Roy A. Hunt Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Roy A. Hunt Foundation broadly funds climate change, environmental conservation, global development, women’s rights, violence prevention and community development in Boston, Pittsburgh, and beyond.
IP TAKE: This accessible funder typically awards grants for specific projects rather than those for general operating support. They’re pretty open-minded and like to field questions from grantseekers. New applicants may submit letters of inquiry at any time. Full proposals are accepted by invitation.
PROFILE: Roy A. Hunt and his wife Rachel McMasters Miller Hunt established the Hunt Foundation in 1951; however, when Mr. Hunt passed in 1966, his will created the Roy A. Hunt Foundation. In 1994, the two formerly separate entities merged into one organization, which remains committed to supporting “organizations that strive to improve the quality of life.” The foundation’s grantmaking programs are community development, the environment, international development, youth violence prevention, the community farming giving circle and general grantmaking.
Grants for Climate Change and Marine Conservation
Hunt’s environment initiative seeks organizations that protect “natural resources and ecosystems in the United States,” and support “sustainable solutions to altering root causes of environmental damage.” The foundation’s climate change grants offer funding to organizations aiming to reduce the impact of climate change in the U.S. by increasing the use and affordability of renewable energy and reducing demand for carbon intensive sources, goods, and services. Past climate change grantees include Natural Capitalism Solutions, which received funding for its Climate Action Plan Roadmap project; and Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, which received a grant in support of its Climate Solutions project.
Hunts grants related to marine conservation support organizations combating the disposal of consumer and industrial toxins and waste and those that are protecting and restoring the quality of fresh water, coastal water, and “nearby oceanic areas of the United States.” The foundation does not award grants for local watersheds, conservancies or land trusts, funding for influencing policymaking, or capital projects and easements. The Clean Water Fund is a past grantee that received funding for its ReThink Disposable project.
Grants for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Hunt’s newest grantmaking initiative, the Community Farming Giving Circle, aims to “improve access to local, organic, regenerative food and invest in farmers dedicated to their local communities.” Early priorities for this grantmaking program, which is overseen by members of the Hunt family, include food equity, fair access to land and work, leadership development for agriculture and food distribution, sustainable and organic farming practice and ethical treatment of livestock. The program also prioritizes programs and projects where “modest funding can have significant impact” as grant amounts are mostly capped at $30,000. A first round of grantmaking supported organizations including Pittsburgh’s 412 Food Rescue, Black Urban Farmers and Gardeners of Pittsburgh, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Urban Farming Institute of Boston and Food Shift of Berkeley, California.
Grants for Violence Prevention
Hunt’s youth violence prevention program seeks to “reeducate youth violence and the risk factors that contribute to it.” The foundation geographically limits this program’s grants to low-income and higher crime areas in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; Cleveland, Ohio; Martin County, Florida; and St. Lucie County, Florida. Its strategies include “working with clients in multiple settings, including, one-on-one, peer group, family, school, and/or community,” “using the Foundation’s grants as leverage to attract other public and private resources,” and “implementing and expanding researched practices and evidence-based programs.” Past grantees include the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, which received a grant for its violence prevention and gang intervention program; and Mission S.A.F.E, which received funding for its junior violence prevention project.
Grants for Economic Opportunity and Community Development
The Hunt Foundation’s community development program broadly funds efforts to “rebuild and strengthen healthy and sustainable neighborhoods” in Boston and Pennsylvania. It supports economic development projects such as workforce readiness and entrepreneurship, neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and collaboration between other funders and nonprofits in the sector. Grantees include Lena Park Community Development, Hill House Association, Consortium for Public Education, and YouthWorks.
Grants for Global Development, Women and Girls
The Hunt Foundation’s international development program works to “improve the socio-economic welfare and holistic well-being of women and children living in poverty in developing countries.” It aims to address the root causes of economic and gender inequality through holistic, community-driven approaches to women’s rights, empowerment, and health. Grantees include Doctors Without Borders, WorldTeach, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, and Thinking Big Beyond Borders.
Important Grant Details:
Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000. The foundation offers both general operating support and project-specific grantmaking to organizations across the United States, but with a special focus on the areas surrounding Boston, Massachusetts and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This funder tends to support small- to medium-sized community organizations. For additional information about recent grants, see the foundation’s news and announcements page.
The Hunt Foundation accepts letters of inquiry from new applicants throughout the year. Staff and trustees review submissions twice per year, generally from May 15 to June 30 and again from November 1 to January 8, and invite full proposals. For general inquiries, contact the foundation by email or telephone at (412) 281-8734
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