The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF)
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase representation in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career opportunities such as internships / fellowships / co-ops / entry level roles, career and professional development workshops, and mentorship opportunities to undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students from historically underrepresented communities.
Seeking to enhance the academic and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in these fields, the activities The LAGRANT Foundation are as follows:
Scholarships
The LAGRANT Foundation annually provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are attending accredited institutions and are pursuing careers in the fields of advertising, marketing, or public relations.
Career Development
The LAGRANT Foundation annually coordinates a career & professional development workshop for its scholarship recipients. The workshop provides the recipients with an opportunity to speak with industry professionals about their field of interest and specialty. Additionally, workshops are held in major college markets nationwide for students outside of the scholarship recipients.
Internship Programs
The LAGRANT Foundation provides internships to undergraduate and graduate students at selected advertising, public relations, and marketing agencies, as well as publishing companies and communications-related businesses. Internships consist of on-going, hands-on communications experience and training for at least a three-month period.
Mentors
The scholarship recipients will have a chance to team-up with mentors who provide them with opportunities for experience, exposure, guidance, and career development. The mentors are advertising, marketing and public relations professionals who volunteer their time twice a month to meet in-person with students and provide academic and professional guidance.
Professional Development
Scholarship recipients receive on-going professional development from The LAGRANT Foundation, until students obtain a position in advertising, marketing, or public relations. Development includes, resume writing, interviewing skills, internship and job search skills, grammar review, writing skills, business etiquette, interpersonal skills, tips on company politics, professional appearance and providing necessary materials such as a briefcase, business card holder, resume folder, portfolio case and access to computer training.
Supporting the Future of the Industry
Watch the LAGRANT Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Scholarship Recognition Reception in New York to hear how we’re reshaping the future of the industry
TLF has allowed me to further reach for my dreams and attain them.
Granting me the opportunity to meet such reputable professionals and offering career assistance and guidance are but a few of the many perks of being a TLF alumnus. I am forever grateful to TLF and all of the supporters!
Delmarys Hernandez
Florida International University, 2010 TLF Scholarship Recipient
Our History
The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Los Angeles, was established in 1998 by Mr. Kim L. Hunter to address the lack of representation in the advertising, marketing and public relations fields.
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Since inception in 1998, TLF has awarded 891 scholarships, totaling over $3 million. |
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TLF received the American Advertising Federation Mosaic Award in 2008. |
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For our 10th Anniversary in 2008, 15th Anniversary in 2013 and 20th Anniversary in 2018 TLF awarded $250,000 in scholarships in each of those years. |
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TLF Founder/Chairman Kim L. Hunter received the 2011 Joseph Roos Community Service PRISM Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s Los Angeles chapter. |
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TLF Founder/Chairman Kim L. Hunter was named on of “The 50 Most Powerful People in PR” by PR Week in 2012. |
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TLF Chairman & CEO Mr. Kim L. Hunter was inducted to PR Week’s 2017 Hall of Fame. |
Kim Hunter and 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Who We Are
Kim L. Hunter
Chairman & CEO
Mr. Kim L. Hunter is a respected entrepreneur and integrated marketing communications professional with 43 years of corporate and agency experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations. During his career, he has founded three privately held enterprises:
LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS,
The LAGRANT Foundation,
and KLH & Associates.
A key player in the communications industry, PRovoke recognized Hunter as a prominent influencer in the field with an Individual Achievement SABRE award (Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation & Engagement) and named him as one of In2’s Innovator 25. Hunter also received the Distinguished Service Award from The Page Society. He has consecutively received PR Week’s 50 Most Powerful People in PR from 2012 to 2025 and the recipient of the magazine’s Diversity Distinction in PR award. Hunter holds a master’s degree in International Management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Nick Neptune
Talent Acquisition & Alumni Associate
Nicholas Neptune is a human resources professional with a focus on talent acquisition, recruiting, and alumni relations.
He currently serves as the Talent Acquisition & Alumni Associate at The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) in Los Angeles, where he supports efforts to increase representation in advertising, marketing, and public relations. In this role, Nicholas leads initiatives that connect underrepresented students and alumni with meaningful career opportunities, while also managing alumni engagement strategies that strengthen the TLF network.
He holds a degree in Psychological Science from the University of Vermont, where he developed a people-centered approach to talent development grounded in empathy, equity, and strategic relationship building.
Cristal Gomez
Programs & Communications Associate