FAQ about Our Spend-Down Decision
Q: Is the foundation closing its doors for good? When will the foundation close?
A: Yes, the Hellman Foundation has decided to accelerate its giving in the near term, spend all funding and close the foundation’s doors by the end of 2034. This spend-down effort includes a commitment to support our community partners to continue their important work after we close our doors.
Q: Will all grants end at the same time? What is the timeline for changes to grants?
A: Not all grants will end at the same time, and no grants will end earlier than expected. We are communicating with foundation grantees about our planning between now and the end of 2034, when the foundation will close.
Q: Will other Bay Area foundations make funding available to us after Hellman closes?
A: We will be reaching out to philanthropic partners to talk through planning and adjustments to support the organizations and communities we seek to serve — and to share what we’re learning along the way. We will strive to help the philanthropic sector move beyond traditional grantmaking to better share decision-making and power with grantees and community members.
Q: Will Hardly Strictly Bluegrass continue?
A: Yes, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will continue after our spend-down.
Q: What are the foundation's strategic investment areas during spend-down?
A: Our first strategic five-year investment, which commenced in July 2023, will improve health outcomes for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities by scaling food-based interventions and nutrition services in local health clinics. Additional strategic investments are still in development and we will share more at a later time.
Q: Can I apply for a strategic investment?
A: No, we are not accepting unsolicited applications for strategic investments.
A: Yes, the Hellman Foundation has decided to accelerate its giving in the near term, spend all funding and close the foundation’s doors by the end of 2034. This spend-down effort includes a commitment to support our community partners to continue their important work after we close our doors.
Q: Will all grants end at the same time? What is the timeline for changes to grants?
A: Not all grants will end at the same time, and no grants will end earlier than expected. We are communicating with foundation grantees about our planning between now and the end of 2034, when the foundation will close.
Q: Will other Bay Area foundations make funding available to us after Hellman closes?
A: We will be reaching out to philanthropic partners to talk through planning and adjustments to support the organizations and communities we seek to serve — and to share what we’re learning along the way. We will strive to help the philanthropic sector move beyond traditional grantmaking to better share decision-making and power with grantees and community members.
Q: Will Hardly Strictly Bluegrass continue?
A: Yes, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will continue after our spend-down.
Q: What are the foundation's strategic investment areas during spend-down?
A: Our first strategic five-year investment, which commenced in July 2023, will improve health outcomes for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities by scaling food-based interventions and nutrition services in local health clinics. Additional strategic investments are still in development and we will share more at a later time.
Q: Can I apply for a strategic investment?
A: No, we are not accepting unsolicited applications for strategic investments.