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The Spaulding Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.4M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,400,500 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000+ (median $25,000, average $35,100)
  • Geographic Focus: Hamilton County, Ohio and contiguous counties

Contact Details

Address: 8040 Hosbrook Road, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45236
Phone: (513) 936-0101
Contact Person: Laura Dunderman, Grant Administrator
EIN: 31-1096254

The foundation does not appear to have a public website. Contact via phone or mail for application information.

Overview

The Spaulding Foundation was established in 1984 (incorporated in 1997) as a private grantmaking foundation serving the Greater Cincinnati area. With total assets of approximately $28.9 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $1,400,500 through 42 grants in 2024. The foundation's mission focuses on improving quality of life in Hamilton County and contiguous counties, with particular emphasis on mental health, mental and physical disabilities, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and services for women and children subjected to domestic violence, rape, and abuse. The foundation has earned a reputation among grantees for an exemplary application process and strong preference for benefiting children and vulnerable populations. It supports both major institutions like the Cincinnati Zoo and Children's Hospital as well as smaller community-based nonprofits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single general grant program with quarterly deadlines. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000+, with:

  • Median grant size: $25,000
  • Average grant size: $35,100
  • Application method: Quarterly deadlines (March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on organizations that improve quality of life in the community through:

  • Mental Health Services: Programs addressing mental health needs, particularly for vulnerable populations
  • Mental and Physical Disabilities: Services supporting individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, including case management and lifetime planning assistance
  • Substance Abuse/Chemical Addiction: Prevention programs and treatment services, with documented support for opiate addiction recovery initiatives
  • Domestic Violence, Rape, and Abuse: Services for women and children subjected to violence or abuse
  • Food Security: Support for food pantries and food access programs serving low-income families
  • Supportive Housing: Permanent supportive housing programs for vulnerable populations

Special Emphasis: The foundation shows a clear preference for programs benefiting children and vulnerable populations.

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside Hamilton County, Ohio and contiguous counties (which include parts of Indiana and Kentucky)
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations
  • Projects without direct community impact

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • John E. Prather
  • Lisa L. Prather

Staff:

  • Laura Dunderman, Grant Administrator (primary contact)

The foundation operates with zero employees, indicating it is a family foundation managed by the trustees with administrative support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications quarterly with fixed deadlines. Prospective applicants should:

  1. Contact Laura Dunderman at (513) 936-0101 to request application materials
  2. According to grantee feedback, the foundation responds to all inquiries by email or phone
  3. Submit applications by quarterly deadlines: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1

Grantee reviews consistently note that "the ease of their application and interview process is exemplary," suggesting a straightforward and supportive application experience. The foundation appears to conduct interviews with applicants as part of their review process.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly cycle following each deadline. Specific decision timelines (from submission to notification) are not publicly disclosed. Contact the foundation for current timeline expectations.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 42 grants in 2024, 58 grants in 2023, 41 grants in 2022, and 54 grants in 2021, showing consistent annual grantmaking. While total application numbers are not disclosed, the foundation appears to maintain relatively stable funding capacity year-over-year.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Organizations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about policies regarding unsuccessful applications or waiting periods between grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented funding patterns and grantee feedback:

Alignment with Geographic Focus: Organizations must serve Hamilton County, Ohio and contiguous counties. This is a firm geographic limitation—ensure your service area clearly falls within this region.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: The foundation has a documented "preference for benefiting children and vulnerable populations." Applications should clearly demonstrate how programs serve these groups, particularly children at risk, individuals with disabilities, survivors of violence, or those struggling with addiction.

Specific Program Funding Examples: The foundation has funded:

  • $50,000 to Talbert House for the Engagement Center serving individuals struggling with opiate addiction
  • $30,000 to Churches Active in Northside (CAIN) for Rainbow Choice Food Pantry
  • $30,000 to PLAN of Southwest Ohio for case management services for adults with disabilities
  • $30,000 to Found House-Interfaith Housing Network for permanent supportive housing
  • $10,000 to Spina Bifida Coalition for Empowerment Camp for young people with spina bifida

Application Process: Grantees consistently praise the foundation's application process as "exemplary," noting responsive communication. This suggests the foundation values clear, direct communication and maintains an accessible, supportive approach to working with applicants.

Contact Before Applying: Multiple sources recommend calling to request application materials rather than submitting unsolicited proposals. This initial contact may help ensure alignment before investing time in a full application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Confirm your service area includes Hamilton County, Ohio or contiguous counties before applying
  • Emphasize impact on children and vulnerable populations: Applications should clearly articulate how programs benefit these priority groups
  • Use the quarterly deadlines strategically: Plan ahead for March 1, June 1, September 1, or December 1 deadlines
  • Make initial contact: Call Laura Dunderman at (513) 936-0101 to request application materials and establish rapport
  • Typical grant range is $10,000-$50,000: Budget requests should generally fall within this range, with $25,000-$35,000 being most common
  • Expect an interview: The application process includes interviews, so prepare to discuss your program in detail
  • Foundation is responsive and accessible: Grantees consistently note excellent communication—don't hesitate to ask questions during the application process

References

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