The Hershey Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, with a strong emphasis on health care, education, and the arts. Its mission includes increasing compassion and resilience among health care professionals, providing educational opportunities, and promoting social justice initiatives. The foundation supports various populations, including underserved communities, youth, and artists, through grants to hospitals, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Its funding also addresses issues such as hunger relief and the preservation of cultural heritage, reflecting a commitment to both local and global community needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established nonprofit or academic institution working in contemplative research/practice, health, arts, or education—often with a Massachusetts presence or strong regional ties and capacity to manage mid- to large-size grants.
Good Fit
- • Programmatic alignment with contemplative practice, health equity, arts, or education.
- • Institutional track record (universities, hospitals, established arts organizations).
- • Ability to absorb and report on mid-size to large grants (six-figure awards).
- • Existing relationships or visible collaborations with organizations in the foundation’s network.
- • Presence in Massachusetts or demonstrated regional impact there.
Geography
Observed grants span 18 states, demonstrating a multi-state/national footprint, although Massachusetts receives a large share (about 49%) of dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 43 distinct recipients across arts, education, health, contemplative organizations and universities, with substantial returning support but also regular new entrants, indicating a broad recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows about 10 new grantees in the latest year, but the foundation explicitly funds only preselected organizations and no public application route or contact details were found, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to gain funding without an introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
