The Hayes Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Hayes Foundation is a private foundation in New Haven, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.2 million in 54 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $215,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.2 million
- Number of grants54
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$215,000
- Assets$49.2 million
- New grantees9%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
9% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.5 million | 53 | $37.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 56 | $44.5 million |
| 2025 | $2.2 million | 54 | $49.2 million |
How to apply
The Hayes Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Hayes Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 14 | $540,000 |
| New Mexico | 9 | $370,000 |
| Connecticut | 9 | $318,000 |
| California | 5 | $250,025 |
| Vermont | 2 | $225,000 |
| Maine | 4 | $185,000 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $156,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $50,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $40,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Cataract Project Inc | Health | $215,000 |
| Girls Inc Santa Fe | Community | $145,000 |
| Safe Passage | Education | $115,000 |
| Mission Blue | Environment | $100,000 |
| Santa Fe Conservation Trust | Environment | $85,000 |
| Connecticut Foodshare | Community | $75,000 |
| Wolf Conservation Center | Environment | $75,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund | Environment | $75,000 |
| International Rescue Committee | International community support | $70,000 |
| New York Marine Rescue Center | Environment | $70,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders USA | International community support | $60,000 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council | Environment | $60,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | International community support | $60,000 |
| Hang Time | Community | $55,000 |
| Focusing Philanthropy | International community support | $50,000 |
| Georges Malaika Foundation | International community support | $50,000 |
| Guilford Land Conservation Trust | Environment | $50,000 |
| Save the Sound | Environment | $50,000 |
| Snow Leopard Trust | Environment | $50,000 |
| We Care Solar Inc | Health | $50,000 |
| Common Hope | International community support | $40,000 |
| Food Depot | Community | $40,000 |
| Aldea Children & Family Services | International community support | $30,000 |
| Bowdoin College Alumni Fund | Education | $30,000 |
| Centenary Equestrian Foundation LLC | Education | $30,000 |
| Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center Inc | Environment | $30,000 |
| Institute of American Indian Arts | Arts | $30,000 |
| Maine Island Trail Association | Environment | $30,000 |
| Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Environment | $25,025 |
| Connecticut Hospice Inc | Health | $25,000 |
| Martha Graham Center | Arts | $25,000 |
| The International Association for Bear Research & Management | Environment | $25,000 |
| American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | Health | $20,000 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | Environment | $20,000 |
| Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen | Community | $20,000 |
| Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Serv | Community | $20,000 |
| National Musem of Women in the Arts | Arts | $20,000 |
| New Mexico School for the Arts | Arts | $20,000 |
| Breakwater Sailing Center Inc | Community | $15,000 |
| Georgia O'Keeffe Museum | Arts | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael Hayes
- Elizabeth Christopher
- Kathleen Hayes
Questions people ask
Does The Hayes Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Hayes Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2025, across 54 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs The Hayes Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael Hayes (Trustee/Exec), Elizabeth Christopher (Trustee/Exec) and Kathleen Hayes (Trustee/Exec).
What does The Hayes Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, international and health.