Hill Snowdon Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.2 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies (invitation-only process)
• Grant Range: $7,500 - $100,000 (typical general operating: $40,000-$50,000)
• Geographic Focus: U.S. South (60-70%), Washington DC, Native communities

Contact Details

• Website: www.hillsnowdon.org
• Phone: (202) 833-8600
• Email: grants@hillsnowdon.org
• Address: 700 12th St NW Ste 700, Washington DC 20005-4052

Overview

The Hill Snowdon Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1959 by the late George and Frances Snowdon. With assets of $38.7 million and annual giving of approximately $3.2 million, the foundation focuses exclusively on community organizing efforts that build power for low-income families and communities of color. In 2024, they awarded 165 grants totaling $3,182,265. The foundation embraces trust-based philanthropy principles and has recently transitioned to multiyear funding commitments. Under the leadership of Executive Director Nat Chioke Williams and Board Chair Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner (4th generation family trustee), the foundation has deepened its commitment to Black-led organizing, with over 50% of their overall portfolio supporting Black-led organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $40,000-$50,000 (multiyear commitments, invitation-only)
• Small Grants Fund: Up to $7,500 (for current partners only)
• Fund for DC: Variable amounts for Washington DC-based organizations
• Meeting the Moment Initiative: $5.5 million over 5.5 years for Black movement infrastructure
• Defending the Dream Fund: Collaborative funding with partner foundations (launched 2017)

Priority Areas

• Youth Organizing (60-70% of portfolio)
• Economic Justice Organizing
• Black-led organizing (over 50% of overall portfolio)
• Community organizing in the U.S. South
• Native American community organizing
• Organizations building power for low-income families and communities of color
• Movement infrastructure and capacity building

What They Don't Fund

• Direct service organizations without organizing component
• Individual assistance
• Academic research
• Capital campaigns
• Fundraising events
• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas
• Organizations not focused on community organizing

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Nat Chioke Williams - Leads the foundation's strategic direction with extensive experience in racial justice philanthropy.

Board Chair: Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner - Great-granddaughter of founder, representing the 4th generation of family trustees committed to social justice philanthropy.

Board Composition: The board includes both family trustees and, as of 2020, three non-family community trustees, reflecting the foundation's commitment to sharing power and incorporating grassroots perspectives into decision-making.

According to Executive Director Nat Chioke Williams: "We are trying to build political partnerships with organizations and not transactional relationships."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Hill Snowdon Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations whose work aligns with the foundation's priorities may contact them through their website contact form to introduce their work. Referrals from existing partners can be helpful in getting on the foundation's radar. When invited, applications are submitted through the Blackbaud Grantmaking System.

Getting on Their Radar

• Submit introductory information through the website contact form at hillsnowdon.org
• Build relationships with current Hill Snowdon grantees who may provide referrals
• The foundation specifically values organizations doing community organizing work in the U.S. South
• Participate in movement spaces where Hill Snowdon staff and board members are active, particularly those focused on racial justice and community organizing
• The foundation attends gatherings of Southern organizers and youth organizing networks

Decision Timeline

Variable based on invitation-only process. The foundation has moved to multiyear funding commitments with streamlined renewal processes for partners of 3+ years.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed due to invitation-only process.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation maintains an 8-year time limit for partnerships, with organizations cycling off after 8 years. Partners receive at least 1-year advance notice and a final tie-off grant to support transition.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrated organizing approach: The foundation explicitly funds community organizing, not direct service. Organizations must show how they build power for low-income communities and communities of color.
• Geographic alignment: Strong preference for organizations in the U.S. South (60-70% of portfolio), Washington DC, or Native communities.
• Youth leadership: With 60-70% of their portfolio supporting youth organizing, organizations with authentic youth leadership and decision-making have significant advantage.
• Black-led organizations: Over 50% of the foundation's portfolio supports Black-led organizing, particularly in the context of racial justice movements.
• Trust-based approach compatibility: Organizations comfortable with streamlined reporting and able to articulate their theory of change align well with the foundation's trust-based philanthropy model.
• Movement building focus: The foundation values organizations that see themselves as part of broader movements rather than working in isolation.
• Long-term vision: With the shift to multiyear funding, organizations should demonstrate sustainability planning and long-term strategic thinking.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Hill Snowdon is invitation-only - focus on relationship building through their contact form and existing grantee networks
• The foundation provides general operating support, not project-specific funding - frame your organization's overall impact
• With 60-70% supporting youth organizing and over 50% supporting Black-led organizations, highlight these aspects if applicable
• Geographic focus is crucial - U.S. South organizations have the strongest alignment
• Emphasize community organizing and power-building strategies, not direct service delivery
• The foundation values trust-based partnerships - avoid overly transactional language in communications
• Consider the 8-year partnership limit when planning long-term funding strategies

References

• Hill Snowdon Foundation Official Website. www.hillsnowdon.org. Accessed March 2024.
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Hill Snowdon Foundation Form 990-PF (2023). projects.propublica.org/nonprofits. Accessed March 2024.
• Inside Philanthropy. "Hill Snowdon Foundation: Grants for Community Organizing." Accessed March 2024.
• Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. "Hill Snowdon Foundation Case Study." trustbasedphilanthropy.org. Accessed March 2024.
• Charity Navigator. "Hill Snowdon Foundation Profile." charitynavigator.org. Accessed March 2024.
• Foundation Directory (Candid). "Hill Snowdon Foundation." fconline.foundationcenter.org. Accessed March 2024.
• National Center for Family Philanthropy. "Hill Snowdon Foundation: A Fourth Generation Leads." ncfp.org. Published 2019.
• Instrumentl Foundation Profile. "Hill Snowdon Foundation Overview." Accessed March 2024.
• "Meeting the Moment: Black Movement Infrastructure Initiative." Hill Snowdon Foundation announcement. 2020.