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Hall Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$53.0M
Grant Range
$10K - $5.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Hall Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $53,005,934 (2023)
  • Total Assets: Over $1 billion (2021)
  • Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (timing varies)
  • Grant Range: Varies widely - from smaller grants to multi-million dollar awards
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Kansas City region (Jackson, Cass, Clay, and Platte Counties in Missouri; Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.hallfamilyfoundation.org/

Email: grants@hallfamilyfoundation.org

Address: Kansas City, MO

Overview

Founded in 1943 by Joyce and Elizabeth Hall, along with Joyce's brother Rollie B. Hall, the Hall Family Foundation is one of Kansas City's most significant philanthropic organizations. The foundation's assets, derived from the estate of Hallmark Cards founder Joyce C. Hall and his family, surpassed $1 billion in 2021. With annual giving exceeding $53 million (2023), the foundation has evolved from its original mission of promoting the welfare of school-age children to a comprehensive approach addressing systemic inequities across the Greater Kansas City region. Currently led by President Mayra Aguirre, the foundation emphasizes community-driven solutions, collaboration, and data-informed grantmaking across three interconnected impact areas. The foundation operates independently from Hallmark Cards and the Hallmark Corporate Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through three main impact areas rather than distinct grant programs, with grants varying in size based on program or project needs. The foundation has made grants ranging from smaller awards to multi-million dollar investments, including seven-figure grants to major institutions.

Recent Grant Examples:

  • $4.5 million to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (2024) for Photography Department activities
  • $2.8 million to Truman Medical Center Medical Foundation (2021)
  • $2.6 million to Kansas University Endowment Association (2021)
  • $2.5 million to Eisenhower Foundation (2021)

Multi-Year Funding: The foundation has made grants over two to three years depending on the type of project, though agencies should not rely on the foundation for substantial, annual support.

Application Method: Rolling basis - requests accepted year-round through online inquiry form, followed by letter of interest and follow-up questions. Board meetings held quarterly in March, June, September, and December.

Priority Areas

KC Spirit: Elevating Kansas City

  • Fortifying regional assets that shape the city's culture, economic opportunity, health, and vibrancy
  • Uplifting arts and culture sector with emphasis on inclusiveness, excellence, sustainability, and innovation
  • Supporting organizational capacity building and financial sustainability
  • Strengthening the arts ecosystem through storytelling and community engagement

Prospering Communities: Increasing Equity

  • Health Equity: Ensuring fair access to healthcare services
  • Emergency & Safety Net Services: Supporting vulnerable populations during crises
  • Livable Neighborhoods/Housing: Improving residential conditions and affordability
  • Economic Mobility: Creating pathways to financial independence
  • Data-driven, multi-sector, place-based approaches driven by those with lived experiences

Growing Minds: Creating Strong Educational Foundations

  • Pre-K Education: Access to sustainable, quality pre-K programs
  • K-12 Education: Supporting public schools to meet/exceed state standards with effective teachers and leaders
  • Post-Secondary Education: Preparing students to access and persist in post-secondary programs and pursue careers of their choice
  • Education Awareness & Engagement: Improving education conditions, increasing equitable funding, building talent pipelines
  • Focus on eliminating disparities based on race or zip code

What They Don't Fund

The foundation seldom makes grants to:

  • Organizations outside the Greater Kansas City region
  • Political activities or candidates
  • Individuals
  • International organizations
  • Religious organizations focused on promoting religious doctrine
  • Endowments or scholarly research
  • Operating deficits or debt reduction
  • Event promotion or travel/conference expenses
  • IRS-classified 509(a)(3) supporting organizations
  • Crowdfunding campaigns

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Donald J. Hall, Jr. - Chairman of the Board; Executive President of the Board, Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Other Board Members:

  • William S. Berkley - President and CEO, Tension Corporation
  • Peggy J. Dunn - Mayor of Leawood, Kansas
  • Richard C. Green, Jr. - Managing Director, Avrion, LLC
  • Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. - Retired President and CEO, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
  • Mark Jorgenson - Independent Corporate Director
  • Sandra A.J. Lawrence - Independent Corporate Director
  • Margaret H. Pence - Community Volunteer
  • David A. Warm - Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council

Staff Leadership

Mayra Aguirre - President

President Aguirre, who previously served four years as vice president and secretary, sees herself as a "servant leader" following the example of Hallmark Cards founder J.C. Hall. She emphasizes that "the answers will emerge from the community," highlighting the foundation's commitment to community-centered work.

Donald J. Hall, Jr. stated of Aguirre: "Mayra understands the values and mission of the Foundation, and possesses the vision and dedication needed to build on the Foundation's legacy."

Program Team:

  • Rebecca Coulson
  • Cynthia de la Rosa
  • Halley French

Operations Team:

  • Dani de León - Grants Administrator
  • Maria Savoy - Executive Assistant
  • Debbie Whiles - Grants Associate

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Hall Family Foundation accepts applications on a rolling, year-round basis with no fixed deadlines.

Application Steps:

  1. Initial Inquiry: Complete the online inquiry form available at hallfamilyfoundation.org
  2. Letter of Interest: Submit if requested after initial inquiry
  3. Follow-Up Questions: Engage in conversations with assigned Program Officer regarding proposal
  4. Full Proposal: Submit if invited, with specific deadlines communicated by Program Officer

Required Documentation:

  • Copy of organization's most recent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt ruling from the IRS
  • Detailed information about proposed project including objectives, expected outcomes, and budgetary needs
  • Demonstration of alignment with foundation's vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Organizations must have been in operation for at least five years
  • Must be located in/serving the Greater Kansas City region (Jackson, Cass, Clay, and Platte Counties in Missouri; Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas)
  • Only one proposal per year per agency accepted

Decision Timeline

Board Meetings: Quarterly in March, June, September, and December

Timeline: Variable depending on submission timing relative to board meetings. Specific deadlines are decided and communicated through conversations with the assigned Program Officer.

Notification: The Program Officer working on the request will contact the executive director (or primary contact) by phone or email to inform them of the decision, followed by an award letter.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit no more than one proposal per year per agency. The foundation does not publicly specify restrictions for unsuccessful applicants, though direct consultation with a Program Officer is recommended for guidance on reapplication timing.

Application Success Factors

The Hall Family Foundation provides clear guidance on what they seek in partners and proposals:

Alignment with Strategic Approach:

  • Centering Community: The foundation prioritizes listening to diverse communities with respect, recognizing their unique insights and cultural relevance. As they state: "We do not have all the answers; we seek to be part of finding community driven solutions."
  • Building Collaboration: Partnerships enhance sustainable success. Look for opportunities to demonstrate collaborative approaches across sectors.
  • Renewing Mindset: Pursue innovative interventions that increase access and opportunity for broader community participation.

What the Foundation Values:

  • Organizations that share their values and commitment to collaboration
  • Deep community connections and incorporation of lived experience insights
  • Focus on systemic change rather than isolated initiatives
  • Data-driven approaches with outcome tracking and impact measurement
  • Sustainable program design with community engagement
  • Focus on improving equity and quality of life for underserved populations
  • Efforts to leverage cross-sector resources
  • Inclusive, effective leadership
  • Data-driven decision-making

Strategic Considerations:

  • Projects must align with one or more of the three impact areas (KC Spirit, Prospering Communities, Growing Minds)
  • Geographic focus must be the Greater Kansas City region
  • The foundation seeks systematic and comprehensive strategies addressing their focus areas
  • Multi-sector, place-based approaches driven by those with lived experiences are prioritized
  • Organizations should propose solutions that address root causes of inequity

Financial Expectations:

  • Grants vary in size based on program or project needs
  • Multi-year funding (two to three years) is possible depending on project type
  • Agencies should not rely on the foundation for substantial, annual support - diversified funding is expected

Operational Requirements:

  • Grant recipients must submit annual reports documenting proper fund usage
  • Organizations must demonstrate organizational and financial capacity
  • Minimum five years of operational history required

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Community-centered approach is critical: The foundation explicitly states they "do not have all the answers" and seek community-driven solutions. Proposals should center the voices and lived experiences of affected communities in program design and implementation.

  • Think systemically, not programmatically: The foundation seeks "innovative interventions" that create "systemic solutions to community needs" rather than isolated programs. Frame your work in terms of addressing root causes of inequity.

  • Build your case with data: The foundation emphasizes data-driven approaches. Include robust outcome tracking, impact measurement, and evidence-based practices in your proposal.

  • Emphasize collaboration: The foundation explicitly seeks "partners who share our values and commitment to collaboration in forging solutions." Highlight cross-sector partnerships and collaborative approaches.

  • One shot per year: With only one proposal allowed per agency annually and quarterly board meetings, timing and preparation are essential. Engage with a Program Officer early to ensure alignment before submitting.

  • Geographic focus is non-negotiable: The foundation "seldom makes grants" outside the Greater Kansas City region. Your work must clearly serve Jackson, Cass, Clay, or Platte Counties in Missouri, or Wyandotte or Johnson Counties in Kansas.

  • Operate from a position of strength: The five-year operational requirement and emphasis on organizational capacity means you need to demonstrate stability, effective leadership, and financial health alongside your programmatic vision.

References

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