HDR Foundation Grant Application Process

Through the HDR Foundation and our global philanthropic funds, we seek to fund charitable organizations located in the communities where our employees live and work. For examples, please refer to previous grants we've funded. Please contact us at HDRFoundation [at] hdrinc.com (HDRFoundation[at]hdrinc[dot]com) with questions.

A Closer Look at Applying for 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

HDR Foundation

1st Grant Cycle

US$5,000+
Letters of intent accepted: April 7-24, 2025
Applications accepted: April 29-May 22, 2025
Grants announced: July 2025

2nd Grant Cycle

US$5,000+
Letters of intent accepted: Aug. 5-25, 2025
Applications accepted: Aug. 27-Sept. 18, 2025
Grants announced: November 2025

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