Hillman Family Foundations
Hillman Family Foundations (HFF) is a Pittsburgh-based administrative and program office supporting the philanthropic and civic work of multiple generations of the Hillman family through 18 independently operated foundations. The foundations make their own strategic, programmatic, and funding decisions, with each dedicated to improving quality of life in its respective geographic area.
Hillman Family Foundations at a glance
In short: Hillman Family Foundations gave $88.8M across 814 grants in 2024 (avg $109K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 25% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $88,828,151
- -1.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 814
- -8.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $109,125
- +7.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $1,902,436,850
- +2.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (158 of 621, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (89% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Hillman Family Foundations
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The 2024 filing says the foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Applications begin with a brief letter of intent submitted through the online portal. Applicants should include their organization’s annual budget, a list of directors or trustees, detailed project or program costs, and a timetable if appropriate; additional information is welcome. Applicants must demonstrate charitable, tax-exempt status and show that a contribution would qualify as a charitable distribution and would not be a taxable expenditure. Recipients are expected to provide written periodic reports, with timing and content specified when an award is made.
- Review Cycle
- No deadline is stated on the 2024 filing.
- Deadline
- No deadline is stated on the 2024 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: David K Roger - Director And Presid
Mailing address: 310 Grant Street Suite 2020, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 338-3466
Website: https://hillmanfamilyfoundations.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
16 open opportunities from Hillman Family Foundations
Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation Grant
Hillman Family Foundations
Amount
US $1,000 - US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation Grant
Hillman Family Foundations
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation Grant
Hillman Family Foundations
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Hillman Family Foundations funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Carnegie Institutethe Andy Warhol Museum ($9.5M across 7 grants). Together the top 10 received $30.1M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($32,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
4,349 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,855 grants of 4,349 (66%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 filing reports that 89% of grant dollars went to Pennsylvania recipients, followed by Oregon at 3%, New York at 2%, and California and Connecticut at 1% each. The filing states a preference for proposals from organizations located in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. The HFF website says each of its 18 foundations has its own geographic focus; it lists, for example, the Henry Lea Hillman, Jr. Foundation as focused on Portland, Oregon, and the Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation as serving Pittsburgh, Santa Barbara, and Squam Lakes, New Hampshire.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 814 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Hillman Family Foundations open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 158 of 621 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $74K; repeat grants $167K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 53% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−11%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 102% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $60.7M (2020) to $99.9M (2021). In 2024 it made 814 grants totaling $88.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Institutethe Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh, PA | The Factory Creative Arts Center | $5,000,000 |
| Carnegie Institutethe Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh, PA | Building the creative economy - workforce programming and capital expansion | $3,000,000 |
| Eye & Ear Foundation Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Life sciences economic development corridor / developing innovative vision care for all | $3,000,000 |
| University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Pittsburgh, PA | Toward the Hillman Fellows for Innovative Cancer Research | $3,000,000 |
| Carlow University Pittsburgh, PA | Simulation lab and scholarships for enhanced health career training | $2,000,000 |
| Carnegie Institutecarnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh, PA | Reimagining the Museum Experience | $2,000,000 |
| Neighborhood Community Development Fund Pittsburgh, PA | Disadvantaged Small Business Capital Access Initiative | $2,000,000 |
| Ridc Regional Growth Fund Pittsburgh, PA | Pennstart Ramp up for Increasing Autonomy Deployment | $2,000,000 |
| The Pittsburgh Trust for Cultural Resources Pittsburgh, PA | Cultural District Streetscape Repairs and Public Realm Improvements | $2,000,000 |
| University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA | Lifex Operational and Programming Support | $2,000,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Hillman Family Foundations?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,902,436,850 | $122,886,247 | $94,426,435 | $88,828,151 | 814 | $93,596,504 | $145,633,497 | $91,929,651 |
| 2023 | $1,865,996,880 | $63,977,937 | $101,035,007 | $90,274,318 | 888 | $94,824,265 | $53,162,713 | $88,728,858 |
| 2022 | $1,822,623,178 | $104,838,555 | $109,602,771 | $96,598,093 | 844 | $102,787,826 | $53,204,924 | $97,052,264 |
| 2021 | $2,323,141,190 | $264,701,739 | $125,271,005 | $99,937,649 | 979 | $103,861,863 | $264,677,814 | $101,634,802 |
| 2020 | $1,951,075,749 | $120,655,326 | $96,195,257 | $60,714,028 | 824 | — | $97,429,988 | $77,388,182 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Hillman Family Foundations reported a distributable amount of $91.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
HFF’s stated purpose is to support the philanthropic and civic work of Hillman family members. Its website says the independently operated foundations support effective projects, leverage other support to grow ideas, and invest in innovative solutions.
The 2024 grants show support for a range of Pittsburgh-area organizations and projects, including arts and culture, health research and care, higher education, small-business capital access, economic development, and public-realm improvements. Grantees describe their own missions in varied terms: the Eye & Ear Foundation says it advances academic and research efforts in otolaryngology and ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh to enhance patient care; the Neighborhood Community Development Fund says it supports small-business financial success and community development in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods; and Carlow University describes its work as providing educational opportunities and preparing learners to become compassionate, responsible leaders. Other 2024 recipients included organizations focused on regional economic development, innovation, and African American arts, storytelling, and cultural programming.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundations reported 814 grants totaling $88,828,151. Awards ranged from $75 to $5,000,000, with a median grant of $20,000. Notable grants included $5,000,000 to the Andy Warhol Museum for the Factory Creative Arts Center; $3,000,000 each to the Eye & Ear Foundation for a life sciences economic development corridor and vision-care work, and to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for the Hillman Fellows for Innovative Cancer Research; and $2,000,000 each to Carlow University, the Neighborhood Community Development Fund, the RIDC Regional Growth Fund, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing were Juliet L. Hillman Simonds, director and chairperson; David K. Roger, director and president; Lisa R. Johns, treasurer and vice president of finance; Bruce I. Crocker, director and secretary; Carolyn D. Duronio, director; and D. Tyler Gourley, assistant secretary and executive vice president. Jared L. Cohon was listed as a director through March 2024.
Hillman Family Foundations is led by David K. Roger, Director & President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 6 of 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David K. Roger
Director & President
Director & President → Director & President - See Stmt, 2022
Director & President - See Stmt → Director & President, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$715K (2020) → $837K (2024)
Juliet L. Hillman Simonds
Director & Chairperson
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bruce I. Crocker
Director & Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$15K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Jared L. Cohon
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$15K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Carolyn D. Duronio
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
$25K (2023) → $25K (2024)
D. Tyler Gourley
Assistant Secretary & Executive Vice President
Assistant Secretary → Assistant Secretary & Executive Vice President, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$312K (2020) → $399K (2024)
Lisa R. Johns
Treasurer & Vice President of Finance
Treasurer & Vice President of Finance → Treasurer & Vice President of Finance - See Stmt, 2022
Treasurer & Vice President of Finance - See Stmt → Treasurer & Vice President of Finance, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$312K (2020) → $399K (2024)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Edward J. Grefenstette (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Cg Grefenstette (2020–2021) — Director Emeritus
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $837K, to David K Roger (Director/President). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Hillman Family Foundations
How much does Hillman Family Foundations give each year?
Hillman Family Foundations gave $88.8M across 814 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $90.3M across 888 grants.
What is Hillman Family Foundations's typical grant size?
Hillman Family Foundations's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $109,125, across 814 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Hillman Family Foundations that year got $74K on average.
Where does Hillman Family Foundations give grants?
Hillman Family Foundations gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsburgh, PA (349 grants), Portland, OR (107 grants), New York, NY (49 grants) and Santa Barbara, CA (27 grants).
Does Hillman Family Foundations give general operating support?
Yes: 23% of Hillman Family Foundations's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (187 of 814) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Matching Gift" (64 grants), "Capital Support" (28 grants) and "Event Support" (7 grants).
Who are Hillman Family Foundations's largest grantees?
Hillman Family Foundations's largest 2024 grantees include Carnegie Institutethe Andy Warhol Museum ($9,520,750 across 7 grants), Eye & Ear Foundation Inc ($3,050,000 across 2 grants) and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute ($3,011,000 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($32,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 18% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Hillman Family Foundations?
Hillman Family Foundations reported $1.9B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $93.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $91.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Hillman Family Foundations fund?
HFF’s stated purpose is to support the philanthropic and civic work of Hillman family members. Its website says the independently operated foundations support effective projects, leverage other support to grow ideas, and invest in innovative solutions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Hillman Family Foundations?
The 2024 filing says the foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Hillman Family Foundations's EIN?
Hillman Family Foundations's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-6065959. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Hillman Family Foundations accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Hillman Family Foundations's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Hillman Family Foundations funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/hillman-family-foundations-morg_ae719c68cb9f41fe8dcba408e5d85df6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_256065959_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Hillman Family Foundations funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/hillman-family-foundations-morg_ae719c68cb9f41fe8dcba408e5d85df6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Hillman Family Foundations's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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