Grant and FundingClosed
Harman Family Foundation — General Funding
Invitation-only foundation funding support
Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Harman Family Foundation (HFF)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Harman Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Washington, D.C., founded by Sidney Harman (founder of Harman International Industries). The foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, primarily in the Greater Washington area. Funding is by invitation only, and the foundation operates family matching grants programs. Barbara Harman co-founded the Catalogue for Philanthropy (now Spur Local) in 2003, which has helped raise over $70 million for community nonprofits. View Harman Family Foundation (HFF)'s website for more information.
Content last updated: March 24, 2026
List of grants and funding offered by Harman Family Foundation (HFF)
1 programs availableAbout Harman Family Foundation (HFF)
What is the mission of Harman Family Foundation (HFF)?
The Harman Family Foundation provides grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington area, with a focus on community-based causes and arts organizations.
What type of organization is Harman Family Foundation (HFF)?
Harman Family Foundation (HFF) is a Foundation.
What is Harman Family Foundation (HFF)'s official website?
Harman Family Foundation (HFF)'s official website is https://harman-foundation.org/.
What else should I know about Harman Family Foundation (HFF)?
Role of the Harman Family Foundation in the Funding Landscape
The Harman Family Foundation is a private family foundation established by Sidney Harman, founder of Harman International Industries (a leading manufacturer of audio products). Based in Washington, D.C., the foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington metropolitan area.
Funding Approach
The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis for grant proposals. Unlike many foundations that accept open applications, the Harman Family Foundation typically invites specific organizations to submit funding requests. The foundation also maintains a Family Matching Grants program accessible to family members.
Leadership and Governance
Jane Harman, former U.S. Congresswoman from California (1992-2011), serves as Co-Trustee. Barbara Harman served as Executive Director from 2000 to 2025 and continues as Co-Trustee. Nancy Swartz has served as Grants and Operations Manager for twenty-five years. The foundation was founded by Sidney Harman, who died in 2011.
Historical Impact and Philanthropy
In 2003, with foundation support, Barbara Harman founded the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, now known as Spur Local. This initiative has helped raise over $70 million for community-based nonprofits in the Washington area. The foundation's legacy includes support for arts organizations, with Washington D.C.'s Sidney Harman Hall named in honor of the founder.