In May 2018, we shared news of some changes to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s program areas. Those changes were the result of a strategic planning process over 18 months, including in-depth discussions with our board of directors. This review was based on a desire to increase the focus of the resources we are honored to steward, and as part of a governance practice our board engages in approximately every five years.
Following those discussions, we announced that the Foundation would focus our programmatic investments in seven areas and transition out of four other areas of work.
Which Program Areas are in transition?
The decision to transition out of a program area is never easy and approaching it thoughtfully and strategically is critically important. 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 based on several factors, and were not a reflection of the quality of the work.
We have begun the process of slowly transitioning out of the following program areas:
- Avoidable Blindness
- Catholic Education
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Substance Use Prevention
In every case, we are honoring current grant commitments.
What does the transition process entail?
We are seeking to accomplish these transitions as respectfully and thoughtfully as possible. In the four transitioning areas, we are emphasizing the following two objectives:
- Leave the field with minimal disruption
- Capture knowledge from our time in these areas to propel future innovations and solutions
For us, leaving the field with minimal disruption means that we will take an active role in encouraging the next generation of funding partners to support the fields where we are transitioning out. There are significant accomplishments and momentum in each of these areas, and we are optimistic that the work continues to advance as new partners come aboard.
Some of the most vital and gratifying outcomes of our participation in this work have come from contributions by our partners to and for the field. As we transition our investment in these areas, we want to ensure that there is a robust and effective process for gathering and transferring knowledge. We will work with current grantees and partners to make certain that all the progress made in these areas is captured and disseminated appropriately.
What is the timeframe for these transitions?
The transition process is in a formative stage. Our current plans call for the transition phase to be thoughtfully paced, ranging in time from two to five years.
Which areas remain part of the Hilton Foundation’s program areas?
We will continue concentrating on the following program areas moving forward:
- Catholic Sisters
- Disaster Relief and Recovery
- Foster Youth
- Homelessness
- Hospitality Workforce Development
- Safe Water
- Young Children Affected by HIV and AIDS