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Austin E Knowlton Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$12.2M
Grant Range
$500K - $23.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12,204,256 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $266,549,523 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 43 awards (2023)
  • Grant Range: $500,000 - $23,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Midwest USA (primarily Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan)
  • Foundation Type: Private foundation

Contact Details

Mailing Address: Austin E. Knowlton Foundation 312 Walnut Street, Suite 3130 Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513.381.2400

Email: scalk@aekfoundation.org (Sherri L. Calk, Chief Administrative Officer)

Website: https://aekfoundation.org

The foundation welcomes "thoughts on the work of the Foundation and your suggestions and ideas for expanding our reach and impact."

Overview

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was established in 1981 by Austin E. "Dutch" Knowlton and Charles D. Lindberg to promote and advance higher education in the United States. With total assets of $266.5 million and annual giving of approximately $12.2 million (2023), the foundation has emerged as a major philanthropic partner to colleges and universities across the Midwest. The foundation honors the legacy of Mr. Knowlton, an Ohio State University graduate (1931, Architectural Engineering) who founded the successful Knowlton Construction Company and was an early investor in the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds. The foundation focuses on two primary areas: transformative capital grants for facilities that enhance the student experience, and endowed scholarship programs with a preference for Ohio STEM students. Over four decades, the foundation has become the largest donor to Ohio State's College of Engineering (nearly $50 million) and has established long-term partnerships with over 38 colleges and universities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Transformative Capital Grants: Large-scale infrastructure projects ($1 million - $23 million)

  • Engineering and academic facilities
  • Athletic and wellness centers
  • Aviation and specialized learning centers
  • Career development centers
  • Equine science facilities

Notable Recent Grants:

  • Denison University: $23 million for the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration (starting 2016)
  • Ohio State University: $15 million for Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex (2022)
  • Ohio State University: $10 million for Austin E. Knowlton Aviation Learning Center (2015)
  • Augustana College: $9 million for Peter J. Lindberg, MD, Center for Health and Human Performance (2021)
  • Oberlin College: $8 million for Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex
  • Mount St. Joseph University: $1.5 million for Austin E. Knowlton Fitness Center (2021)
  • Georgetown College: $1 million for Davis-Reid Alumni Gym renovation (2024)

Endowed Scholarship Programs: Multi-year commitments ($500,000 - $1 million)

  • Typically structured as five-year grants
  • Preference for Ohio residents majoring in STEM fields
  • Secondary preference for students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan
  • Returning Knowlton Scholars in good academic standing receive priority for renewal

Recent scholarship grants (2024-2025):

  • Multiple institutions received $500,000 - $1 million grants for STEM scholarships including Wilmington College, Kenyon College, Ohio Northern University, and Bluffton University

Priority Areas

Academic Focus:

  • STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
  • Architecture and engineering education
  • Aviation education
  • Kinesiology and health sciences
  • Career readiness and exploration

Infrastructure Focus:

  • Modern learning environments
  • Student wellness and fitness facilities
  • Athletic facilities
  • Career development centers
  • Educational technology upgrades

Geographic Focus:

  • Primary: Ohio (particularly Mr. Knowlton's home state)
  • Secondary: Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan
  • Institution type: Small to mid-sized liberal arts colleges and universities, with particular emphasis on Ohio State University (Mr. Knowlton's alma mater)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, research indicates the foundation:

  • Focuses exclusively on higher education (not K-12 or other educational levels)
  • Does not fund organizations outside the higher education sector
  • Does not provide grants outside the United States
  • Appears to work primarily with established partner institutions rather than one-time grants

Governance and Leadership

President: John Lindberg

Chief Administrative Officer: Sherri L. Calk

The foundation maintains a relatively small staff and operates from its Cincinnati headquarters. John Lindberg has led the foundation's strategic direction, continuing the mission established by Mr. Knowlton. The foundation was originally co-founded by Austin E. "Dutch" Knowlton and Charles D. Lindberg in 1981, suggesting the current president may be connected to the founding family.

Quote from Leadership:

John Lindberg on the foundation's mission: "Since Mr. Knowlton started the foundation during his lifetime in 1981, our mission has been to promote and advance higher education in the United States through direct grants and contributions to qualified colleges and universities."

On the Ohio State engineering gift: "I believe Mr. Knowlton would be beyond thrilled to see how his legacy through the foundation is impacting and will continue to impact the students and faculty at his alma mater."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation works through established partnerships with select colleges and universities. Institutional grants appear to be awarded based on trustee discretion and existing relationships rather than competitive application cycles.

For Scholarship Information: Students cannot apply directly to the foundation. Instead, they must:

  1. Apply for admission to one of the foundation's partner institutions
  2. Be automatically considered for Knowlton scholarships if they meet eligibility criteria
  3. Contact their institution's financial aid office for specific requirements

Partner institutions include Ohio State University, Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Case Western Reserve University, Augustana College, Mount St. Joseph University, Otterbein University, and over 30 other colleges and universities in the Midwest.

For Institutional Leaders: While no formal application process exists, the foundation's website states they welcome "thoughts on the work of the Foundation and your suggestions and ideas for expanding our reach and impact." Contact can be made through:

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process with standard timelines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than competitive application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, research reveals patterns in the foundation's grantmaking that suggest strategic approaches:

Characteristics of Funded Institutions:

  • Long-term relationships: The foundation demonstrates preference for sustained partnerships (e.g., Denison's $23 million commitment over multiple years, Ohio State's cumulative $50 million)
  • Geographic alignment: Strong preference for Ohio institutions, with secondary consideration for neighboring Midwest states
  • Mission alignment: Institutions that prioritize STEM education, student success, and career readiness
  • Track record: Several funded institutions have received multiple grants over time (Ohio State, Denison, Kenyon)

Types of Projects Funded:

  • Transformative rather than incremental: Large-scale projects that significantly enhance student experience
  • Visible impact: Named facilities that honor Mr. Knowlton's legacy (Knowlton Hall, Knowlton Center, Knowlton Athletic Complex)
  • Connection to Mr. Knowlton's interests: Sports and wellness (early investor in Cincinnati Bengals and Reds), aviation (founded Ohio Aviation), architecture and engineering (his education and career), construction (his company built 600+ projects)

Foundation Values Reflected in Grants:

  • Innovation and leadership in higher education
  • Creating inspiring learning environments
  • Practical education that leads to career success (career centers, professional development)
  • Student wellness and holistic development
  • Access for Ohio students, particularly in STEM fields

Strategic Positioning for Relationship Building:

  • Ohio-based institutions have clear advantage
  • Institutions with strong STEM programs align with scholarship priorities
  • Projects connecting to construction, sports, wellness, aviation, or engineering may resonate with Mr. Knowlton's legacy
  • Demonstrated commitment to career readiness and student outcomes
  • Capacity for naming opportunities and long-term stewardship of major gifts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation operates through trustee discretion and established relationships. Traditional grant applications are not accepted.

  • Geographic sweet spot: Ohio institutions receive priority, followed by Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan. Ohio State University holds a special place as Mr. Knowlton's alma mater.

  • Think transformative, not incremental: Funded projects are major capital initiatives ($1-23 million) that significantly enhance campus infrastructure and student experience, not small operational grants.

  • Legacy alignment matters: Projects connecting to Mr. Knowlton's interests—sports, wellness, aviation, construction, engineering, architecture—appear more likely to receive consideration.

  • Long-term partnerships preferred: The foundation demonstrates commitment to sustained relationships (multiple grants over years) rather than one-time funding.

  • STEM focus for scholarships: Student scholarship programs strongly prefer Ohio residents pursuing STEM majors, with broader Midwest consideration.

  • Relationship building is essential: Without a public application process, cultivating relationships with foundation leadership (President John Lindberg, CAO Sherri L. Calk) is critical. The foundation states they welcome outreach about expanding their reach and impact.

  • Substantial resources available: With $266 million in assets and $12+ million in annual giving to 40+ institutions, this foundation has significant capacity for major partnerships.

References

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