Mathile Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $13 million (based on 2022 tax filing)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Quarterly review cycles
Grant Range: Not specified publicly
Geographic Focus: Greater Dayton, Ohio (Montgomery County)
Assets: $265 million (2023)

Contact Details

Website: https://mathilefamilyfoundation.org
Phone: (937) 264-4600
Email: info@mathilefamilyfoundation.org
Fax: (937) 264-4805
Address: 6450 Sand Lake Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414

Overview

The Mathile Family Foundation was established in 1989 by Clayton and MaryAnn Mathile following the success of Clay Mathile's leadership of The Iams Company, which he sold to Procter & Gamble in 1999 for $2.3 billion. With assets of approximately $265 million as of 2023, the foundation distributes around $13 million annually to support organizations in the Greater Dayton area. The foundation's mission is "transforming the lives of those in need through meaningful collaborations that create hope and opportunity," focusing on helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Basic Needs: Supporting organizations that provide essential services
Education: Funding educational initiatives and programs
Mental Health: Supporting mental health services and programs
Positive Youth Development: Programs that help young people reach their potential

What They Fund

Organizations serving those in need in the Greater Dayton area, with the majority of grant dollars invested in Montgomery County, Ohio.

What They Don't Fund

Not specified publicly, though geographic restrictions limit funding to Greater Dayton area organizations.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was founded by Clayton Lee Mathile (1941-2023) and MaryAnn Mathile. Clay Mathile was a successful businessman and philanthropist who transformed The Iams Company from a small regional pet food manufacturer into an international business. After selling the company, he distributed $100 million among Iams employees and committed $100 million to fund community projects in the Dayton area. The foundation continues to be family-led, with the Mathile family maintaining active involvement in its operations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Review eligibility guidelines on the foundation website
Create an account in their online grant portal
Submit application through the online system
Applications reviewed on a quarterly basis

Decision Timeline

Quarterly submission deadlines (specific dates not publicly available)
Review process timeline not specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified publicly

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and approach:

Alignment with one or more of the four priority areas
Clear demonstration of serving those in need in Greater Dayton
Evidence of meaningful collaboration and partnership approaches
Programs that create "hope and opportunity" for beneficiaries
Strong connection to Montgomery County or the Greater Dayton region

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic restrictions are strict - must serve Greater Dayton area
Foundation emphasizes "meaningful collaborations" - partnership approaches may be favored
Online application portal streamlines the process
Quarterly review cycles provide multiple opportunities per year to apply
Focus proposals on transformation and creating opportunities for those in need
Resources and FAQ section available on website for applicants
Foundation has substantial assets and consistent annual giving history

References

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Mathile Family Foundation (EIN: 311257219), accessed December 31, 2024
Mathile Family Foundation website (https://mathilefamilyfoundation.org), accessed December 31, 2024
Wikipedia - Clay Mathile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Mathile), accessed December 31, 2024
GuideStar Profile - Mathile Family Foundation, accessed December 31, 2024
IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019-2023), accessed via ProPublica