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Donald P And Elaine M Hayden Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.3M
Decision Time
4mo

Donald P And Elaine M Hayden Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $750,000+ (2024), nearly $1 million projected (2025)
  • Success Rate: Not published
  • Decision Time: 2-6 months (grants reviewed May and November)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island exclusively

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 2017 by Donald P. and Elaine M. Hayden, this private foundation has rapidly scaled its grantmaking from $15,000 in 2023 to over $750,000 in 2024, with nearly $1 million projected for 2025. The foundation was established to honor the Haydens' life experiences and belief in work ethic, service, and education as keys to success. Both founders served in WWII—Don as an Army Medic and Elaine with the Navy Bureau of Ships—and their modest upbringings shaped their philanthropic vision. The foundation exclusively serves Rhode Island organizations, focusing on educational initiatives (particularly STEAM and trades education) and animal welfare programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates two main funding streams:

  • Education Grants: $15,000 - $250,000 for STEAM programs, trades education, and student scholarships
  • Animal Welfare Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 for shelters, spay/neuter programs, and animal care organizations

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with reviews in May and November.

Priority Areas

  • Educational initiatives at all levels, with emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
  • Trades education and vocational training programs
  • Student scholarships for those facing unexpected financial hardship
  • Animal welfare programs including spay/neuter services
  • Animal shelter support and humane education
  • Programs serving underserved communities in Rhode Island

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside Rhode Island
  • 100% of any project budget (requires other funding sources)
  • General operations support (not a priority, but may be considered)
  • For-profit organizations or individuals
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status (unless using a fiscal sponsor)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Kenneth Barthelemy - Secretary
  • Nick Gorham
  • Michael Hill - Treasurer
  • John Reis
  • Cynthia Rondeau

Executive Director: George Panichas

George Panichas emphasizes the foundation's impact: "We are thrilled to see the real-world impact our grants are having in Rhode Island. From funding educational scholarships to supporting critical animal welfare initiatives like spay and neuter programs, our mission to improve lives across Rhode Island is gaining significant momentum."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Submit a Letter of Inquiry through the foundation's website (www.haydenfoundation-ri.org)
  2. No strict application deadlines - rolling basis
  3. If invited, submit a full grant application
  4. Required: 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor

Decision Timeline

  • Grant requests reviewed twice yearly: May and November
  • In unique circumstances, grants may be awarded more frequently
  • Typical decision timeframe: 2-6 months from Letter of Inquiry submission
  • Notification via email or phone call

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation reported an "unprecedented number of grant applications" in 2025, indicating growing competition.

Reapplication Policy

  • Organizations can receive only one grant per calendar year
  • Can reapply for the same project after current grant period ends
  • Previous denial does not prevent future applications
  • Each application evaluated individually each year

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated evaluation criteria and funded projects:

Key Evaluation Factors:

  • Project size and scope alignment with foundation resources
  • Perceived benefit to Rhode Island communities
  • Organization's budget and demonstrated management capacity
  • Evidence of other funding sources (foundation won't be sole funder)
  • Clear connection to STEAM/trades education or animal welfare

Recent Funded Examples:

  • University of Rhode Island: Multi-year scholarship for students facing unexpected hardship
  • Roger Williams University: Full scholarships for electrical, carpentry, and plumbing apprenticeships
  • West Place Animal Sanctuary: Educational internship programs connecting students with animal welfare

Foundation Guidance:

  • George Panichas states: "Our goal is to provide the necessary information and guidance to prospective grantees that encourages appropriate inquiries, with an application process that is intuitive and efficient"
  • Carefully review the "Interests & Priorities" section before applying
  • Be specific about requested funding amount
  • Demonstrate how the project aligns with the Haydens' values of work ethic, service, and education

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Rhode Island-exclusive funder experiencing rapid growth—$750,000 to nearly $1 million annually
  • Two decision cycles annually (May and November) but accepts Letters of Inquiry year-round
  • Won't fund 100% of project costs—demonstrate diverse funding sources
  • Strong preference for STEAM/trades education and animal welfare—other causes unlikely to succeed
  • Emphasize measurable Rhode Island community impact in applications
  • One grant per organization per year—make your request count
  • Foundation values work ethic, frugality, and making the most of opportunities—reflect these values in your proposal

References

  • The Hayden Foundation official website (www.haydenfoundation-ri.org), accessed January 2025
  • "The Hayden Foundation of Rhode Island Achieves Major Growth in 2024, Nearing $1 Million in Grants for 2025," EIN Presswire, December 2024
  • "Hayden Foundation of Rhode Island awards the University of Rhode Island $750,000 for scholarships," URI News, September 2024
  • "Roger Williams University Receives $150,000 Grant from Hayden Foundation to Continue Trades Education Scholarship Program," RWU News Archive, 2025
  • "RWU Launches Don P. and Elaine M. Hayden Scholarships for Trades Education," RWU News Archive, 2024
  • Hayden Foundation Frequently Asked Questions page (www.haydenfoundation-ri.org/grant-seekers/frequently-asked-questions/), accessed January 2025
  • Hayden Foundation About Us page (www.haydenfoundation-ri.org/about-us/), accessed January 2025
  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Donald P And Elaine M Hayden Foundation (EIN: 816992573), accessed January 2025
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