The Helena Rubinstein Foundation supports programs in education, community services, arts/arts in education, and health, with a special interest in programs that benefit women and children and assist disadvantaged communities, as follows:

Education: Based on the premise that education can change the course of an individual’s life at any stage, funding in this area focuses on helping children achieve in school, preparing young people for college and the world of work, and enabling adults to reach their full potential through job training, internship, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities.

Community Services: Grants in this area support direct services for low-income communities, with an emphasis on model youth development initiatives and programming addressing the needs of women and girls.

Arts/Arts in Education: Recognizing that exposure to and instruction in the arts can encourage creativity, enhance academic performance, and develop self-esteem, the Foundation mainly directs its grantmaking to in-school and after-school instruction in the visual, performing, and literary arts, as well as education programs at various arts organizations.

Health: Funding is primarily targeted to health and wellness programs for low-income women and children. Grants are mainly allocated to organizations in New York City. Although general operating grants are made, the Foundation prefers to support specific programs.

RESTRICTIONS

Grants are made only to federally tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. Generally, they are for a one-year period. Scholarship and fellowship grants are made directly to colleges and universities, which, at their discretion, select recipients based on academic ability and financial need.

Support is not offered to individuals, or for film or video projects. Grants are rarely made to endowment funds and capital campaigns. The Foundation cannot make loans or provide emergency funds.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Organizations seeking funds are asked to submit a letter outlining the project, its aims, budget, other funding sources, and amount requested, as well as a description of the organization. Letters should be addressed to:

Diane Moss, President
Helena Rubinstein Foundation
477 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022-5802

Every inquiry is acknowledged in writing. If the project is one the Foundation is able to consider, more detailed information will be requested. Proposals are accepted throughout the year. There is no application form; however, the New York Common Application Form may be used. Where feasible, a meeting or site visit will be arranged. Proposals are acted on by the Board of Directors, which meets semi-annually, in May and November.

GRANT REPORTING AND RENEWALS

Grantees are expected to submit interim reports within six to eight months after receipt of a grant award. A final report is also recommended at the end of the grant period.