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The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M

The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,386,076 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $500 - $87,500 (with median around $10,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Minnesota (primary), with grants also made in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin
  • Number of Grants: 116 grants in 2023; 118 grants in 2024
  • Total Assets: $46.3 million (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 3415 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114-1019

Phone: (651) 642-4305 or (651) 642-4300

Contact Person: Kathryn Hubbard Rominski, Vice President/Executive Director

EIN: 41-6022291

Note: The foundation does not appear to have a dedicated website. Contact should be made directly via phone or mail.

Overview

The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation is a private foundation established in 1958 by Stanley S. Hubbard, founder of Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. With assets of approximately $46.3 million and annual charitable disbursements of $2.4 million (2024), the foundation continues the Hubbard family's long-standing commitment to supporting communities where Hubbard Broadcasting operates. The foundation primarily serves Minnesota nonprofits, though it occasionally makes grants in other states where Hubbard Broadcasting has media operations, including markets in New Mexico (Albuquerque), and regions served by their radio stations across the United States.

The foundation has a well-established track record, having operated for over 65 years, and maintains a stable giving pattern with 116-118 grants awarded annually in recent years. The Hubbard family's broader philanthropic legacy includes transformational gifts to the University of Minnesota, including a $10 million donation in 2000 to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (now the Hubbard School of Journalism), as well as support for the Masonic Cancer Center, Gopher Athletics, and the College of Science and Engineering.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation operates as a single grant program without distinct funding streams. Grants are awarded throughout the year, with most foundation activity occurring prior to the end of the calendar year.

Grant Size Distribution:

  • Minimum: $500
  • Median: $10,000
  • Maximum: $87,500
  • Average: Approximately $13,600-$13,800

Priority Areas

The foundation accepts applications from nonprofit organizations providing services in the following program areas:

  • Human Services: Organizations addressing community needs and supporting vulnerable populations
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs, including support for journalism education
  • Health: Healthcare organizations and programs, with particular interest in cancer research and skin disorders
  • Arts and Culture: Cultural institutions including zoos, museums, and arts organizations
  • Christianity: Faith-based organizations and ministries
  • Athletics: Hockey programs and sports development
  • Leadership Development: Programs that develop community and organizational leaders

Geographic Preference: Most grant awards are made to organizations in Minnesota, with occasional exceptions for organizations in states where Hubbard Broadcasting operates, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The foundation has supported organizations in major cities including Chicago, Denver, and Washington, D.C.

What They Don't Fund

According to their Form 990 filings, the foundation lists "NONE" under formal restrictions, suggesting they do not maintain a published list of exclusions. However, applications should align with their stated priority areas and, in most cases, serve Minnesota communities.

Governance and Leadership

The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation is governed by members of the Hubbard family who also lead Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.:

Key Officers and Directors:

  • Stanley S. Hubbard: President/Director - Chairman and CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting, continuing the legacy of his father, Stanley E. Hubbard, who pioneered commercial radio and television broadcasting
  • Kathryn (Kari) Hubbard Rominski: Vice President/Executive Director (Compensation: $78,039 in 2024) - Also serves as Executive Vice President of Community Affairs for Hubbard Broadcasting
  • Stanley E. Hubbard II: Director - Chairman & CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting
  • Virginia (Ginny) Hubbard Morris: Director - Chair & CEO of Hubbard Radio
  • Robert W. Hubbard: Director - President of Hubbard's Television division

The current generation of Hubbard family leadership, including Kathryn Rominski, Stanley E. Hubbard, Virginia Morris, and Robert W. Hubbard, were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024, following their father Stanley S. Hubbard and grandfather Stanley E. Hubbard, who were charter inductees in 2001.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts written applications from qualifying nonprofit organizations. Applications should include:

  1. Summary of Organization: Brief history and purpose of the organization
  2. IRS 501(c)(3) Letter: Copy of tax-exempt status documentation
  3. Project Description: Specific project or program for which funds will be allocated
  4. Budget Information: Clear indication of whether funds are requested for operating or non-operating expenses

Submission: Applications should be mailed to the foundation's address: The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation 3415 University Ave W St Paul, MN 55114-1019

Or contact Kathryn Hubbard Rominski at (651) 642-4305

Application Schedule: The foundation does not publish specific deadlines. Most foundation activity takes place prior to the end of the calendar year, suggesting that applications submitted earlier in the year may have better chances of being considered in the same fiscal year.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Given that the foundation makes 116-118 grants annually and most activity occurs before year-end, applicants should allow several months for review and decision-making.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 116 grants in 2023 and 118 grants in 2024 out of total applications received. Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the consistent number of grants suggests a selective but stable funding approach.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly documented. Organizations that have previously received funding may apply again for new projects or ongoing support, subject to the foundation's review process.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and funding patterns, the following factors may strengthen an application:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations based in Minnesota, particularly in communities where Hubbard Broadcasting operates (Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester/Austin, Northern Minnesota), appear to have the strongest alignment with the foundation's mission.

Connection to Hubbard Broadcasting Markets: Organizations in cities where Hubbard Broadcasting has stations (Albuquerque, NM; Chicago; Denver; Washington, D.C. area) may have enhanced consideration given the foundation's stated interest in supporting communities where the parent company operates.

Clear Project Focus: The foundation requests specific information about projects or programs, suggesting preference for well-defined initiatives over general operating support requests, though both are considered.

Demonstrated Impact: The foundation has supported organizations like The Phoenix Residence for specific programs (music therapy), indicating appreciation for targeted, measurable outcomes.

Established Organizations: The foundation's support pattern suggests preference for established nonprofits with proven track records rather than startup organizations.

Realistic Budget Requests: With a median grant of $10,000 and average around $13,600, organizations should request amounts aligned with the foundation's typical giving range. Requests significantly above $50,000 appear to be rare.

Multi-Year Relationships: The foundation's support for institutions like the University of Minnesota and ongoing scholarship programs suggests they value long-term partnerships with organizations demonstrating consistent impact.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Minnesota-centric but not exclusive: While most grants go to Minnesota organizations, the foundation does fund in states where Hubbard Broadcasting operates. Organizations in these markets should emphasize connections to communities served by Hubbard media properties.

  • Family foundation with broadcasting legacy: Understanding the Hubbard family's 100-year commitment to broadcasting and journalism may help frame proposals, particularly for organizations working in media literacy, communications, or journalism education.

  • Moderate grant sizes: Target requests in the $10,000-$25,000 range for optimal alignment with typical giving patterns. Requests below $5,000 or above $50,000 fall outside the norm.

  • Operating and program support both accepted: The foundation asks whether funds are for operating or non-operating expenses but accepts both, providing flexibility for applicants.

  • Year-end giving focus: Submit applications well in advance of December to ensure consideration in the current funding cycle, as most activity occurs before calendar year-end.

  • Simple application process: The foundation uses a straightforward application requiring basic organizational information and project details, without complex online portals or lengthy proposal requirements.

  • Relationship-oriented philanthropy: As a family foundation with deep Minnesota roots and personal involvement from family members serving as directors, building relationships and demonstrating community impact may be as important as proposal quality.

References

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