girl petting horse
HDR Foundation

HDR Foundation Grant Application Process

Thinking of Applying for a Grant?

Every HDR Foundation grant begins with an employee with a cause close to their heart. 

For Jeremy Blevins, senior water resources project manager, supporting Special C.H.E.E.R.S. is very personal.

Jeremy’s son, Ethan, receives specialized therapeutic services in the presence of horses at this unique occupational therapy center in Houston. But Special C.H.E.E.R.S. also provides a support community for the entire family, including Jeremy’s wife, Lindsey, and daughter, Lauren. Jeremy and Lindsey also volunteer regularly. 

Through the support of the HDR Foundation, Special C.H.E.E.R.S. has made improvements to its tranquil 240-acre campus that will offer hope to children with disabilities and their families.

Special C.H.E.E.R.S.

What We Support

Through the HDR Foundation, we seek to fund charitable organizations located in the communities where our employees live and work. In the U.S., eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, educational institutions, and political subdivisions such as school districts or libraries. In Canada, please review this list of eligible charities (donees).

We provide funding for discrete projects that show promise for lasting impact and meet the following criteria:

  • Current HDR employee engagement and service
  • Quantifiable outcomes
  • Measurable impacts
  • Clear scopes of work
  • Detailed budget information
  • Activities that are sustainable beyond the grant term

For more information, please contact us at HDRFoundation [at] hdrinc.com.

How We Make Grants

What You Need to Complete the Application

  • Proof of eligibility status: A copy of your organization’s IRS determination letter and Form W-9 (U.S.), or compliance with subsection 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)
  • Your organization’s most recent audited financial statement or IRS Form 990
  • Your organization’s annual operational budget
  • A completed itemized project budget form (provided in our grant application system)
  • A completed HDR employee sponsor form (provided in our grant application system)
  • A letter of support from an HDR employee sponsor
  • A summary of the project, demonstrated need statement, population served and anticipated outcomes

What We Can't Fund

  • Grants to individuals, including scholarships 
  • Grants to organizations that have any pending issue before the Internal Revenue Service that may result in a change to current tax exempt status.
  • Operational support, including salary, wages or any compensation to consultants, contractors or advisors. For more information visit, AccountingTools.com. 
  • Grants to faith-based institutions or institutions with a faith-based mission
  • Grants to organizations dedicated to the welfare of domesticated animals
  • Advocacy
  • Travel support
  • Capital campaigns
  • Grants to pass-through organizations, endowments, community foundations, rotaries and operating foundations
  • Sponsorships, conferences or prizes

2023 Grant Application Schedule

1st Small Grant Cycle, U.S.

US$5,000-$30,000
Application cycle now closed.
Grants announced: March 2023

HDR Australia Fund Grant Cycle

Up to AU$5,000
Application cycle now closed.
Grants announced: April 2023

2nd Small Grant Cycle, U.S.

US$5,000-$30,000
Application cycle now closed.
Grants announced: July 2023

HDR Canada Fund Grant Cycle

CA$5,000-$10,000
Application cycle now closed.
Grants announced: July 2023

Large Grant Cycle, U.S.

US$30,000+
Letters of intent accepted: Aug. 7-29, 2023
Applications accepted: Sept. 1-25, 2023
Grants announced: Nov. 2023