HDR Foundation

We believe giving back is not only a civic duty, but a privilege.

Our company founder, H.H. Henningson, noted over a century ago, “There is always time enough for kindness.” Founded in 2012 by HDR Chairman and CEO Eric Keen, the HDR Foundation is an extension of that mission, aiming to benefit the communities in which we live and work.

The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organizations located in communities where HDR employees live and work, and those with strong employee involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided more than $6 million in grants to over 250 organizations.

Establishment of Global Philanthropic Funds

In 2020, our employees in Canada welcomed the establishment of the HDR Canada Fund, opening up philanthropic support to charities across Canada. Our Australian employees followed suit in 2021 with the establishment of the HDR Australia Fund. Similar to the HDR Foundation, the funds enable our employees in Canada and Australia to participate in fundraising, grant sponsorship and community grant-making decisions.

Learn more about what we support and how your request aligns with our funding goals.

Grant Application Process

Making an Impact

Our Areas of Focus

The foundation's areas of focus mirror HDR's breadth of knowledge and expertise. We provide grants for projects that demonstrate direct impact as well as projects that can be replicated or scaled. Our areas of focus include:

Education

Our company, clients and communities benefit from a well-educated, skilled and informed population. We believe education is perhaps the most powerful tool for reducing poverty, improving health and advancing prosperity. We fund educational grants addressing education from pre-K through college.

Healthy Communities

With a globally recognized healthcare design practice, we value the importance of healthcare and healthy communities. Promoting healthy living at the community level brings the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people. We fund grants that address active lifestyles, wellness education and preventative healthcare.

Environmental Stewardship

We promote the value of environmentally responsible practices to our clients, employee-owners and communities. We are all responsible for the use, stewardship and protection of our natural environment. We support grants that address restoration, renewal, conservation and sustainable best practices of our global resources.

HDR Foundation Grants

Girls participate in Wonder Girls mentoring program

2023 Grant Recipients

Tracy Ellwein helps a girl learn to ride a bike

2022 HDR Foundation Annual Report

Past Grant Recipients and Annual Reports

The HDR Foundation is a separate legal entity from the corporation HDR, Inc. The HDR Foundation (EIN 46-0961680) is an IRS-designated 501 (c) (3) Exempt Private Foundation which carries out a charitable mission in accordance with all IRS guidelines governing such entities. Monies donated to the HDR Foundation are used to make charitable grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations and are not for the benefit of HDR, Inc.