Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation Grant

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

NOTE:
The foundation carries out two grant-making cycles each year. LOIs received after this date will be considered during the Fall 2026 grantmaking cycle.
Grantmaking Strategies
Since 1961, the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation has supported the health of our environment, reproductive justice, and the nurture of nature in Texas and Colorado.
We provide different types of support, including operating, project and capital grants, and are open to providing operating and project grants for terms of up to two years at a time.
Our grantmaking reflects our belief that the well-being of humans and nature are linked.
Environmental Justice & Conservation
Communities of color and those with low incomes are disproportionately burdened by these environmental harms.
The Foundation invests in efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce harmful emissions; protect and steward land and water resources; and improve habitat and recover species of concern. The Foundation supports advocacy initiatives, community organizing, legal strategies and on-the-ground conservation, and values work that centers the vision and voices of those most impacted.
Reproductive Rights & Justice
Everyone should have reproductive autonomy and access to the full spectrum of reproductive care, no matter their income or the place they call home. However, access to reproductive services has become increasingly difficult, especially in Texas, and the lack of comprehensive care leads to unintended pregnancies and births. Unintended pregnancy, including teen pregnancy, is associated with a range of adverse outcomes for pregnant youth, adults, their families, and communities.
The Foundation invests in efforts to advance reproductive justice such as advocacy initiatives, community organizing and legal strategies, and values work that centers the vision and voices of those most burdened by restrictions on reproductive rights.
Parks & Open Space
Parks, trails and open spaces provide places for children, families and communities to connect with nature and each other. Parks provide opportunities for physical activity, support mental well-being and allow people to gain appreciation for the natural world. However, many residents within the Foundation’s geographies of interest do not live within the recommended 10-minute walk of a park, and there are disparities in the quality of local parks across communities.
The Foundation invests in efforts to develop and improve community parks and trail networks in central Texas, greater Houston and southwestern Colorado. The Foundation values park initiatives that benefit neighborhoods with a history of disinvestment, as well as efforts that engage residents in their design and implementation.
Environmental Literacy
Along with building critical thinking skills and improving academic achievement, environmental education enhances connections with nature and encourages future environmental stewardship. Ensuring that all children and youth have access to high-quality environmental education – particularly in the outdoors – will build knowledge, skills and motivation to tackle environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
The Foundation invests in evidence-based environmental education programs, and values efforts that incorporate experiential learning, highlight local ecosystems, emphasize principles of environmental justice and are designed to benefit youth who have limited access to nature and are contending with environmental harms.
Animal Care Facilities
However, the built environment and human activity present hazards to wildlife within the Foundation’s geographic areas of interest, and challenges related to stray dogs and cats, animal cruelty, and pet ownership are pervasive.
The Foundation invests in organizations within central Texas, greater Houston and southwestern Colorado that rehabilitate ill or injured wildlife, as well as facilities that provide comprehensive, low-cost services for domestic animals.

Eligibility

The Foundation’s primary areas of geographic focus are Texas and southwestern Colorado. We accept LOIs for work outside these regions by invitation only. If the work you are proposing is not in these areas, but you feel the work aligns strongly with the Foundation’s goals, you may contact Elizabeth Love here.
Additionally, in its work to support community parks and animal care facilities, the Foundation focuses on greater Houston, central Texas and southwestern Colorado and accepts LOIs from outside these areas by invitation only.

Ineligibility

The foundation typically does not fund:Galas and fundraising events
Religious activities
Ongoing maintenance and operations for parks and park conservancies
Work outside of Texas without prior invitation
Community parks and animal welfare initiatives outside of greater Houston or central Texas