SOURCE OF WEALTH: Ohnell Capital, Communications Supply Corp.
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Policy, Arts & Culture, Environment
OVERVIEW: Ernest and Patricia Ohnell conduct their philanthropy through the Ohnell Family Foundation, which, according to available tax filings, awarded $890,000 in grants in 2018. The couple’s giving centers on the Northeastern United States; Ohnell sits on the board of the Manhattan Institute.
BACKGROUND: Ernst (Nick) Ohnell founded and served as CEO of Communications Supply Corp., (now a subsidiary of WESCO) which distributes data communications and security products and services. Ohnell went on to found Ohnell Capital in 1997.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: The Ohnells, via their foundation, have supported Achievement First, Cristo Rey High School, Foundation for Economic Education, Purchase College Foundation, and The Small Things (TST), which “works to build families and futures for orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania.”
POLICY: Ohnell sits on the board of the Manhattan Institute, which the couple supports. They have also supported the Cato Institute and Yankee Institute for Policy.
ARTS & CULTURE: Ohnell and Patricia are vice chairs of Storm King Art Center, which they have supported, along with Katonah Museum of Art, Caramoor Center for the Arts, Boca Raton Museum of Art, and Perez Art Museum.
ENVIRONMENT: Grantees have included Black Rock Forest Consortium and Audubon Greenwich.
OTHER: The couple supports medical outfits such as Breast Cancer Alliance and Cancer Research and Treatment. Grants have also gone to Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the Ohnells to stick with their select interest areas.
CONTACT:
The Ohnell Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
The Ohnell Family Foundation
75 Khakum Wood Rd.
Greenwich, CT 06831
