• by Teresa Buyikian , July 8, 2025

Hard Rock hotels and cafes around the world are known for their rock and roll memorabilia and sensibility rather than a charitable mode. Still, the brand’s nonprofit arm is giving back to the local communities in which the chain operates.

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation recently distributed a total of $250,000 in grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations worldwide. The grants, in the amount of $5,000 each, go to charities in three areas: mental health awareness and research; prevention of human trafficking and promotion of human rights; and children's wellness and education. Recipients are from more than 40 cities and 15 countries.

"This year's grant recipients, whether serving children, combating homelessness, or standing up for human rights, embody the spirit of (Hard Rock’s) mottos of ‘Love All – Serve All' and 'Take Time to Be Kind,'" said Tracy Bradford, president of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation and Seminole Hard Rock Support Services, in the announcement.

Program beneficiaries, nominated by local Hard Rock cafes, include: The Bowery Mission, which helps New Yorkers experiencing homelessness; The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia, which grants wishes to critically ill children; the Maldives Autism Association; and Julie Weintraub's Hands Across the Bay, which supports survivors of human trafficking.

The program is part of the “foundation's annual commitment to help strengthen the communities in which Hard Rock operates through targeted support of impactful, grassroots initiatives,” according to the brand.

The entire list of grant recipients can be found at https://www.hardrock.com/heals-foundation.aspx.