Social Services

The Heckscher Foundation’s mission to “level the playing field” for needy youth is based on the premise that many young people lack the fundamental resources that more fortunate youth take for granted. The programs we support combine an emphasis on soft skills (resilience, independence, problem-solving) with hard skills acquisition. We look for our grantees to assess their outcomes in both areas, with a relentless focus on demonstrable outcomes toward a better life.

The Foundation is particularly interested in funding projects that intend to demonstrate positive behavior outcomes for clients in foster care, the juvenile justice system, family support services, or youth development programs such as:

  • Reduced rates of recidivism
  • School progress
  • Decreased or eliminated need for the support service or system
  • Economic self-sufficiency