The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

IMPORTANT NOTE: The correct EIN for The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is 94-1655673, not 94-1156300. EIN 94-1156300 belongs to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $631 million (2024)
Success Rate: <1% for unsolicited applications (proactive grantmaking model)
Decision Time: Several weeks to months
Grant Range: $10,000 - $20 million (most grants: $50,000 - $750,000)
Geographic Focus: Global (with emphasis on U.S., East and West Africa, Mexico, North American West)

Contact Details

Website: www.hewlett.org Phone: (650) 234-4500 Address: 2121 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Correct EIN: 94-1655673 Grant Database: https://hewlett.org/our-grants/ For Grant Inquiries: See individual program pages and grantmaking FAQ on website

Overview

Founded in 1966 by Hewlett-Packard co-founder William Hewlett and his wife Flora, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States with assets of approximately $13.9 billion as of 2024. The foundation distributes approximately $631 million annually across 3,000 active grants to organizations around the world. Under the leadership of President Amber D. Miller, who assumed the role in September 2024, the foundation continues its commitment to tackling the most important issues facing society, including the climate emergency, democratic and economic systems, education, and equity. Miller is the first scientist and first woman to lead the foundation in a permanent role. The foundation is governed by a board that includes four members of the Hewlett family and between five and eleven other leaders from philanthropy, government, business, education, and civil society. In 2024, nearly three-fourths of grant dollars were awarded as flexible funding, demonstrating the foundation's longstanding commitment to trust-based philanthropy and multi-year general operating support. The foundation operates primarily through a proactive grantmaking model where program teams identify potential grantees, though certain programs accept applications through periodic open processes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Environment Program ($240.9 million in 2024 through 289 grants)

Global climate change initiatives
Western conservation (land, water, and energy) across 320 million acres by 2035
Geographic focus: U.S. West (region west of Rocky Mountains, including Alaska)
Long-term commitment since 1969 to conserve lands and waters of the U.S. West
Notable grantees: ClimateWorks (over $100 million in additional funding as of 2023), Western Resource Advocates, Western Conservation Foundation

Gender Equity and Governance Program (formerly Global Development and Population) ($148.5 million in 2024 through 278 grants)

Reproductive health and rights in East and Francophone West Africa and the U.S.
Women's economic empowerment in East and West Africa
Geographic concentration where progress on family planning and reproductive health has been slow or stalled
Recent grants: Center for Reproductive Rights Africa Program, reproductive health partnerships in Kenya and Rwanda
42% of program funding now goes to local leader-led organizations in East and West Africa and Mexico (up from 25% three years ago)

Education Program ($66.1 million in 2024 through 174 grants)

Open Educational Resources (OER) development and accessibility - free materials for educators and students to use, adapt, and share
K-12 and higher education support
Approximately $16.5 million awarded to OpenStax since 2002
Goals: develop effective pedagogy and content, build capacity for schools to integrate OER, develop an inclusive and diverse field
Grantees include Open Textbook Network, Rebus Foundation, Achieving the Dream

U.S. Democracy Program ($48 million in 2024 through 123 grants)

Trustworthy Elections: secure, accessible elections with professional management
National Governing Institutions: strengthen government machinery and congressional constituent services
Launched in 2014 (originally as Madison Initiative) with annual budget of over $22 million
Nonpartisan approaches to strengthening democratic institutions and election integrity

Performing Arts Program ($40.5 million in 2024 through 94 grants)

Geographic focus: San Francisco Bay Area exclusively
Portfolio of approximately 175 grantee organizations
Three main strategies: Artists Support, Youth Arts Education (ages 5-25), Community Engagement
Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions (2017-2022): $8 million initiative completed, awarded $150,000 grants annually for new works in different disciplines (music, theater, dance, folk/traditional arts, media arts)
Recipients included Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, California Shakespeare Theater, Destiny Arts Center, Silicon Valley Creates, Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Racial Justice Initiative (10-year, $150 million commitment from 2020-2030)

Field-building grants to strengthen racial justice infrastructure
Multi-issue grants to racial justice organizations working across Hewlett programs
Collaborative grants with program teams
$40 million moved to racial justice organizations since 2020
Recent grantees: Borealis Philanthropy, PolicyLink, NAACP Empowerment Programs, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Association of Black Foundation Executives, Color of Change, Race Forward

Economy and Society Initiative (5-year, $50 million commitment)

Developing new intellectual paradigm to replace neoliberalism
Supporting coherent framework addressing market-oriented beliefs and policies
Focus on economic and racial inequality and climate change
Recent grant: American Economic Liberties Project ($2 million, 2025)

Cyber Initiative (Completed 10-year, $150 million program)

Built field of cybersecurity expertise in universities and think tanks
Funded cyber policy programs at HBCUs and other diverse institutions
Notable 2023 grants: $20+ million to Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Florida International University, Turtle Mountain Community College

Effective Philanthropy Program ($10.7 million in 2024 through 57 grants)

Strengthens capacity of grantees and nonprofits generally
Builds public understanding of charitable sector
Develops policy approaches for effective and accountable sector
Promotes philanthropic practices serving all communities
Major grant: $2 million to JustFund (2024)

Priority Areas

Cross-Cutting Themes:

Trust-based philanthropy with long-term, flexible funding
Systems change and addressing root causes
Equity and justice centered in organizational practice
Collaboration and coalition-building
Support for marginalized communities
Multi-year general operating support preferred

Geographic Priorities:

U.S.: San Francisco Bay Area (performing arts), American West (conservation), national (democracy, education)
International: East and West Africa, Mexico (gender equity), global (climate change)

What They Don't Fund

Organizational Types:

Individuals
Scholarships
Unincorporated associations or groups
Political candidates or political action committees

Funding Types:

Generally no program-related investments (loans, guarantees, equity investments)
No unsolicited proposals (outside special open processes) - less than 1% success rate

Geographic Restrictions:

Hawaii (excluded from Western conservation focus)
Performing arts funding limited to San Francisco Bay Area only

Approach:

Direct service provision without systems change focus
Activities attempting to influence legislation (as prohibited by U.S. law for private foundations)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

President: Amber D. Miller (September 2024 - present)

First scientist and first woman to lead the foundation
Former Dean of USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University (2000), B.A. in Physics and Astrophysics from UC Berkeley (1995)
Experimental cosmology researcher and NASA Hubble Fellow
Launched Public Exchange initiative at USC bringing academic expertise to civic and business leaders
Awards: NSF Career Award, Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award, Hubble Fellowship
Fellow of the American Physical Society
On her vision: "The Hewlett Foundation is tackling the most important issues facing society — and the ones that I care about deeply... an opportunity to work with passionate people to tackle the issues that I care about the most in new and powerful ways."

President (2012-2023): Larry Kramer

Constitutional lawyer and former Stanford Law School Dean (2004-2012)
Led foundation's expansion in climate, democracy, education, performing arts, and reproductive equity
Now President and Vice-Chancellor of London School of Economics (as of April 2024)

Board of Directors

Board Chair: Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar (since 2021)

On Miller's appointment: "A creative, seasoned leader with a profound commitment to the foundation's core goals of strengthening our democracy, protecting our environment, and improving people's lives."

Board Members (as of November 2024):

Melody Barnes
Flora Hewlett Birdzell (family member)
Alecia A. DeCoudreaux - On Miller: "Dr. Miller is a pioneering leader in her field and stood out for her executive leadership, which blends strategic vision and a collaborative approach."
Benno Dorer
Persis S. Drell
Billy Hewlett (family member)
Carrie Hewlett Zeisler (family member)
Mary Ellen Iskenderian
Sarah Jaffe (family member)
Sue Lloyd
Susan Meany
Amber D. Miller (ex officio as President)

Board Structure: The foundation is governed by a board that always includes four members of the Hewlett family and between five and eleven other leaders from philanthropy, government, business, education, and civil society.

Leadership Philosophy

The foundation emphasizes:

Trust-based philanthropy treating grantees as partners
Collaborative rather than controlling approach
Multi-year flexible funding and general operating support
Building relationships rooted in trust, openness, and mutual respect
Supporting ongoing program areas for decades
Funding grantees' true costs

Board member Kathy Leventhal on Miller: "A big-bigger-biggest ideas person who fiercely believes in primary research to shape a better future."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Primary Approach - Foundation-Identified (Most Grants) The Hewlett Foundation operates primarily through a proactive grantmaking model:

Most grants are awarded to organizations identified by foundation program teams
Program officers use field expertise to find organizations with potential impact
Teams work collaboratively with prospective grantees to develop proposals
This approach accounts for the vast majority of grants

Limited Open Opportunities From time to time, the foundation invites letters of inquiry and other types of proposals through open processes:

Specific programs: Climate and Energy program accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis
Special initiatives: Periodic open calls like Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions (completed 2017-2022)
Rare exceptions: On very rare occasions, grants awarded in response to unsolicited funding inquiries

Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Process (where applicable):

Submit LOI outlining proposed project and alignment with foundation priorities
No deadlines for LOI submission (rolling basis)
If Hewlett is interested, applicant will be invited to submit full proposal
Foundation responds to requests in the order received

How to Stay Informed:

Sign up for email updates at hewlett.org
Follow the foundation on LinkedIn
Check "Grantseekers" page for current list of programs accepting LOIs
Monitor individual program pages for opportunities

What NOT to Do:

Do not submit unsolicited proposals without checking if program accepts them
Success rate for unsolicited applications is less than 1%

Decision Timeline

Review period: Several weeks to months after submission
Acknowledgment: Foundation confirms receipt of inquiries
Next steps: If relevant to program priorities, a program officer will contact applicant
Full proposal invitation: Being invited to submit formal proposal is significant milestone
Grant review process may involve requests for additional information or clarification

Success Rates

Unsolicited applications: Less than 1% receive grants
Volume: Approximately 3,000 active grants at any one time
Annual grants: $631 million distributed in 2024

The extremely low success rate for unsolicited applications reflects the foundation's proactive grantmaking model where program teams identify most grantees based on field expertise and strategic priorities.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are mentioned. However, given the proactive grantmaking model, organizations should focus on:

Building authentic relationships with relevant program officers
Attending Hewlett-sponsored convenings and events
Demonstrating alignment with strategic priorities through their work
Developing a strong track record in their field
Being patient and persistent while establishing credibility

For organizations that become grantees, the foundation's preference is to provide long-term, multi-year support rather than one-time grants.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Advice to Applicants

Research Thoroughly Before Applying "All prospective applicants [should] refer to the foundation's website at www.hewlett.org to read about the foundation's programs and initiatives, goals and strategies, and geographic limitations." It is crucial to thoroughly research the foundation's priorities and focus areas before crafting proposals, as understanding what the foundation values will enable applicants to tailor their projects accordingly.

Align with Strategic Priorities Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the foundation's program areas and their specific strategies. The foundation funds organizations working in areas that align with the goals and strategies of its programs and initiatives.

Build Relationships First With less than 1% success for unsolicited applications, focus on building authentic relationships with program officers rather than cold applications. Relationship-building is essential given the proactive grantmaking model.

Demonstrate Systems Change Focus The foundation seeks organizations addressing root causes and underlying systems, not just providing direct services or managing symptoms. Show how your work creates lasting structural change.

If Invited to Submit Full Proposal, Include:

Clear project description with objectives and expected impact
Detailed budget and timeline
Organization background and track record
How the project aligns with Hewlett Foundation's mission and priorities
Be concise and specific in all responses

Examples of Funded Projects

Major Recent Grants:

Climate and Environment:

ClimateWorks: Over $100 million in additional funding as of 2023 (originally launched in 2008 with $500 million five-year commitment from Hewlett alone)

Democracy and Civic Engagement:

Election Trust Initiative, Project Democracy (recent grantees)

Gender Equity and Reproductive Rights:

Planned Parenthood and affiliates: Over $2.5 million (2022-2023) for general operating support
IPAS: $5.1 million
Population Action International: $2.3 million
Marie Stopes International-US: $1.8 million
FemHealth USA: $1 million
ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project: $900,000
Center for Reproductive Rights Africa Program (2024)

Community and Local Impact:

San Francisco Foundation: $7.5 million unrestricted general support (largest grant from a private foundation in SFF's history)

Philanthropy Infrastructure:

JustFund: $2 million (2024) as platform reached milestone of moving nearly $320 million to social and racial justice organizations

Education:

OpenStax: Approximately $16.5 million since 2002
University of Pittsburgh Institute for Learning: $1 million (2024) for planning grant to establish cross-school networked improvement communities

Cyber Policy:

Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Florida International University, Turtle Mountain Community College: Over $20 million total (2023) for cyber policy programs

Arts (Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions, 2017-2022):

50 organizations received $150,000 grants each for major new commissioned works

These examples demonstrate Hewlett's preference for:

Large-scale, multi-year commitments
Organizations with established track records
Systems change and field-building work
Collaborative networks and coalitions
Flexible, general operating support
Focus on equity and justice

Key Success Factors

Organizational Characteristics:

Mid-sized to large organizations with demonstrated capacity
Strong track record in field
Clear commitment to equity and justice in practice
Potential for significant impact and scale
Aligned with Hewlett's strategic priorities

Strategic Approach:

Addresses root causes and systems change, not just symptoms
Collaborative approach and coalition-building capacity
Long-term vision with sustainable strategy
Evidence-based approach with measurement capacity

Geographic Alignment:

For Environment: U.S. West, global climate work
For Performing Arts: Must be San Francisco Bay Area
For Gender Equity: East or West Africa, Mexico, or U.S.
For Democracy: U.S. focus

Use Foundation Language:

"Trust-based philanthropy"
"Systems change"
"Equity and justice"
"Flexible funding"
"Multi-year general operating support"
"Root causes"
"Field-building"
"Collaborative"

Demonstrate Understanding of:

How your work addresses underlying structural issues
Your organization's commitment to equity in leadership and operations
Your capacity to use unrestricted funds strategically
Your potential for broader field impact

Common Barriers to Success

Submitting unsolicited proposals without prior relationship or when program doesn't accept them
Focusing on direct services rather than systemic change
Lack of alignment with specific program priorities and geographic focus
Insufficient organizational capacity or track record
Not demonstrating commitment to equity and justice in organizational practice
Lack of clarity on how work addresses root causes
Insufficient scale or potential for broader impact
Geographic misalignment (e.g., arts organization outside Bay Area)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Understand the proactive model: With less than 1% success for unsolicited applications, the foundation primarily identifies grantees through program teams' field expertise. Focus on building authentic relationships with program officers, demonstrating excellence in your field, and ensuring visibility at convenings and events the foundation supports rather than relying on cold applications.
Check program-specific application policies: While most programs use proactive grantmaking, some programs (like Climate and Energy) accept letters of inquiry on a rolling basis. Always check the specific program page and sign up for email updates to learn about periodic open opportunities. Don't waste time on unsolicited proposals to programs that don't accept them.
Emphasize systems change and root causes: Hewlett seeks organizations addressing underlying structural issues, not just providing direct services. Frame your work in terms of long-term systemic impact, field-building, and addressing root causes. Show how your approach creates lasting change beyond immediate beneficiaries.
Lead with equity and flexibility: If you become a grantee, Hewlett's preference is to provide multi-year general operating support rather than restricted project grants. Demonstrate your organization's capacity to use flexible funding strategically for institutional strengthening, sustainability, and adaptive strategy. Show commitment to equity in your leadership, governance, and operations.
Geographic alignment is critical: Each program has specific geographic restrictions. Performing Arts is exclusively Bay Area; Western Conservation covers specific western states; Gender Equity focuses on East/West Africa, Mexico, and U.S.; Democracy and Education are primarily U.S.-focused. Don't apply if you're outside the relevant geography.
Think big and long-term: Hewlett makes substantial grants (most $50,000-$750,000, some up to $20 million) and prefers multi-year relationships. Present bold, scalable solutions with long-term vision. The foundation has maintained commitments to program areas for decades and supports organizations for many years.
Be patient and strategic: The review process takes weeks to months, and building relationships with the foundation takes time. The foundation has supported some organizations since 1969 and values long-term partnerships. If you're not invited immediately, continue building your track record, maintain visibility in your field, and demonstrate alignment with priorities through your work. Nearly three-fourths of grant dollars go to flexible funding, showing commitment to sustained partnership with proven organizations.

References

Hewlett Foundation Official Website - About Us: https://hewlett.org/about-us/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Our Programs: https://hewlett.org/about-us/our-programs/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Grantmaking FAQ: https://hewlett.org/grantmaking-faq/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Our Grants: https://hewlett.org/our-grants/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Financials: https://hewlett.org/about-us/financials/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Our Board: https://hewlett.org/about-us/our-board/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Contact: https://hewlett.org/contact/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Environment Program: https://hewlett.org/programs/environment/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Gender Equity and Governance: https://hewlett.org/programs/gender-equity-and-governance/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Education Program: https://hewlett.org/programs/education/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - U.S. Democracy Program: https://hewlett.org/programs/us-democracy/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Performing Arts Program: https://hewlett.org/programs/performing-arts/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Racial Justice Initiative: https://hewlett.org/programs/racial-justice/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Effective Philanthropy Program: https://hewlett.org/programs/effective-philanthropy/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Amber D. Miller Biography: https://hewlett.org/people/amber-d-miller/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Hewlett Foundation Names Astrophysicist Amber D. Miller as Next President (Press Release): https://hewlett.org/newsroom/hewlett-foundation-names-astrophysicist-amber-d-miller-as-next-president/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Larry Kramer Biography: https://hewlett.org/people/larry-kramer/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Western Conservation Strategy: https://hewlett.org/strategy/western-conservation/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Introducing Gender Equity and Governance Program: https://hewlett.org/introducing-our-new-program-name-gender-equity-and-governance/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - About the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions: https://hewlett.org/about50commissions/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Key Takeaways from 2024 Grantee Town Halls: https://hewlett.org/key-takeaways-from-hewletts-2024-grantee-town-halls/ (Accessed November 2024)
Inside Philanthropy - William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-h/william-and-flora-hewlett-foundation (Accessed November 2024)
Inside Philanthropy - Seven Things to Know About Amber Miller: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2024-6-5-seven-things-to-know-about-amber-miller-the-hewlett-foundations-incoming-president (Accessed November 2024)
Chronicle of Philanthropy - Hewlett Foundation Picks Astrophysicist Amber Miller as Its Next President: https://www.philanthropy.com/article/hewlett-foundation-picks-astrophysicist-amber-miller-as-its-next-president (Accessed November 2024)
Wikipedia - Hewlett Foundation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hewlett_Foundation (Accessed November 2024)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - William & Flora Hewlett Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/941655673 (Accessed November 2024)
Candid Foundation Directory - William & Flora Hewlett Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=HEWL001 (Accessed November 2024)
FundsForNGOs - A Comprehensive Guide to the Hewlett Foundation's Grant Programs: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/articles-searching-grants-and-donors/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-hewlett-foundations-grant-programs/ (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - U.S. Reproductive Equity Strategy 2024-2027 (PDF): https://hewlett.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/U.S.-Reproductive-Equity-Strategy-2024-2027.pdf (Accessed November 2024)
Hewlett Foundation - Hewlett's Racial Justice Strategy: A Roadmap for Progress: https://hewlett.org/hewletts-racial-justice-strategy-a-roadmap-for-progress/ (Accessed November 2024)