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

South Carolina Humanities

South Carolina Humanities' mission is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians.

Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.

Humanities disciplines include history, literature, folklore, philosophy, comparative religion, archaeology, African American studies, Southern studies, linguistics, ethics, jurisprudence, political science, anthropology, international studies, art theory and criticism and Women’s Studies. Our programs and activities take place in town halls, small and large museums, libraries, schools, colleges and universities—any place that people come together to share, to learn and to have enlightening conversations about our world and our place in it.

Our programs explore the rich heritage of our state and its links to the cultural traditions of our nation and world. SC Humanities serves as a politically neutral convener for a wide-ranging, diverse number of groups. We make connections and offer technical assistance to prospective grantees and project coordinators every day. SC Humanities is an excellent resource and frequently provides advice, referrals and mentoring (at no charge).

We are a small organization, but we accomplish big things through and with our partners throughout South Carolina. We help to build communities and move South Carolina forward as a state. SC Humanities reaches many rural areas, increasing the cultural capacity of local institutions and providing local economic impact. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Won’t you join us in this endeavor?

Council Grants

Let’s Talk About It: Reading and Discussion Program and Speakers Bureau: Humanities Out Loud grant applications may be submitted at any time.

• Speakers Bureau: Humanities Out Loud - One of SC Humanities’ longstanding program priorities is the Speakers Bureau. Through this program, some of South Carolina’s finest scholars travel throughout the state to share their interests and knowledge of the humanities and to spark discussions about human values, traditions and cultures.

• Let's Talk About It: Reading and Discussion Program - Let’s Talk About It is a book discussion series centered on themes ranging from women’s autobiography to the cultural importance of South Carolina’s literary heritage. Funded by the SC Humanities and coordinated with assistance from the South Carolina State Library, LTAI has long been the backbone of library programming offered by SC Humanities. The LTAI groups usually meet every other week to discuss each book in the series. Group discussions can be facilitated by a qualified scholar (a different scholar for each book) or by using the series guide provided with each series. Time, location, scholar(s) and other details are left to the library’s discretion, but SC Humanities has plenty of recommendations to ensure your success.

South Carolina Humanities

South Carolina Humanities' mission is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians.

Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.

Humanities disciplines include history, literature, folklore, philosophy, comparative religion, archaeology, African American studies, Southern studies, linguistics, ethics, jurisprudence, political science, anthropology, international studies, art theory and criticism and Women’s Studies. Our programs and activities take place in town halls, small and large museums, libraries, schools, colleges and universities—any place that people come together to share, to learn and to have enlightening conversations about our world and our place in it.

Our programs explore the rich heritage of our state and its links to the cultural traditions of our nation and world. SC Humanities serves as a politically neutral convener for a wide-ranging, diverse number of groups. We make connections and offer technical assistance to prospective grantees and project coordinators every day. SC Humanities is an excellent resource and frequently provides advice, referrals and mentoring (at no charge).

SC Humanities seeks projects that:

• cause people to analyze critically their values, beliefs, and attitudes relating to both the past and the present; 
• promote public awareness of the importance and pervasiveness of the humanities in daily life;
• build alliances and networks across the state through collaboration with local organizations including education, business, federal, state and local governments; 
• make a particular effort to reach underserved areas of South Carolina and ensure that all counties have access to SC Humanities and its programs; 
• can become self-perpetuating or that have a high possibility of extended/ lasting impact; 
• preserve and promote knowledge and understanding of the history, story and culture of South Carolina;
• engage with current technologies as a means to communicate with larger audiences; 
• demonstrate collaboration among teaching institutions and cultural entities to increase the possibility of interdisciplinary exchanges. 

Mini Grants

Mini Grants are to support public humanities programs of modest cost. Awards are $2,000 or less. Mini Grants are reviewed monthly with deadlines on the first business day of the month. 

South Carolina Humanities

South Carolina Humanities' mission is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians.

Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.

Humanities disciplines include history, literature, folklore, philosophy, comparative religion, archaeology, African American studies, Southern studies, linguistics, ethics, jurisprudence, political science, anthropology, international studies, art theory and criticism and Women’s Studies. Our programs and activities take place in town halls, small and large museums, libraries, schools, colleges and universities—any place that people come together to share, to learn and to have enlightening conversations about our world and our place in it.

Our programs explore the rich heritage of our state and its links to the cultural traditions of our nation and world. SC Humanities serves as a politically neutral convener for a wide-ranging, diverse number of groups. We make connections and offer technical assistance to prospective grantees and project coordinators every day. SC Humanities is an excellent resource and frequently provides advice, referrals and mentoring (at no charge).

SC Humanities seeks projects that:

• cause people to analyze critically their values, beliefs, and attitudes relating to both the past and the present; 
• promote public awareness of the importance and pervasiveness of the humanities in daily life;
• build alliances and networks across the state through collaboration with local organizations including education, business, federal, state and local governments; 
• make a particular effort to reach underserved areas of South Carolina and ensure that all counties have access to SC Humanities and its programs; 
• can become self-perpetuating or that have a high possibility of extended/ lasting impact; 
• preserve and promote knowledge and understanding of the history, story and culture of South Carolina;
• engage with current technologies as a means to communicate with larger audiences; 
• demonstrate collaboration among teaching institutions and cultural entities to increase the possibility of interdisciplinary exchanges. 

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are awarded to support preliminary work in designing a project that warrants detailed planning because of its length, scope, or cost. Awards are $5,000 or less. Planning Grants are reviewed monthly with deadlines on the first business day of the month. Grant funds may be used only for consultant services, administrative assistance, travel (including meals and lodging, logistical support, and supplies). Grant funds may not be used for project director’s salary. 

Planning Grant activities are usually completed within several months and must be followed by a major grant application to SC Humanities or to another funding source. Approval of a Planning Grant does not automatically assure the approval of the ensuing major grant request.

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

South Carolina Humanities

South Carolina Humanities' mission is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians.

Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.

Humanities disciplines include history, literature, folklore, philosophy, comparative religion, archaeology, African American studies, Southern studies, linguistics, ethics, jurisprudence, political science, anthropology, international studies, art theory and criticism and Women’s Studies. Our programs and activities take place in town halls, small and large museums, libraries, schools, colleges and universities—any place that people come together to share, to learn and to have enlightening conversations about our world and our place in it.

Our programs explore the rich heritage of our state and its links to the cultural traditions of our nation and world. SC Humanities serves as a politically neutral convener for a wide-ranging, diverse number of groups. We make connections and offer technical assistance to prospective grantees and project coordinators every day. SC Humanities is an excellent resource and frequently provides advice, referrals and mentoring (at no charge).

Fast Track Literary Grants

Fast Track Literary Grants are intended to support new or existing public literary programs such as (but not limited to) writers series, festivals, conferences, workshops, or writer’s residencies at schools. 

Mission

The mission of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) is to advance the progress of medicine and improve the public's health by providing U.S. researchers, health professionals, the public health workforce, educators, and the public with equal access to biomedical and health information resources and data.

Purpose

The Innovation Impact Award supports new projects that involve creative program improvement and seek to enhance health information outreach. These innovative projects may not fit squarely into the other award categories for Region 2. However, projects awarded in this category will still align with our larger funding objectives of enhancing the community’s access to health information resources, improving defined health literacy skills, and building community members’ confidence to make informed decisions regarding their health. The approach to these projects may be unique but will have the potential to make a large impact from their distinctive project design.

Potential Project Ideas

• Purchase software or hardware to improve operations in community organizations, health service organizations, libraries, or academic institutions in order to serve their constituents better.
• Pilot a reading group using the materials from the NNLM Reading Club about a prevalent health topic.
• Develop a more accessible and/or culturally inclusive collection of materials (ex: Spanish language, books by diverse authors, graphic novels about health issues, large print books).
• Form a mentoring group and schedule a professional development week for young people related to health issue. This program could integrate an educational component. Recruit adult mentors to support the program. 

NOTE: BECU member nominations are accepted through the Letter of Inquiry deadline, above. Nonprofit supplemental applications are due by the full proposal deadline.

Nominate a Nonprofit

Not all heroes wear capes. Some work to end hunger, others push for social equity and justice, and others transform lives through mentorship, education or the arts. Heroism takes many forms, and we're counting on you to help us identify the heroes among us.

The People Helping People Awards is an annual, member-driven program that recognizes members and nonprofits that help others. Each winner receives up to $50K in grant funds. This year, through our Black Community Development Project (BCDP), a five-year, $5 million commitment to Black communities and racial equity, we're giving up to $150K in additional funding to Black-led nonprofits nominated by BECU members.

So look around you for heroes who deserve recognition, and nominate a nonprofit for a BECU People Helping People Award today.

Giving Areas and Subcategories

Advancing Education (Pre K Through College) 

Access to education, mentoring, educational materials and programming, classroom/school and PTSA funding for educational programs/materials/experiences

Arts And Culture 

Equitable access to art experiences, underrepresented art and cultural organizations, cultural programs

Creating Economic Opportunity 

Living-wage jobs, small and startup businesses, job quality for low-wage workers

Preserving Health And Promoting Wellness 

Access to healthcare, illness prevention/cure, mental health, patient support, disabilities, veteran advocacy

Preserving Or Restoring The Environment 

Conservation, stewardship, sustainability

Providing For Basic Human Needs 

Affordable housing, homelessness, senior advocacy, infant and child advocacy, food/diaper/clothing banks

Strengthening Local Communities 

Neighborhoods, public safety, search and rescue, outdoor spaces, rotary/chambers of commerce.

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.