HDR Foundation Grant Application Process
A Closer Look at Applying for a Grant
Grant Requirements
- 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.
- Current HDR employee engaged with the organization for at least one year. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, employee engagement is required, and applications without an employee sponsor will not be considered.
- Proposed funding is for a discrete project — meaning a clearly defined, distinct, stand-alone project with a start and end date culminating in a tangible product or measurable result with potential for long-term impact.
- Project has quantifiable outcomes and measurable impacts aligning with at least one of our three focus areas: education, healthy communities or environmental stewardship. Visit the HDR Foundation homepage to review the focus areas.
- Activities related to grant are sustainable beyond the grant term.
- Grant includes a clear scope of work and detailed budget information and can be completed in a 12-month timeframe.
What We Can't Fund
- Grants to faith-based or faith-affiliated institutions, including references to religion in the mission, published materials or on the organization's website
- 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 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, conference or event support, or prizes
Application Details
- A completed HDR employee sponsor form (provided in our grant application system) and letter of support from your HDR employee sponsor.
- Proof of eligibility status: A copy of your organization’s IRS determination letter and Form W-9 (U.S.)
- 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 summary of the project, demonstrated need statement, population served and anticipated outcomes
Grant Application Schedule & Details
1st Grant Cycle
- US$5,000+
- Letters of interest accepted: March 16-27, 2026
- Applications accepted: April 1-15, 2026
(for organizations with approved LOI) - Grants announced: May 2026
2nd Grant Cycle
- US$5,000+
- Letters of interest accepted: Aug. 31-Sept. 11, 2026
- Applications accepted: Sept. 16-30, 2026
(for organizations with approved LOI) - Grants announced: November 2026
HDR Canada Fund
In Canada, please review this list of eligible charities (donees). A copy of your organization’s compliance with subsection 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act is required.
HDR Canada Fund – 1st Grant Cycle
- CA$5,000-$10,000
- Applications accepted: March 16-April 15, 2026
- Grants announced: May 2026
HDR Canada Fund – 2nd Grant Cycle
- CA$5,000-$15,000
- Applications accepted: Aug. 31-Sept. 30, 2026
- Grants announced: October 2026
Grants With Employee-Led Application
HDR Australia Fund
This application process is completed by HDR employees, with support from registered charities.
HDR Australia Fund Grant Cycle
- Up to AU$5,000
- Nominations accepted: Jan. 12-Feb. 6
- Applications accepted: March 9-April 3
- Funding decisions announced: April 2026
HDR United Kingdom Fund
This application process is completed by HDR employees, with support from registered charities.
HDR United Kingdom Fund Grant Cycle
- Up to £5000
- Applications schedule to be announced
Hearts and Hands Grants
This is application process is completed by HDR employees in the U.S. and Canada, with support from charities.
Hearts and Hands Grant Cycle
- Up to $10,000 (U.S.) or CA$5,000 (Canada)
- Applications accepted: June 1-19
- Funding decisions announced: July 2026