OVERVIEW: The Western & Southern Financial Fund supports community, economic development, human services, health care, education and the arts in Ohio.
IP TAKE: The Western & Southern Financial Fund is all about improving Cincinnati. Like many corporate funders, its transparency and approachability change according to the company’s needs in any given year. Currently, the best insight into how the fund gives is to take a look at its most recent Corporate Responsibility Report, as well as, of course, its 990s. And while Western & Southern Financial’s website does not say how new grantseekers can get in touch, recent tax records show that local nonprofits can reach out at any time of the year to request support. Contact information is here.
PROFILE: Established in 1988, the Western & Southern Financial Fund is a company foundation based in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the grantmaking arm of the Western & Southern Financial Group, which is a financial services business with seven life insurance subsidiaries. The foundation aims to be “a passionate corporate citizen determined to promote a strong economy, exceptional health care, educational achievement and a rewarding quality of life in Cincinnati.” It funds local efforts for human services, health care, education, and the arts.
The company and Western & Southern Financial Fund have supported over 681 organizations and nonprofits, providing more than $103.2 million in donations since 2008. The funder sponsors local events that help feed the hungry, support disease research, stimulate the economy, and assist nonprofit organizations. The Cincinnati Open (formerly the Western & Southern Open) is a tennis event aimed at boosting economic development in Cincinnati.
Grants for Public Health and Access
Health Care is one of the fund’s key focus areas, and it is also the one that receives the most support annually, almost as much as the next two areas combined. Healthcare grants are often centered on disease research and care, especially cancer groups, toward whom the fund “made a concerted effort” to support. It also supports mental health care and community health groups.
UC Health, “the region’s only academic medical center,” previously received a $2 million grant to help renovate the UC Barrett Cancer Institute at University Hospital. Other grant recipients include Mercy Care Foundation, St Margaret Hall, Family Service of the Cincinnati Area, Craig and Frances Lindner Center of Hope, Talbert House, and Cancer Family Care.
Grants for Community Development
Support for community development in the area often takes the form of human services grants, which go towards housing, seniors, youth groups, and United Way organizations. In 2023, Western & Southern contributed “significant funding” toward a $6.7 million housing rehabilitation project in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills suburb.
Other local community improvement and human services grants have gone to Talbert House, Emanuel Community Center, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio, Jewish Community Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, Foundation of Compassionate American Samaritans, Outdoor Adventure Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative.
Grants for Education
Education grants reward local educators and promote youth development. They seek to “prepare […] future generations for the workforce and provide them with positive developmental experiences to grow their skills.” Higher education groups see a lot of support, although it gives to K-12 schools, and education services and workforce skills organizations as well.
Past higher education grant recipients include millions to Xavier University and large sums to University of Cincinnati, Union Institute & University, Ohio University, Miami University, and Mount St Joseph University. Workforce and education service grants have gone to Leadership Scholars, Crayons to Computers, Miami Valley Christian Academy, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, and Learning Through Art.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Western & Southern Financial’s support for The Arts in Cincinnati seeks to make the city one “that not only flourishes culturally but becomes a magnet for innovation and talent.” This is the fund’s smallest giving area, behind health care, education, and human services. Funding goes to arts education groups and performing arts organizations, specifically music, theater, and dance. It also gives to visual art museums.
Past local grantees include Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Children’s Theater of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Arts Association, and ArtsWave.
Important Grant Details
Grants range between about $10 and $500,000. The most common amount is $50. The fund gave away over $18 million in grants in a recent year and held more than $32 million in assets. Grantmaking primarily focuses on the Cincinnati region of Ohio, although it occasionally gives in other states as well.
According to tax records, this foundation accepts unsolicited grant proposals from nonprofits.
There are no submission deadlines or restrictions on requests.
An application form is not required.
Direct general questions to the staff at 513-629-1275 or via online form.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
