The Playboy Foundation seeks to foster social change by confining its grants and other support to projects of national impact and scope involved in fostering open communication about, and research into, human sexuality, reproductive health and rights; protecting and fostering civil rights and civil liberties in the United States for all people, including women, people affected and impacted by HIV/AIDS, gays and lesbians, racial minorities, the poor and the disadvantaged; and eliminating censorship and protecting freedom of expression and First Amendment rights. 

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, but welcomes letters of inquiry via post for the areas of interest noted above. Grants awarded by the Foundation are typically up to $10,000. We are especially interested in projects where a small grant can make a difference.

The Foundation does accept unsolicited grant proposals once per calendar year for social change documentary film grants.  It also accepts nominations for the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards. Please see those pages for more details.

Request for funds should include the following information:

• Description of the organization, including a summary of its background, purpose, objectives and experience in the area for which funds are sought.
• Audited financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year, as well as an itemized project budget and proposed funding sources; amount of funds requested, their proposed use and over what time period.
• Names and qualifications of people involved with the project.
• Organizational expenses and income for previous, current and coming fiscal year.
• List of board members, their titles, outside affiliations and phone numbers.
• Internal Revenue Service verification that the organization is not a private foundation and is exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Service sections 509(a) and 501(c)3. A copy of the IRS tax-exempt letter must accompany the proposal.

Grant Limitations

The Playboy Foundation will not consider religious programs, individual needs, capital campaigns, endowments, scholarships or fellowships; nor social services, including residential care, clinics, treatment or recreation programs; national health, welfare, educational or cultural organizations, or their state or local affiliates; nor government agencies or projects.

Letters of Inquiry should be addressed to the Playboy Foundation Director at 680 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60611.