the public to quality humanities scholarship through programs that respond to community interest, encourage dialogue, and stimulate audiences to think critically about a broad range of humanities topics.

• Engage diverse audiences in the exploration of their personal and collective stories, asking fundamental questions about identity and culture.
• Foster more informed and engaged citizens by using humanities-based cultural, historic, and analytic frameworks to contextualize experiences and support critical thinking.
• Forge partnerships with other institutions such as local cultural organizations, broadcast media stations, cultural heritage centers, universities and community colleges, veterans’ centers, and libraries.
• Engage deep, community-focused projects which address topics that are relevant to the community and draw connections to broad themes or historical trends.
•  Encourage long-term collaborations and partnerships at the local, state and/or national level.
• Include complementary components that deepen an audience’s understanding of a subject. For example, a museum exhibition might be accompanied by a website, mobile app, or discussion programs.
• Engage adults and life-long learning

Community Engagement Grants

Community Engagement grant funding opportunity provides up to $3,500 to cultural organizations to support the implementation of public humanities projects. Projects are expected to connect the public to quality humanities scholarship through programs that respond to community interest, encourage dialogue, and stimulate audiences to think critically about a broad range of humanities topics.

Typical expenses include scholar stipends, scholar travel/meals/lodging, publicity, exhibit fabrication, and certain other expenses connected with a project of limited scope. Project formats can include, but are not limited to, lecture/discussion series, exhibitions, presentations and workshops. NC Humanities encourages programs which serve educators, veterans, and underserved communities in North Carolina.

To be eligible for consideration, the activities for which you are requesting funding must begin AT LEAST eight weeks AFTER the submission deadline.

NC Humanities expects all grant proposals to utilize a humanities discipline or practice to advance one or more of the following areas of our Mission and Vision:

• Deepen human connections by broadening perspectives
• Equip communities with empathy, understanding, and respect
• Inspire community and connect North Carolinians across differences

NOTE:

Application forms must be requested each year online prior to submitting an application. When you submit an LOI, a member of the foundation staff will be contacting you within the next five business days regarding the status of your request.

Full applications are due at the "full proposal" deadline above. 

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

NC Humanities

Mission

To connect North Carolinians with cultural experiences that spur dialogue, deepen human connections, and inspire community

Vision

A North Carolina enriched by the humanities and equipped with empathy, understanding, and respect.

At NC Humanities we know that access to public humanities programs is essential. The humanities stoke curiosity, promote dialogue, and allow people to better understand the diverse and complex world in which they live. They are a vital component of thriving communities, enhancing quality of life, and promoting economic development and civic engagement.

What We Support

NC Humanities has been a leading humanities funder in North Carolina since 1972. We welcome diverse projects from across North Carolina addressing different themes and using a variety of public humanities formats. NC Humanities’ grant-making programs are a direct extension of our organizational mission and we seek proposals which:

• Connect the public to quality humanities scholarship through programs that respond to community interest, encourage dialogue, and stimulate audiences to think critically about a broad range of humanities topics.
• Engage diverse audiences in the exploration of their personal and collective stories, asking fundamental questions about identity and culture.
• Foster more informed and engaged citizens by using humanities-based cultural, historic, and analytic frameworks to contextualize experiences and support critical thinking.
• Forge partnerships with other institutions such as local cultural organizations, broadcast media stations, cultural heritage centers, universities and community colleges, veterans’ centers, and libraries.
• Engage deep, community-focused projects which address topics that are relevant to the community and draw connections to broad themes or historical trends.
• Encourage long-term collaborations and partnerships at the local, state and/or national level.
• Include complementary components that deepen an audience’s understanding of a subject. For example, a museum exhibition might be accompanied by a website, mobile app, or discussion programs.
• Engage adults and life-long learning

Community Research

Our Community Research grant funding opportunity provides provide up to $2,000 to support the incubation or development of a public humanities project. Projects are expected to connect the public to quality humanities scholarship through programs that respond to community interest, encourage dialogue, and stimulate audiences to think critically about a broad range of humanities topics.

Allowable expenses include honoraria or travel/meals/lodging for humanists consulting on the project, to support planning meetings, or for research activities of a limited scope which are connected to a forthcoming public humanities project.

To be eligible for consideration, the activities for which you are requesting funding must begin AT LEAST eight weeks AFTER the submission deadline.

NC Humanities expects all grant proposals to utilize a humanities discipline or practice to advance one or more of the following areas of our Mission and Vision:

• Deepen human connections by broadening perspectives
• Equip communities with empathy, understanding, and respect
• Inspire community and connect North Carolinians across difference

Student STEM Enrichment Program

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in BWF's home state of North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Since the program's inception in 1996, BWF has awarded 275 grants totaling $41.4 million to 130 organizations that reach more than 43,000 North Carolina students.

SSEP awards support career-oriented and practical programs intended to provide creative science enrichment activities for students in K-12 education who have shown exceptional skills and interest in STEM, as well as those perceived to have high potential. After-school programs are demonstrating value in helping to close opportunity gaps for underserved and underrepresented students. These programs must enable students to participate in hands-on STEM activities and pursue inquiry-based avenues of exploration—an educational approach that BWF believes to be an effective way to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of the scientific process. To increase academic achievement, programs must provide a well-defined structure that aligns with the school-day curriculum, well-trained staff, and student follow-up.

Program Goals

In line with the mission of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, projects that are funded under SSEP must seek to attain three goals:

• improving students’ competence in science and mathematics
• nurturing student enthusiasm for science and mathematics
• interesting students in pursuing careers in research or other science-related areas

The activities designed to lead to these goals must align with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for science and mathematics pertinent to the grade levels of the student participants. Activities should involve active learning and be inquiry-based.