2021-22 was The Charles H. Dater Foundation’s 37th year of grantmaking, awarding 158 grants totaling $5,335,000 to 144 nonprofit organizations.

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$65,000 in 2021-22 after completion last year of the phase-in of the impact from a large 2017-18 contribution from a trust of Charles Dater, and also due to additional contributions made in response to increased community need as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

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but the general theme for nonprofit organizations seemed to be seeking the path to return to normalcy.  When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, some organizations furloughed or reduced staff when traditional programming was not possible.  Others worked to stay on mission and deliver programs in alternative ways.  “Pivot” became the operative word.  Many shifted to virtual programming.  Some did drive-through or outdoor events where social distancing was possible.  As the Covid climate shifted with vaccination and the availability of staging accommodations, some traditional programming became increasingly possible.  The road was not smooth, but it was improving.

remained on supporting many long-time grant recipients.  After two years of Covid Relief Special Grants, the Foundation returned to its traditional grantmaking approach.  Efforts were made to reward organizations that had creatively and effectively dealt with Covid challenges.  

A major capital grant of $250,000 was made to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for its Elephant Walk exhibit.   A $250,000 grant supported the mini-grants Learning Links and Summertime Kids programs at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.   Two grants were made to honor individuals.  One was $50,000 to the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation in honor of its retiring longtime Director Ned Hertzenberg.  The other was a $30,000 grant made to the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati (now operating as Queen City Book Bank) to honor the 30 years of service by Foundation grants administrator Beth Broomall.   The Foundation completed a five-year, (2018-22) $250,000 commitment to gene therapy cancer research at Cincinnati Children’s and began a similar commitment for 2022-26.  The Foundation also completed a five-year, $250,000 commitment to Learning Grover’s (formerly Children Inc.)the programmatic capital campaign. 

When no grant applications had been received from a number of longtime grant recipients as the end of the Foundation’s fiscal-year neared, the Foundation made about 50 “renewal grants.”  Often the delay or failure to apply for a grant was the result of staff changes. 

Eleven grant recipients have now topped the $1 million plateau:

Greater Cincinnati Foundation (mini-grants programs Learning Links and Summertime Kids)

Cincinnati Zoo (capital projects)

Cincinnati Public Radio (programming on WGUC and WVXU)

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (research)

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation (scholarships to Gilbert Dater High School graduates) 

Taft Museum of Art (youth education)

CISE (Catholic Inner-city Schools Education Fund)

Children’s Theatre (school performances) 

FreestoreFoodbank (food insecurity)

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (youth education programming)

Starfire (Community building programs for children and young adults with developmentally challenges young people)

Grant Summary:

$10,000 - $24,999          35       $   675,000

$25,000 - $49,999          95         2,690,000

$50,000 – $99,999         26         1,470,000

$100,000 or more             2           500,000

Total                              158      $ 5,335,000

The Foundation’s assets were at $112 million at fiscal year end (August 31, 2022).  Grantmaking is funded solely by the contributions of the late Charles Dater and the investment growth of assets.  The Foundation does not generate revenues through programs or contributions.  In general, the Foundation’s grantmaking is slightly above the required distribution level in keeping with its long-term goal of protecting and growing the asset base in order to exist in perpetuity.  This also serves to preserve the philanthropic commitment and the memory of Charles Dater and four generations of the Dater family.

and the work that they do remained a priority for the Foundation.  Foundation grants to Cincinnati Public Radio (WGUC & WVXU) and CET Public Media Connect (WCET-TV) provided the opportunity to use broadcast announcements to salute grant recipients, thereby helping increase their visibility and attract additional support.  The Foundation’s web site continued to feature success stories and photos of grant recipients, helping to further spread the word about these nonprofit organizations.  News releases announcing new grants were posted regularly.  The annual report section on the web site allowed for descriptions of the grant recipients and the programs or projects funded by the Foundation. 

 

Grant applicants continued to give high marks to the Foundation’s web-based, online grant application process.  The user-friendly system is designed to reduce time spent by applicants in preparing and submitting requests and evaluation reports.  The process also allows Foundation directors to be more thorough and effective in reviewing applications, evaluations and other documents, which applicants may attach to their submissions.  The Foundation’s web site features detailed information about its grantmaking process.

is what the Foundation is all about.  The mission: to make grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area to carry out projects and programs that benefit children, teens and young adults, focusing in the areas of arts/culture, education, healthcare, social services and other community needs.

businessman, philanthropist a fourth generation Cincinnatian, established the Foundation in 1985 to ensure that funding for worthwhile community programs would continue after his death.  The Foundation honors the memory and preserves the philanthropic commitment of Charles and his ancestors, whose hard work and business acumen over 150 years provided them with the opportunity to share their success with their community.