← Back to US Funders Directory

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

Annual Giving
$300.0M
Grant Range
$15K - $6.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $300 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only grantmaking)
  • Decision Time: Varies (proactive grantmaking)
  • Grant Range: $15,000 - Several million (most grants $100,000 - $500,000)
  • Geographic Focus: International (Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America) and U.S. (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, New Mexico)

Contact Details

Website: www.hiltonfoundation.org Email: information@hiltonfoundation.org Phone: 310-566-6700 General Grant Inquiries: grants@hiltonfoundation.org or (818) 851-3700 Address: 30440 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Overview

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was established in 1944 by hotel entrepreneur Conrad Hilton and legally incorporated as a nonprofit in 1950. The foundation remained relatively small until Conrad Hilton's death in 1979, when it was named the principal beneficiary of his estate. Today, it stands as one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations with approximately $7.36 billion in assets (as of December 2023). Since inception, the foundation has awarded more than $3.6 billion in grants, including nearly $300 million in 2024 alone. The foundation focuses on seven core program areas: Foster Youth, Refugees, Catholic Sisters, Safe Water, Global Early Childhood Development, Homelessness, and Opportunity Youth. More than half of annual grants support international work, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The foundation is known for cultivating long-term partnerships and taking a proactive, invitation-only approach to grantmaking rather than accepting unsolicited proposals.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IMPORTANT: The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. The foundation proactively seeks out initiatives that align with its strategic objectives.

The foundation focuses on seven core initiatives:

Foster Youth ($25 million+ annually) Works with nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York to provide assistance to transition-age youth (ages 14-26) as they age out of the foster care system. Supports safe housing, higher education access, and career pathways.

Refugees ($2.5 million - $3 million per grant) Geographic priorities include Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Recent grants support financial inclusion, capacity building, and early childhood development for migrant and host community families.

Catholic Sisters ($1.8 million - $6.5 million per grant) Supports Catholic sisters' education, leadership development, and poverty-alleviating programs. Recent grants include the Sisters Leadership Development Initiative in Africa and anti-human trafficking efforts.

Safe Water ($4.5 million - $5 million per grant) Works with international nonprofits and government agencies in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda to build sustainable water systems and strengthen community-led safe water solutions.

Global Early Childhood Development ($2.2 million - $5 million per grant) In the U.S., focuses on Los Angeles County and New Mexico with a two-generation approach supporting children prenatal to age three and their caregivers. Internationally, works in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Western Kenya.

Homelessness ($5.95 million per grant) As the largest philanthropic supporter of homelessness solutions in Los Angeles, works to improve access to permanent housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County.

Opportunity Youth ($1.7 million - $1.725 million per grant) Provides job training, case management services, and career planning for opportunity youth. Geographic focus includes Mexico City.

Hilton Humanitarian Prize ($3 million annually) The world's largest annual humanitarian award presented to nonprofit organizations doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering. Year-round nomination period (nominations accepted May 1 - April 30 annually).

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes:

  • Long-term, sustainable solutions over short-term interventions
  • Measurable results and evidence-based approaches
  • Local capacity building and locally-led development
  • Systems-level change and policy advocacy
  • Multi-year partnerships with aligned organizations
  • Two-generation approaches (supporting both children and caregivers)
  • Collaboration with government agencies and other funders
  • Organizations working in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and specific U.S. cities

What They Don't Fund

General Exclusions:

  • Unsolicited proposals (invitation-only grantmaking)
  • Grants to individuals
  • Projects outside seven core program areas
  • Organizations not aligned with foundation's strategic priorities

Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters Exclusions (separate entity with open application):

  • Vehicles (except motorbikes and ambulances up to $25,000)
  • Employee compensation, salaries, stipends, or bonuses
  • Construction, endowments, debt repayment
  • Purchase of land or buildings
  • Retreat centers, prayer centers, or evangelization projects
  • Diocesan or parish programs in countries with UN Human Development Index ranking of .7 or greater
  • Internal congregation needs

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Peter Laugharn has led the foundation since succeeding Steven M. Hilton. He previously served as executive director of the Firelight Foundation and the Bernard van Leer Foundation. Laugharn brings extensive international development experience and a commitment to locally-led solutions.

Board Chair: Linda Hilton, granddaughter of Conrad N. Hilton and daughter of Eric Hilton. She joined the board in 2014, served as vice chair from 2021, and became the sixth board chair in the foundation's 79-year history.

Vice Chair: Justin McAuliffe, great-grandson of Conrad Hilton and grandson of Chairman Emeritus Barron Hilton. He joined the foundation as staff in 2014 and has served on the board since 2019, representing the fourth generation of the Hilton family.

Recent Board Additions: Kofi Appenteng and Justin McAuliffe joined as new board members, strengthening the foundation's governance.

Leadership Quotes

Peter Laugharn on the foundation's vision: "Bringing more people into solving problems, bringing resources closer to those who are experiencing the problems, and recognising the development of talent and capacity in areas that are facing great challenges and resourcing that talent and capacity."

On the foundation's approach: "We never completely fail, and we never completely succeed. We take it apart, rework it, and keep going."

Laugharn on core values: The foundation identified five core values - "integrity, thinking big, humility, stewardship and compassion."

Drawing from Conrad Hilton's philosophy: "Think big, act big, dream big" and "Assume your full share of responsibility in the world." Conrad Hilton also said, "Nothing worth doing can be done without enthusiasm."

On collaboration: "I'm trying to integrate our field-based work into these global conversations...I'm saying we've got evidence, we've got experience, you've got access to policymakers and larger amounts of capital, so let's work together on this."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL: The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

The foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking, identifying and reaching out to organizations that align with their strategic objectives. According to their website, "By carefully selecting projects and grantees that align with our mission, vision and values, we amplify our collective potential to alleviate human suffering."

Exception - Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters: This is a separate entity with its own staff, governance structure, and funding guidelines. It accepts applications through an online portal (GOapply) with fixed deadlines:

  • February 1
  • June 1
  • October 1

The application process has two steps: (1) Submit a project proposal; (2) If the proposal meets requirements, applicants are invited to submit a full grant application.

Exception - Hilton Humanitarian Prize: Organizations must be nominated (not directly applied). Nomination period runs year-round (May 1 - April 30 annually) for the following year's prize. After nomination, the organization has approximately five business days to submit additional information through the online portal.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary based on the foundation's proactive grantmaking approach. The board of directors meets quarterly to approve grants:

  • Q1 2025: 14 grants totaling $42 million approved
  • Q2 2025: 22 grants totaling $52 million approved
  • 2024 total: Nearly $300 million approved across four quarters

Success Rates

Traditional success rates do not apply since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis rather than accepting open applications. The foundation "proactively seeks out initiatives that promise not only to meet but exceed their objectives for global betterment."

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable for general grantmaking due to invitation-only approach.

For the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters: An organization is eligible to receive no more than 2 grants within a period of 10 years, and a subsequent application may not be submitted until after the completion of the 10th year.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, understanding their approach and priorities can help organizations position themselves to be identified as potential partners:

What the Foundation Values

Long-term Partnership Orientation: The foundation states it likes to "cultivate long-term projects and partner with organizations whose efforts are aligned with our program strategies." They favor multi-year commitments over one-time grants.

Measurable Results: "Hilton is oriented toward measurable results." Organizations should have strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks and be able to demonstrate impact through data.

Strategic Alignment: Organizations must align with one of the seven core program areas and demonstrate work in priority geographies (Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, or specific U.S. cities).

Systems-Level Change: Recent grants show preference for organizations working on policy change, government partnerships, and scaling proven models rather than isolated projects.

Local Leadership: Peter Laugharn emphasizes "bringing resources closer to those who are experiencing the problems" and "recognising the development of talent and capacity in areas that are facing great challenges."

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

Safe Water:

  • Water4, Inc.: Multi-million dollar grant to grow safe water management model through Western Ghana
  • UDUMA: $5 million over five years to support Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment
  • Instiglio: $4.5 million over five years to provide technical assistance to Government of Uganda for a Water Fund

Early Childhood Development:

  • Myriad USA, Inc.: $5 million to support World Health Organization strengthening national health systems in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique
  • ACK Development Services: $2.2 million for evidence-based parenting program in Western Kenya

Homelessness:

  • Regents of the University of California: $5.95 million to expand homelessness prevention services and catalyze data-driven decision-making in Los Angeles County

Opportunity Youth:

  • International Youth Foundation: $1.7 million for job training program in Mexico City
  • Fundación Monte de Piedad: $1.725 million to strengthen youth organizations' capacity in Mexico City

Catholic Sisters:

  • African Sisters Education Collaborative: $6.5 million over three years for Sisters Leadership Development Initiative
  • U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking: $1.8 million over four years

Foundation's Terminology and Language

The foundation uses specific language that reflects its values:

  • "Alleviating human suffering" (core mission)
  • "Thinking big" (from Conrad Hilton's philosophy)
  • "Long-term partnerships"
  • "Measurable results"
  • "Locally-led development"
  • "Systems-level change"
  • "Evidence-based approaches"
  • "Two-generation approach" (for early childhood work)

How Organizations Come to Their Attention

While the foundation doesn't accept unsolicited proposals, organizations can:

  • Build relationships through conferences and convenings in their focus areas
  • Demonstrate strong work in one of the seven priority areas
  • Publish research and evaluations showing measurable impact
  • Partner with current grantees
  • Be nominated for the Hilton Humanitarian Prize
  • Work in priority geographies with government partnerships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Invitation-Only Grantmaking: The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations cannot apply directly but must be identified and invited by foundation staff. Focus on building visibility in the seven core program areas.

  2. Think Big and Long-Term: The foundation favors substantial, multi-year grants ($100,000 - several million) for organizations pursuing systems-level change. Small, one-off projects are not aligned with their strategy. Grant periods typically span 3-5 years.

  3. Geographic Specificity Matters: International work must be in Sub-Saharan Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia) or Latin America (Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico). U.S. work must be in Los Angeles County, New York, Atlanta, or New Mexico. Work outside these areas is unlikely to receive funding.

  4. Demonstrate Measurable Impact: The foundation is "oriented toward measurable results." Organizations need strong M&E frameworks, data collection systems, and evidence of impact. They favor evidence-based interventions that can be scaled.

  5. Alternative Pathways: Consider the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters (if eligible) which accepts open applications three times per year. Also, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize accepts year-round nominations and provides $3 million to one organization annually.

  6. Partnership and Collaboration: Recent grants show preference for organizations partnering with government agencies, other funders, and local organizations. The foundation values collaborative approaches that can leverage additional resources and create sustainable systems.

  7. Local Leadership Philosophy: Under Peter Laugharn's leadership, the foundation prioritizes "bringing resources closer to those who are experiencing the problems" and building local capacity. Organizations led by and serving local communities in priority geographies are valued.

References

  1. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation - Official Website. "Our Approach to Grantmaking." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/grants/overview/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  2. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Granted Nearly $300 Million in 2024." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/news/the-conrad-n-hilton-foundation-granted-nearly-300-million-in-2024/ (December 2024)

  3. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Board Approves $52 Million in Grants in the Second Quarter of 2025." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/news/conrad-n-hilton-foundation-board-approves-52-million-in-grants-in-the-second-quarter-of-2025/ (2025)

  4. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Awards More Than $42 Million in Grants in the First Quarter of 2025." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/news/conrad-n-hilton-foundation-awards-more-than-42-million-in-grants-in-the-first-quarter-of-2025/ (2025)

  5. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Grant FAQs." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/grants/frequently-asked-questions/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  6. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Our History and Founder, Conrad N. Hilton." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/about/founder-and-history/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  7. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Executive Management Team." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/people/executive/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  8. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Linda Hilton Elected as New Board Chair of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/news/linda-hilton-elected-as-new-board-chair-of-the-conrad-n-hilton-foundation/ (2024)

  9. Alliance magazine. "Going local: Peter Laugharn, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation." https://www.alliancemagazine.org/interview/peter-laugharn/ (Accessed 2024)

  10. Denver Frederick. "Peter Laugharn of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation: A Visionary Approach to Global Philanthropy and Impact." https://denver-frederick.com/2024/11/12/peter-laugharn-of-the-conrad-n-hilton-foundation-a-visionary-approach-to-global-philanthropy-and-impact/ (November 2024)

  11. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Message from Peter Laugharn: Living Our Values in the World." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/news/message-from-peter-laugharn-living-our-values-in-the-world/ (Accessed 2024)

  12. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/work/humanitarian-prize/our-prize/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  13. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Nominate a Nonprofit for the Hilton Humanitarian Prize." https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/work/humanitarian-prize/nominations/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  14. Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters. "Grants." https://www.hiltonfundforsisters.org/grants/ (Accessed 2024-2025)

  15. Wikipedia. "Conrad N. Hilton Foundation." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_N._Hilton_Foundation (Accessed 2024-2025)

  16. Inside Philanthropy. "Conrad N. Hilton Foundation." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-h/conrad-n-hilton-foundation (Accessed 2024-2025)

  17. OECD. "Development Co-operation Profiles: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation." (Accessed 2024-2025)

← Back to US Funders Directory