Charles L. Shor Foundation For Epilepsy Research Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,582,025 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (Invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $15,500,000
• Geographic Focus: United States (primarily Ohio)

Contact Details

• Website: https://clsfoundation.com/
• Phone: 513-381-8010 or 513-702-3011
• Email: info@clsfoundation.com, grants@clsfoundation.com
• Address: 441 Vine Street, Suite 1300, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Scholarship Contact: epilepsywellness.com/scholarships

Overview

Established in 2002 by Charles L. Shor, the Charles L. Shor Foundation for Epilepsy Research is a private family foundation with approximately $28.5 million in assets. Founded by the former President and CEO of Duro Bag Manufacturing, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in his 20s, the foundation has awarded over $15 million to epilepsy research and related causes. The foundation operates through three branches: institutional research funding, Epilepsy Wellness Advocates focusing on non-pharmaceutical solutions, and an individual scholarship program. In 2021, the foundation made headlines with a transformative $15.5 million gift to Cleveland Clinic, resulting in the naming of the Charles Shor Epilepsy Center.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Institutional Research Grants: $35,000 - $15,500,000 (invitation-only basis, no public application)
• Charles L. Shor Epilepsy Opportunity Fund: Up to $10,000 per recipient (annual application window January 15 - March 1)

Priority Areas

• Epilepsy research and neurological studies
• Understanding seizure mechanisms and brain impacts
• Non-pharmaceutical treatment approaches
• Stress relief as seizure reduction therapy
• Memory decline prevention in epilepsy patients
• Educational support for individuals with epilepsy
• Trade and manufacturing education

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside epilepsy/neurological research focus
• Unsolicited proposals for institutional grants
• General operating support (except pre-selected organizations)

Governance and Leadership

Charles L. Shor - Founder and Director (unpaid). Former CEO of Duro Bag Manufacturing (1987-2014), diagnosed with epilepsy at 25. Known for innovations including first 100% recycled grocery bags and tear-proof Tyvek bags for luxury retailers.

Gerhardt (Gerry) Otto, M.S. - President, Board Trustee, and Treasurer. Primary contact for foundation operations.

Nick Ramler - Secretary

The founder's personal experience with epilepsy, including daily seizures following a kidnapping attempt at age 25, directly shapes the foundation's mission and focus on finding better treatments and understanding of the condition.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Institutional Grants: This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion to pre-selected charitable organizations only. The foundation explicitly states it "does not accept unsolicited proposals."

Individual Scholarships: Public application process available through the Charles L. Shor Epilepsy Opportunity Fund with applications accepted January 15 - March 1 annually at epilepsywellness.com/scholarships.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation identifies grantees proactively through trustee discretion, organizations may benefit from:

• Building relationships with Gerry Otto, the foundation's President and primary operational leader
• Establishing credibility in epilepsy research through Cleveland Clinic, University of Cincinnati, or Cincinnati Children's Hospital networks
• Participating in epilepsy research conferences and forums where foundation leadership may be present
• Demonstrating innovative approaches to non-pharmaceutical seizure management, which aligns with their Epilepsy Wellness Advocates initiative

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available for institutional grants

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable for institutional grants; scholarship applicants may reapply annually

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and known recipients:

• Cleveland Clinic received $15.5 million for combining facility development with innovative research on stress relief and memory preservation
• Strong Ohio connections matter - majority of funding stays within Ohio institutions
• Focus on innovative, non-pharmaceutical approaches aligns with their Epilepsy Wellness Advocates branch
• Research on quality of life improvements rather than just medical treatments appears favored
• The foundation values transformative projects that can significantly advance epilepsy understanding
• Personal connections to epilepsy and understanding the patient experience resonate with the founder's journey

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a major funder in epilepsy research but operates entirely through invitation-only institutional grants
• With $28.5 million in assets and recent gifts up to $15.5 million, they have capacity for transformative funding
• Building relationships with President Gerry Otto is essential for getting on their radar
• Ohio-based organizations, particularly those connected to Cleveland Clinic or University of Cincinnati, have strongest track records
• Focus proposals on innovative, holistic approaches beyond traditional pharmaceutical research
• Individual scholarships offer the only public application opportunity (January 15 - March 1 annually)
• The founder's personal epilepsy journey deeply influences funding priorities toward quality of life improvements

References

• Charles L. Shor Foundation official website (https://clsfoundation.com/) - Accessed February 2024
• IRS Form 990-PF filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/300124473) - 2020-2023 filings
• Cleveland Clinic press release on $15.5 million gift - 2021
• Candid Foundation Directory profile - Accessed February 2024
• GuideStar organizational profile (EIN 300124473) - Accessed February 2024
• Epilepsy Wellness Advocates scholarship information (epilepsywellness.com/scholarships) - Accessed February 2024
• Philanthropy News Digest coverage of Cleveland Clinic donation - 2021
• Crain's Cleveland Business article on major gift announcement - 2021