In honor of Barron Hilton’s passion for flight, the Aviation Fund provides critical support to air transport partners delivering urgent humanitarian aid worldwide. In addition, it offers vocational training and education in aviation and aerospace to underserved communities.
Over the past four decades, the Foundation has provided more than $42 million in grants to aviation-related causes. In 2022, grantmaking guidelines were introduced, ensuring that contributions made by the Aviation Fund align with the Hilton Foundation’s overarching mission, vision and values.
Grantmaking through the Aviation Fund is divided into three principal categories:
Supports humanitarian relief with flight and aviation.
We fund air transport for personnel and materials in zones affected by conflict and natural disasters, and to aid evacuation efforts.
2023
Supports equitable participation of minorities and underrepresented groups in aviation and aerospace.
We fund academic and training programs, leadership development, and scholarships for women, people of color, and low-income individuals.
Supports programs that inspire and elevate aspirations in human flight and space exploration.
We fund educational programming in underserved communities and storytelling in the media.
