girl petting horse
HDR Foundation

HDR Foundation Grant Application Process

Thinking of Applying for a Grant?

Jessica Kaiser had been an employee at HDR for less than a year when she learned about the opportunity to apply for an HDR Foundation grant.

She shared the opportunity with a non-profit close to her heart. But it didn't stop there. Her grant inspired colleagues to volunteer alongside her to build beds so that no child sleeps on the floor in their community.

A Bed for Every Kid

What We Support

Through the HDR Foundation, we seek to fund organizations located in the communities in which 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. Preference is given to fund nonprofits that 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 or to explore the volunteer opportunities with your organization or charity, please contact us at HDRFoundation [at] hdrinc.com.

What You’ll 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 audited financial statement or IRS Form 990
  • Your organization’s operational budget
  • A spreadsheet with an itemized budget for your request (including breakdown details)
  • A letter of support from an HDR employee sponsor
  • A concise problem statement (no more than 1-2 sentences)
  • A high-level project summary (no more than 500 words)
  • Information on all sources of funding for your project
  • A clear idea of what success looks like and how you will measure it

We Don't Fund

  • Individuals, other than approved employee assistance programs
  • Organizations that have any pending issue before the Internal Revenue Service that may result in a change to current tax exempt status.
  • Operational (overhead) support. For more information visit, AccountingTools.com. 
  • Religious institutions
  • Nontribal government agencies
  • Organizations dedicated to the welfare of domesticated animals
  • Operating support
  • Outside endowments
  • Advocacy
  • Travel support
  • Pass-through funding
  • Direct compensation
  • Pass-through organizations (e.g., community foundations)
  • Prizes
  • Conferences
  • Sponsorships
  • Scholarships

 

2021 Grant Application Schedule

1st Small Grant Cycle, U.S.

($5,000-$20,000)
Applications accepted Jan. 12–Feb. 4. Funding decisions announced in March 2021. 

2nd Small Grant Cycle, U.S.

($5,000-$20,000)
Applications accepted May 12–June 7. Funding decisions announced in July 2021. 

Canada Grant Cycle

Applications accepted May 24-June 17. Funding decisions announced on Canada Day (July 1). 

Large Grant Cycle, U.S.

($20,000+)
Letters of intent accepted July 29-August 19. Funding decisions announced in November 2021. 

Apply for a grant