Today we are sharing news of some changes to our priority program areas. Throughout the past year, we have been interested in increasing the Foundation’s focus with the resources we are honored to steward. The changes are the result of in-depth discussions among our board of directors, a governance practice that has occurred roughly every five years.

Following the discussions, our board decided to focus our programmatic investments in seven areas. This shift will allow us to continue concentrating on the following priority areas moving forward:

  • U.S.

    • Foster Youth
    • Homelessness
    • Hospitality Workforce Development

  • International

    • Disaster Relief and Recovery
    • Safe Water
    • Young Children Affected by HIV and AIDS

  • Catholic Sisters

The $2 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize will continue to be awarded annually to a nonprofit organization.

The seven priority areas listed above represented much of our work leading up to the review; however, some areas not listed above will begin a transition. The decision to transition out of a program area is never easy and must be approached thoughtfully and strategically. Our partners have been strong and steady, delivering brilliant work in often difficult conditions. We have the greatest respect for their knowledge, contributions and progress. Decisions to transition were not based on a negative evaluation of the work.

In the coming months, we will begin the process of slowly transitioning out of Multiple Sclerosis, Avoidable Blindness, Catholic Education/School Choice and Substance Use Prevention, which includes honoring our current grant commitments.

We will share additional details as they become available later this year.