Erma A. Bantz lived in Cincinnati for 95 years. As a child and through most of her adult life, Erma suffered from severe hearing loss. Later in life, Erma fought eye problems which diminished her sight. Despite later surgical improvements, she continued to suffer from diminished hearing and sight until her death in 2006.
The Erma A. Bantz Foundation was established after Erma's death to carry out her desire to improve the lives of people who suffer hearing or visual impairments, and has partnered with GCF for assistance in grantmaking.
Purpose
The Foundation supports various organizations that have as one of their stated purposes the support of and/or aid to the visually impaired and the hearing impaired. Sixty percent of the assets of the Foundation will be devoted to Visually Impaired Organizations and forty percent of the assets of the Foundation will be devoted to Hearing Impaired Organizations.
Policies and Restrictions
The Bantz Foundation makes grants to Greater Cincinnati organizations serving the visually impaired and hearing impaired.
- The Foundation will not provide continuing operational support to any grantee, and discourages annual requests.
- Grantees are advised to wait at least one year from the date of last grant payment before reapplying to the Foundation. An organization that has previously had an application declined by the Foundation may resubmit an application after six months from the date its original application was declined.
- Grants will not be made to individuals, taxing authorities or political subdivisions.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) 
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| February 15 |
April 1 |
July 31 |
| August 15 |
October 1 |
December 31 |
Grant Evaluation
The Bantz Foundation requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
Directors of Foundation
C. Gregory Schmidt, Esq.
600 Vine Street, Suite 2700
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-721-4450
William J. Liss, Esq.
600 Vine Street, Suite 2700
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-721-4450
The Emery Memorial was founded by Mary M. Emery on April 20, 1925 as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Ohio.
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Mary Emery and Elizabeth Livingood c. 1908 (photo courtesy Mariemont Preservation Association)
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Thomas J. Emery (1830-1906) and his wife Mary M. Emery (1844-1927) were prominent Cincinnati philanthropists who generously supported local cultural and educational institutions. Thomas Emery was an industrialist and real estate developer who made significant contributions both literally and figuratively to the building of Cincinnati. Mary Emery, whose generosity earned her the title “Cincinnati’s Lady Bountiful,” provided the inspiration and capital to build the model Village of Mariemont.
Purpose
The Last Will and Testament of Mrs. Emery states that “[T]he general purpose of this Memorial shall be to secure a citizenry which shall be more sane, sound and effective because of more satisfactory initial conditions of environment and education.” The Memorial will be used for the “physical, social, civic and educational betterment” of individuals.
Policies and Restrictions
The Memorial makes grants which enhance the lives of Greater Cincinnati citizens by improving their social, cultural, educational, civic and physical conditions.
- The Memorial generally supports capital and program needs. A limited number of grants are made for operating support, endowments, and selected federated campaigns.
- The Memorial will not provide continuing operational support to a grantee.
- Ordinarily, grants are not awarded to individuals, taxing authorities or political subdivisions, or for conferences, or as loans.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| December 1 |
February 1 |
April 30 |
| June 15 |
August 1 |
November 30 |
Grant Evaluation
The Emery Memorial requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
The Foundation was established in 2006 by Donald and Laura Harrison and their children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Laura Harrison is an active community volunteer involved in a broad group of activities. Dr. Harrison is a cardiologist, administrator and business entrepreneur. They have creatively funded programs and facilities at their respective colleges and have participated in supporting a number of local charitable organizations with educational missions for the underprivileged.
Mission
The Foundation seeks to improve opportunities and outcomes primarily for underprivileged students by funding educational scholarships, programs, and research, with a particular emphasis on seeding and supporting new programs.
Purpose
The Foundation’s primary initiative is to support the launch of new and innovative educational programs for primary, secondary and adult education. Another emphasis is focused on funding programs for underprivileged children, youth, adults and families which will empower them to become productive and contributing citizens. Programs that project sustainability after two years of funding by the Foundation and programs that have additional matching fund opportunity will receive higher priorities.
Policies and Restrictions
Programs to be funded will be located primarily in the Greater Cincinnati region. Grant requests from other regions will be considered on a limited and selective basis.
- The Foundation has a preference for funding smaller, community-based organizations.
- Funding may be provided for capital items and operating expenses but not for endowment or capital campaigns.
- No grants will be made to religious organizations for religious purposes. Rather, grants will be considered to churches, schools or other faith-based organizations for community-focused programs and services.
- Grants may be awarded for consecutive years, but a new proposal is generally required for the subsequent year. Initially grant sizes will be in a range of $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
- A representative of the Foundation may visit or meet with the applicant organization to discuss the applicant’s programs and needs.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| May 15 |
July 1 |
By October 15 |
Grant Evaluation
The Harrison Foundation requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
The Andrew Jergens Foundation was established on August 24, 1962, in Cincinnati, Ohio by Andrew N. Jergens (1881-1967). The Foundation is not associated with the former Andrew Jergens Company.
Purpose
The Foundation’s prime interest is the health, education, cultural experiences and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Policies and Restrictions
The Foundation supports programs which benefit children, generally through high school age, in the Greater Cincinnati area.
- The Foundation will not provide continuing operational support for any grantee.
- The Foundation does not normally assume a major portion of any amount being solicited.
- Emergency requests are not favored unless they involve disaster and human suffering.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| November 15 |
January 1 |
March 31 |
| March 15 |
May 1 |
July 31 |
| June 15 |
August 1 |
October 31 |
Grant Evaluation
The Jergens Foundation requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau. Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.
Purpose
The Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of disabled children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30), and their families. A secondary focus is on disadvantaged children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30), and their families. There is a special interest in programs which help clients realize their full potential. An additional area of interest for the Foundation is the support of arts and cultural organizations as well as recreation areas.
Policies and Restrictions
- Programs seeking support should benefit the Greater Cincinnati area.
- The Foundation will fund capital, operating and a limited number of endowment needs.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| January 15 |
March 1 |
June 30 |
| May 15 |
July 1 |
November 30 |
Grant Evaluation
The Pfau Foundation requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
The William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation was established by William O. Purdy, Jr. in 1988. Mr. Purdy died in 1998 and the Foundation was the beneficiary of virtually all of his assets. He served as Senior Vice President of American Money Management Corporation, a subsidiary of American Financial Group until he retired in 1995. He was a graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. An enthusiastic patron of the arts, Mr. Purdy at one time served as a trustee of the Hartford Ballet. The Trustees of the Foundation have resolved to focus the charitable endeavors of the Foundation on arts organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, particularly the performing arts, in the belief that the Foundation would continue the charitable activities undertaken by Mr. Purdy during his lifetime. In 2010, the Trustees of the Purdy Foundation determined that a formal conversion to an advised fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation would be the best option for the perpetual and efficient administration of Mr. Purdy's legacy.
Purpose
The Foundation supports small nonprofit organizations whose performing arts programs enrich the cultural environment of the Greater Cincinnati area. Generally, the Foundation defines "small organizations" as those with annualized revenues under $1.5 million.
Policies and Restrictions
- While assuming the Greater Cincinnati area to include Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky, the Foundation generally gives preference to organizations in Hamilton County, Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
- Grants will not be made to individuals or endowments, or for loans.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| December 1 |
February 1 |
March 31 |
| June 15 |
August 1 |
November 30 |
Grant Evaluation
The Purdy Foundation requires a report at the end of a grant period. Please download and complete the Grant Evaluation Form and send to Jennie Geisheimer, 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
Beginning as a young child and continuing throughout her entire life, Helen Steiner Rice loved to write thoughtful and inspirational poetic verse. As the “poet laureate of inspirational verse,” her expressions reflected a deep, personal religious faith and a genuine desire to offer encouragement and healing to those in need of support. During Mrs. Rice’s final years, she decided to set up The Helen Steiner Rice Foundation. She believed that through this charitable foundation she could continue, even after her death, to give both inspiration and assistance to those in need. Since her passing in 1981, The Helen Steiner Rice Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to worthy charitable programs that assist the needy and the elderly. In 2005, the Trustees of The Helen Steiner Rice Foundation determined that a formal conversion to an advised fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation would resolve issues around successor trustees and continuity of Mrs. Rice’s legacy.
Purpose
The general intent of The Helen Steiner Rice Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation is to award grants for purposes of helping the poor, the needy and the elderly. The Fund Advisors include the following as primary objectives in considering grant requests: 1) satisfy basic necessities and human needs of the poor and the elderly; 2) give preference to meeting immediate needs of the poor; and 3) open to innovative approaches.
The Fund Advisors will not consider grant requests for the following purposes: 1) building programs (ex. capital campaigns, new buildings or renovations to existing buildings); 2) endowments; 3) direct gifts to specific individuals or families (scholarships); and 4) arts and cultural programs.
Policies and Restrictions
- The Fund will not provide continuing operational support to a grantee, and discourages annual requests.
- Grants will not be made to individuals, taxing authorities or political subdivisions, or for conferences, or as loans.
- If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
| LOI Deadline |
Proposal Deadline |
Notice of Decision |
| February 15 |
April 1 |
June 30 |
| September 15 |
November 1 |
February 15 |