Our Programs

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation began in 1966 with the broad purpose of promoting the well-being of humanity. We make grants across a number of program areas, many of which we have supported for decades. Our grantmaking also addresses emerging challenges through time-limited initiatives. To understand what we fund and why, learn more about our programs and initiatives.
  • Education

    The Education Program makes grants that provide students with rigorous, relevant, and innovative educational opportunities, including open educational resources and practices, in order to foster mobility and help students contribute to the future of their communities and our country.

    Learn more about Education
  • Effective Philanthropy

    The Effective Philanthropy Program seeks to strengthen the capacity of Hewlett Foundation grantees, and nonprofits and philanthropy in general, to benefit people, communities, and the planet.

    Learn more about Effective Philanthropy
  • Environment

    The Environment Program makes grants to address climate change globally and to conserve the U.S. West to ensure people, communities, and the planet flourish.

    Learn more about Environment
  • Gender Equity and Governance

    The Gender Equity and Governance Program seeks to foster inclusive societies where everyone can thrive. Focusing on East and West Africa, Mexico, and the U.S., the program makes grants to expand women’s access to reproductive health and economic opportunity; increase governments’ responsiveness to the people they serve; and improve policymaking through the effective use of evidence.

    Learn more about Gender Equity and Governance
  • Performing Arts

    The Performing Arts Program makes grants to support meaningful artistic experiences for communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Learn more about Performing Arts
  • U.S. Democracy

    The U.S. Democracy Program makes grants to strengthen our shared national community through nonpartisan support for our governing institutions in an effort to build public trust in a durable democracy where all Americans have a meaningful opportunity to thrive.

    Learn more about U.S. Democracy
  • Economy and Society

    The Economy and Society Initiative works to identify and help spread ideas from across the ideological spectrum about what’s next for capitalism in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century so all people thrive.

    Learn more about Economy and Society
  • Racial Justice

    The Racial Justice Initiative promotes equal opportunity for all by addressing systemic inequalities across issue areas and in society.

    Learn more about Racial Justice
  • Special Projects

    Special Projects responds to opportunities that advance our philanthropic values, incubate new ideas, strengthen our field, and support the Bay Area.

    Learn more about Special Projects