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 organisations 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 programme teams identify potential grantees, though certain programmes accept applications through periodic open processes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Environment Programme ($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 (initial $500 million commitment from 2008-2013), Western Resource Advocates, Western Conservation Foundation

Gender Equity and Governance Programme (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 Programme, reproductive health partnerships in Kenya and Rwanda
• 42% of programme funding now goes to local leader-led organisations in East and West Africa and Mexico (up from 25% three years ago)

Education Programme ($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 Programme ($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 Programme ($40.5 million in 2024 through 94 grants)

• Geographic focus: San Francisco Bay Area exclusively
• Portfolio of approximately 175 grantee organisations
• 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, theatre, 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 organisations working across Hewlett programmes
• Collaborative grants with programme teams
• $40 million moved to racial justice organisations 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 programme)

• Built field of cybersecurity expertise in universities and think tanks
• Funded cyber policy programmes 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 Programme ($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 centred in organisational practice
• Collaboration and coalition-building
• Support for marginalised 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

Organisational Types:

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

Funding Types:

• Generally no programme-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 emphasises:

• 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 programme 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 organisations identified by foundation programme teams
• Programme officers use field expertise to find organisations 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:

• 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 programmes accepting LOIs
• Monitor individual programme pages for opportunities

What NOT to Do:

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals without checking if programme 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 programme priorities, a programme 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 programme 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, organisations should focus on:

• Building authentic relationships with relevant programme 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 organisations 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 programmes 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 Organisations must demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the foundation's programme areas and their specific strategies. The foundation funds organisations working in areas that align with the goals and strategies of its programmes and initiatives.

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

Demonstrate Systems Change Focus The foundation seeks organisations 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
• Organisation 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: $500 million commitment from 2008-2013 to launch the organisation (initially $481.5 million in 2008)

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 Programme (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 organisations

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 programmes

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

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

These examples demonstrate Hewlett's preference for:

• Large-scale, multi-year commitments
• Organisations 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

Organisational Characteristics:

• Mid-sized to large organisations 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 organisation'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 programme doesn't accept them
• Focusing on direct services rather than systemic change
• Lack of alignment with specific programme priorities and geographic focus
• Insufficient organisational capacity or track record
• Not demonstrating commitment to equity and justice in organisational practice
• Lack of clarity on how work addresses root causes
• Insufficient scale or potential for broader impact
• Geographic misalignment (e.g., arts organisation outside Bay Area)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Understand the proactive model: With less than 1% success for unsolicited applications, the foundation primarily identifies grantees through programme teams' field expertise. Focus on building authentic relationships with programme officers, demonstrating excellence in your field, and ensuring visibility at convenings and events the foundation supports rather than relying on cold applications.

2. Check programme-specific application policies: While most programmes use proactive grantmaking, the foundation occasionally opens specific application opportunities. Always check the specific programme page and sign up for email updates to learn about periodic open opportunities. Don't waste time on unsolicited proposals to programmes that don't accept them.

3. Emphasise systems change and root causes: Hewlett seeks organisations 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.

4. 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 organisation's capacity to use flexible funding strategically for institutional strengthening, sustainability, and adaptive strategy. Show commitment to equity in your leadership, governance, and operations.

5. Geographic alignment is critical: Each programme 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.

6. 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 programme areas for decades and supports organisations for many years.

7. Be patient and strategic: The review process takes weeks to months, and building relationships with the foundation takes time. The foundation has supported some organisations 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 organisations.

References

1. Hewlett Foundation Official Website - About Us: https://hewlett.org/about-us/ (Accessed November 2024)

2. Hewlett Foundation - Our Programmes: https://hewlett.org/about-us/our-programs/ (Accessed November 2024)

3. Hewlett Foundation - Grantmaking FAQ: https://hewlett.org/grantmaking-faq/ (Accessed November 2024)

4. Hewlett Foundation - Our Grants: https://hewlett.org/our-grants/ (Accessed November 2024)

5. Hewlett Foundation - Financials: https://hewlett.org/about-us/financials/ (Accessed November 2024)

6. Hewlett Foundation - Our Board: https://hewlett.org/about-us/our-board/ (Accessed November 2024)

7. Hewlett Foundation - Contact: https://hewlett.org/contact/ (Accessed November 2024)

8. Hewlett Foundation - Environment Programme: https://hewlett.org/programs/environment/ (Accessed November 2024)

9. Hewlett Foundation - Gender Equity and Governance: https://hewlett.org/programs/gender-equity-and-governance/ (Accessed November 2024)

10. Hewlett Foundation - Education Programme: https://hewlett.org/programs/education/ (Accessed November 2024)

11. Hewlett Foundation - U.S. Democracy Programme: https://hewlett.org/programs/us-democracy/ (Accessed November 2024)

12. Hewlett Foundation - Performing Arts Programme: https://hewlett.org/programs/performing-arts/ (Accessed November 2024)

13. Hewlett Foundation - Racial Justice Initiative: https://hewlett.org/programs/racial-justice/ (Accessed November 2024)

14. Hewlett Foundation - Effective Philanthropy Programme: https://hewlett.org/programs/effective-philanthropy/ (Accessed November 2024)

15. Hewlett Foundation - Amber D. Miller Biography: https://hewlett.org/people/amber-d-miller/ (Accessed November 2024)

16. 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)

17. Hewlett Foundation - Larry Kramer Biography: https://hewlett.org/people/larry-kramer/ (Accessed November 2024)

18. Hewlett Foundation - Western Conservation Strategy: https://hewlett.org/strategy/western-conservation/ (Accessed November 2024)

19. Hewlett Foundation - Introducing Gender Equity and Governance Programme: https://hewlett.org/introducing-our-new-program-name-gender-equity-and-governance/ (Accessed November 2024)

20. Hewlett Foundation - About the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions: https://hewlett.org/about50commissions/ (Accessed November 2024)

21. Hewlett Foundation - Key Takeaways from 2024 Grantee Town Halls: https://hewlett.org/key-takeaways-from-hewletts-2024-grantee-town-halls/ (Accessed November 2024)

22. 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)

23. 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)

24. 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)

25. Wikipedia - Hewlett Foundation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hewlett_Foundation (Accessed November 2024)

26. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - William & Flora Hewlett Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/941655673 (Accessed November 2024)

27. Candid Foundation Directory - William & Flora Hewlett Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=HEWL001 (Accessed November 2024)

28. FundsForNGOs - A Comprehensive Guide to the Hewlett Foundation's Grant Programmes: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/articles-searching-grants-and-donors/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-hewlett-foundations-grant-programs/ (Accessed November 2024)

29. 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)

30. 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)

31. Hewlett Foundation - Going Global with the Fight against Climate Change: https://hewlett.org/newsroom/going-global-with-the-fight-against-climate-change/ (Accessed November 2024)

32. Hewlett Foundation - Environment Programme Grantmaking: https://hewlett.org/about-the-environment-programs-grantmaking-2/ (Accessed November 2024)