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Charles H. Dater Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.1M
Grant Range
$20K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,080,128 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 4-8 weeks (minimum 30-60 days)
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - $100,000+ (median: $30,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Cincinnati (8-county region in OH, KY, IN)

Contact Details

Address: 700 Walnut Street, Suite 301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513-241-2658
Email: info@DaterFoundation.org
Website: https://daterfoundation.org

Grants Coordinator: Beth Broomall
Email: bb@DaterFoundation.org
Phone: 513-241-2658

Overview

The Charles H. Dater Foundation was established in 1985 by fourth-generation Cincinnati businessman and philanthropist Charles H. Dater (1912-1993) to continue the Dater family's philanthropic tradition dating back to the mid-1800s. With assets exceeding $100 million, the foundation has awarded over 3,900 grants totaling more than $82 million since inception. The foundation makes approximately 140 grants annually, totaling over $5 million, to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati region. In 2023, the foundation received the AFP Cincinnati Outstanding Foundation award, nominated by four nonprofits including Bethany House, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Santa Maria Community Services, and the Taft Museum of Art. The foundation operates with no full-time staff; instead, a dedicated five-member Board of Directors performs all functions including reviewing applications, making site visits, and monitoring grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers a single grant program with flexible funding amounts:

  • Annual Grants: $20,000 - $100,000+ (median: $30,000; average: $30,000)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis through online portal
  • Grant Duration: Typically one year; subsequent grants for ongoing programs based on annual evaluation

Priority Areas

Programs and projects that benefit children, teens, and young adults in the following areas:

  • Arts & Culture: Youth education programs, artist/writer residencies, performing arts for children
  • Education: School programs, literacy initiatives, educational enrichment
  • Healthcare: Children's health services and programs
  • Social Services: Youth development, family support, community programs
  • Other Community Needs: Programs addressing specific needs of young people

Key Emphasis: The foundation values programs that leverage grants to secure additional funding and make effective use of volunteer resources.

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Scholarships for individuals
  • Debt reduction
  • Capital fund projects (with rare exceptions)
  • Organizations outside the eight-county Greater Cincinnati region

Geographic Eligibility: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

The foundation has no full-time staff. Board members perform all operational functions including reviewing grant requests, making site visits, monitoring grant awards, and exercising fiduciary responsibility.

Current Officers and Directors:

  • Bruce A. Krone - President, Secretary and Director
  • Amanda Prebble Lenhart - Vice President and Director
  • Roger L. Ruhl - Vice President and Director (Public Relations)
  • Stanley J. (Jack) Frank, Jr. - Treasurer and Director

Former Directors (Deceased):

  • Paul W. Krone (1925-1995) - Director and President, 1985-1995
  • David L. Olberding (1936-2005) - Director 1985-2005; President 1995-2005
  • John D. Silvati (1937-2014) - Vice President and Director, 1985-2014
  • Dorothy G. Krone (1925-2015) - Director 1995-2004; Director Emeritus 2005-2015

Additional Staff:

  • Beth Broomall - Grants Coordinator

Foundation Philosophy

According to President Bruce Krone: "We started small. We started with little, itty-bitty grants." The foundation has grown significantly through careful asset management while maintaining its focus on impact. Board members ask themselves: "How many children will feel the impact of our grant, and how deep will the impact be?"

Vice President Roger Ruhl advises applicants: "You need to learn how to tell your story better," emphasizing the importance of clear, compelling communication in applications.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Guidelines
Reading or reviewing the Grant Request/Application Guidelines should be the first step. Review past grants in the News/Photos and Annual Reports sections on the website to understand funding patterns.

Step 2: Pre-Application (Optional but Recommended)
Submit a one-page "pre-application summary proposal" to receive feedback before investing time in a full application. Include:

  • General information about your organization
  • Program/project description and budget
  • Who will be impacted by the program and how many
  • Anticipated grant request amount
  • Other sources of funding

Step 3: Submit Online Application
Applications are submitted through the foundation's online grant application portal (launched in 2010). For technical questions about the online system, contact Beth Broomall.

Important Note: Generally, only one grant per organization per fiscal year (September-August).

Decision Timeline

  • Application to Decision: Minimum 30-60 days; some grants approved in as little as 4 weeks
  • Board Meetings: Monthly
  • Funding Disbursement: Approximately 2 weeks after approval
  • Evaluation Timing: Grant recipients submit evaluation reports approximately 6 months after award

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose its success rate or total number of applications received. However, grantee feedback indicates that "they ARE reading all applications and they DO remember what they've seen." One grantee reported that a board member recited back a specific statistic from their first application during a follow-up call.

With approximately 140 grants awarded annually, the foundation demonstrates a consistent commitment to funding quality programs.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for declined applications. Organizations are encouraged to contact Grants Coordinator Beth Broomall to discuss reapplication timing and strategies if their initial application is declined.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

  1. Data-Driven Impact: The foundation "truly looks at all the information given and really appreciates concrete numbers and data." Provide solid projections of success based on concrete evidence.

  2. Leverage and Partnership: Applications that demonstrate how the Dater grant will be leveraged to secure additional funding and resources are viewed favorably.

  3. Volunteer Engagement: Effective use of volunteer resources strengthens applications.

  4. Clear Mission and Track Record: For new ventures, the foundation looks for "a track record of success and a clearly stated mission."

  5. Child Impact Metrics: Be specific about how many children will benefit and the depth of impact on their lives.

Recent Grant Examples

Understanding what the foundation has recently funded provides insight into priorities:

June 2025 Awards ($590,000 total):

  • Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation - $50,000
  • Crayons to Computers - $35,000
  • VIA Institute - $35,000
  • School House Symphony - $30,000
  • Art Academy of Cincinnati - $25,000 (Artist & Writer in Residence program)
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities - $25,000

March 2025 Awards ($585,000 total):

  • Crayons to Computers - $200,000
  • Inter Parish Ministry - $50,000
  • Great Parks Forever - $25,000

Notable Large Grants:

  • St. Vincent de Paul - $250,000 (December 2024)
  • Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - $50,000 (youth education programs)

Application Quality Tips

  • Application Time: Expect to spend 5-7 hours on the application
  • Straightforward Process: Grantees report the online application is straightforward without "crazy requests, questions or attachment requirements"
  • Tell Your Story: Focus on clear, compelling communication of your mission and impact
  • Media Acknowledgment: Be prepared to generate media attention for the grant if awarded (this is a requirement)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Vague impact metrics without concrete numbers
  • Applications focused solely on organizational needs rather than child outcomes
  • Lack of specificity about how the grant will be leveraged for additional resources
  • Insufficient documentation of track record for new programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus relentlessly on child impact: Be specific about how many children will benefit and the depth of impact. This is the board's primary consideration.

  • Lead with data: The foundation values concrete numbers, projections, and evidence-based program design. Strong data can make a lasting impression.

  • Consider the pre-application: The optional one-page pre-application can save significant time and provides valuable feedback before investing 5-7 hours in a full application.

  • Leverage is key: Demonstrate how a Dater grant will unlock additional funding or resources. The foundation wants to be part of a larger solution.

  • One grant per year: With the general limit of one grant per organization per fiscal year, make your application count. Choose your strongest program.

  • They remember you: Board members actively engage with applications and remember details. Building a relationship over time, even if initially declined, can lead to future success.

  • Be patient but hopeful: While decisions take 30-60 days minimum, some grants are approved in as little as 4 weeks. The personalized, hands-on approach means thorough review but also responsive communication.

References

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