Grants
Many of the challenges humanity faces are complex and dynamic, and our work to address these challenges requires deep understanding, collaboration and innovation.
At HU, we devote our resources—both our people and our funds—to catalyzing and incubating promising concepts, demonstrating potential solutions, and supporting the deployment of effective ideas. Grantmaking is one way we pursue those goals, alongside direct programmatic activities, strategic communications, and targeted advocacy.
We consider our grantees our partners. As such, we don’t just write a grant and collect the reports. We want to build strong and impactful relationships with our grantees and to amplify and support their work when possible.
We seek to collaborate with impactful organizations and individuals committed to systemic change, but we do not accept unsolicited requests for funds at this time.
Our Process
Concept Note
The first step is a Concept Note – a chance for applicants to present their initial concept. It’s meant to be an easy lift for both the applicant and HU, operating as an initial screen before too much is on the line for anyone. Once submitted, the concept note is reviewed by HU’s team for strategic fit, programmatic goals, and potential impact. If the concept note is approved, the process moves to the Proposal stage.
Proposal
This stage is the chance for applicants to more fully explain their program and the opportunity for which they are seeking support. Our team works with the applicants to finalize their proposal before it comes in for HU’s programmatic review and due diligence, and ultimately moves to the approval stage.
Grant Lifecycle
Once approved, the program under the grant can begin. Along with regular conversations with our staff, there are also several structured opportunities throughout the grant period for partners to share their progress, changes to their context analysis, lessons they are learning, and programmatic adjustments that are required. HU staff stays in touch with our partners as the program gets underway, in turn connecting them with programmatic, network, and communications support as needed.