Mathile Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $13.5 million (based on 2023 tax filing)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 75-90 days
• Grant Range: Minimum $1,000; maximum 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 $13.5 million annually to support organisations 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 organisations that provide essential services
• Education: Funding educational initiatives and programmes
• Mental Health: Supporting mental health services and programmes
• Positive Youth Development: Programmes that help young people reach their potential

What They Fund

Organisations serving those in need in the Greater Dayton area, with the majority of grant dollars invested in Montgomery County, Ohio. The foundation accepts applications for grant amounts of $1,000 and higher.

What They Don't Fund

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

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. Clay Mathile passed away on 26 August 2023 at the age of 82. The foundation continues to be family-led, with the Mathile family maintaining active involvement in its operations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For New Organisations or New Projects:

1. Review eligibility guidelines on the foundation website
2. Create an account in their online grant portal (GOapply)
3. Submit a Grant Interest Form on a rolling basis
4. Staff will communicate whether your programme is within the mission and funding priorities
5. If invited, complete the full application available on your user dashboard

For Returning Grantees: Log in to the GOapply grant portal and select the Application for the Returning Grantee Process for previously or currently funded projects.

Decision Timeline

• New organisation/project interest forms accepted on rolling basis
• Applications reviewed quarterly by the Grant Committee
• Funding decisions typically made within 75-90 days from submission date
• The foundation accepts one application per year (four quarters following the date of the last application) from any qualifying organisation

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

All grant requirements, including a final report, must be completed before consideration of further funding. Only one application per year permitted from any qualifying organisation.

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
• Programmes that create "hope and opportunity" for beneficiaries
• Strong connection to Montgomery County or the Greater Dayton region
• Must be a tax-exempt organisation under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restrictions are strict - must serve Greater Dayton area, with priority given to Montgomery County organisations
• Foundation emphasises "meaningful collaborations" - partnership approaches may be favoured
• Online application portal streamlines the process
• New applicants submit interest forms on rolling basis before being invited to apply
• Quarterly review cycles with 75-90 day decision timeline
• Minimum grant amount of $1,000
• 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