The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of culture, education, health, and social services. They identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive, and satisfying lives. The Foundations provide funding to direct-service organizations that address the roots of chronic poverty by implementing effective solutions to social and economic problems. They prioritize programs that promote economic independence and strengthen families, with a preference for initiatives that can be scaled to reach more people in need. The Foundations allocate approximately 15% of their total funding to social service, with organizations with budgets over $5 million receiving 60% of the funding in this area. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and grantees must wait at least three years before reapplying. Eligible applicants include well-established nonprofit organizations serving large demographic or geographic constituencies. Applications are accepted year-round through an online portal, with grants typically awarded within six months after submission.