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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 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 organisations that align with HDR’s areas of experience: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organisations 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 US$9 million in grants to over 350 organisations.

Establishment of HDR Australia Fund

In 2021, our employees in Australia welcomed the establishment of the HDR Australia Fund, opening up philanthropic support to charities across Australia. Similar to the HDR Foundation and HDR Canada Fund, Australian HDR employees can now participate in fundraising, grant sponsorship and community grant-making decisions.

Making an Impact

Our Areas of Focus

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

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 prep through to university.

Healthy Communities

With a globally recognised 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

We promote the value of environmentally responsible practices to our clients, employees 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.

The HDR Foundation is a separate legal entity from the corporation HDR, Inc. The HDR Australia Fund was established in partnership with the Australian Communities Foundation, a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) in Australia. On behalf of HDR employees in Australia, the Australian Communities Foundation accepts donations, conservatively invests funds, and awards grants to qualified DGRs or organisations with Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status as defined by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.