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Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc

Annual Giving
$8.5M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,000,000 - $10,000,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not formally structured (rolling basis)
  • Grant Range: $10 - $500,000
  • Most Common Grant: $50
  • Geographic Focus: Cincinnati, Ohio region
  • Total Awards (2022): 170 grants

Contact Details

Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc 400 Broadway Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-3312

Phone: 513-629-2043

Parent Organization: Western & Southern Financial Group Website: https://www.westernsouthern.com/about/community-impact

Key Contact: Edward J. Babbitt, Secretary/Treasurer

Overview

Established in 1988, the Western & Southern Financial Fund serves as the company-sponsored foundation of Western & Southern Financial Group, a financial services business with seven life insurance subsidiaries. Originally focused on medical research, medical institutions, and higher education, the fund has expanded to encompass arts and cultural initiatives across the Cincinnati region. With over $32 million in assets and annual giving ranging from $7-10 million, the fund has provided more than $103.2 million to over 681 organizations since 2008. The foundation operates with a strategic goal that "Cincinnati will be the best place to work, live and enjoy life," positioning itself as a partner rather than simply a check-writer, with strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and data-driven results.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The fund operates on a rolling basis with no formal grant programs or fixed deadlines. Nonprofits can reach out at any time throughout the year to request support. Grant amounts range dramatically from as small as $10 (likely employee matching gifts) to major institutional grants of $500,000.

Recent Funding Distribution (2017 as example):

  • Economic Development: $4,000,000
  • Human Services: $2,241,790
  • Education: $1,295,150
  • Healthcare: $1,247,224
  • Arts: $1,202,419
  • Community: $675,658

Priority Areas

Healthcare: The largest funding category, receiving nearly as much support annually as the next two areas combined. Focus on disease research and care, especially cancer-related programs. Recent recipients include:

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (primary beneficiary of Western & Southern Open tennis tournament since 1974, receiving over $12 million)
  • UC Health (received $2 million grant to renovate UC Barrett Cancer Institute at University Hospital)
  • Mercy Care Foundation
  • Cancer Family Care
  • Craig and Frances Lindner Center of Hope
  • Talbert House

Education: Rewards local educators and promotes youth development to prepare future generations for the workforce. Major support for higher education institutions including:

  • Xavier University (millions in support)
  • University of Cincinnati (major grants)
  • Union Institute & University
  • Ohio University
  • Miami University
  • Mount St Joseph University
  • Leadership Scholars
  • Crayons to Computers
  • Miami Valley Christian Academy
  • Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
  • Learning Through Art

Human Services & Community Development: Support for housing, seniors, youth groups, and social service organizations:

  • United Way of Greater Cincinnati ($500,000 donation announced)
  • Emanuel Community Center
  • Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
  • Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio
  • Jewish Community Center
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati Youth Collaborative

Arts & Culture: Funding for arts education, performing arts (music, theater, dance), and visual art museums:

  • Taft Museum of Art
  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • Children's Theater of Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati Opera
  • Cincinnati Ballet
  • Cincinnati Arts Association
  • ArtsWave

What They Don't Fund

The fund does not publish specific exclusions, but their focus is exclusively on the Cincinnati, Ohio region. Organizations outside this geographic area are not supported.

Governance and Leadership

The Western & Southern Financial Fund operates under the governance structure of Western & Southern Financial Group.

Key Leadership:

  • Edward J. Babbitt, Secretary/Treasurer of Western & Southern Financial Fund
  • John F. Barrett, Chairman, President & CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group

Leadership Philosophy on Grantmaking:

Ed Babbitt has characterized the fund's approach as informal and relationship-focused. According to Babbitt, the application process involves "no forms to fill out" and organizations should simply "submit a letter or an email making your case: 'What do you want? What are you funding? Who is it going to help?'"

Kim Chiodi, Senior VP of Communications at Western & Southern, emphasized the business case for corporate philanthropy: "Candidates, 75 percent or more, want to work for a company that gives back."

The fund seeks to be a "partner" rather than just a check-writer, with leadership prioritizing data and measurable outcomes. Organizations are expected to "set goals, measure results and then report on those results."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Western & Southern Financial Fund operates with an informal, no-forms application process on a rolling basis. There are no formal deadlines, and local nonprofits can reach out at any time of the year to request support.

Application Method: Submit a letter or email to the fund explaining:

  1. What do you want?
  2. What are you funding?
  3. Who is it going to help?

Contact: Edward J. Babbitt, Secretary/Treasurer Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc 400 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3312 Phone: 513-629-2043

The fund's website does not provide specific guidance on how new grantseekers can get in touch, but recent tax records and foundation databases confirm that organizations may reach out directly. The best insight into the fund's giving patterns can be found in their Corporate Responsibility Reports and Form 990 filings.

Decision Timeline

No formal decision timeline is published. Given the informal nature of the application process and rolling basis for submissions, decision timeframes likely vary by request size and organizational relationship with the fund.

Success Rates

The fund made 170 awards in 2022. Specific success rates (percentage of applications funded) are not publicly available, though leadership has indicated the process is "highly selective."

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Given the informal, relationship-based approach, organizations are likely able to reapply, though timing and circumstances would depend on prior grant outcomes and ongoing relationship with the fund.

Application Success Factors

Data and Measurable Outcomes Are Critical: The fund strongly emphasizes measurable results. According to their leadership, successful applicants must "set goals, measure results and then report on those results." This data-driven approach is central to their partnership philosophy.

Focus on Partnership, Not Transactions: Western & Southern seeks to be a "partner" rather than simply a funding source. This suggests they value ongoing relationships, collaboration, and engagement beyond the grant check.

Alignment with Cincinnati's Success: The fund's strategic goal is that "Cincinnati will be the best place to work, live and enjoy life." Applications that demonstrate clear connection to improving Cincinnati's economy, quality of life, healthcare, education, or cultural vibrancy will resonate strongly.

Clear, Concise Case for Support: The informal application process—focused on three simple questions—suggests the fund values clarity and directness. Applications should be straightforward about needs, intended use of funds, and beneficiaries.

Established Community Presence: Recent grants show strong support for well-established Cincinnati institutions (Cincinnati Children's Hospital, UC Health, Xavier University, Cincinnati Art Museum, etc.). Organizations with proven track records and community standing appear to be favored.

Economic Development Impact: The largest single category of giving in recent years has been economic development ($4 million in 2017), suggesting proposals that strengthen Cincinnati's economy and workforce may receive priority consideration.

Relationship Building: The informal process and emphasis on partnership suggest that developing relationships with fund leadership and board members before seeking major grants could be advantageous.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Start with a letter or email: No formal application forms exist. Keep your initial request clear and focused on the three key questions: what you want, what you're funding, and who it will help.

  • Emphasize measurable outcomes: This funder prioritizes data and results. Build evaluation metrics into your proposal and commit to reporting on outcomes.

  • Cincinnati-focused only: This is strictly a local funder. If your organization doesn't serve the Cincinnati region, this is not the right fit.

  • Think partnership, not transaction: Position your organization as a collaborative partner working toward shared goals for Cincinnati's improvement, not just as a funding recipient.

  • Rolling basis = flexibility: You can apply at any time throughout the year, which allows for strategic timing based on your project needs and organizational readiness.

  • Wide grant range: With grants from $10 to $500,000, the fund supports everything from small initiatives to major capital projects. Be realistic about what level of support matches your organizational profile.

  • Build relationships proactively: The informal nature and emphasis on partnership suggest that cultivating connections with fund leadership (particularly Ed Babbitt) before submitting requests could strengthen your application.

References

  1. Inside Philanthropy - Western & Southern Financial Fund profile. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/ohio-grants/western-amp-southern-financial-fund. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  2. Candid Foundation Directory - Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=WEST148. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  3. Movers & Makers - Western & Southern Profile in Philanthropy. https://moversmakers.org/2018/07/31/western-southern-philanthropy-profile/. Published July 31, 2018. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc (EIN 31-1259670). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/311259670. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  5. Instrumentl 990 Report - Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/western-southern-financial-fund-inc. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  6. Charity Navigator - Western & Southern Financial Fund Inc. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/311259670. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  7. Cause IQ - Western and Southern Financial Fund. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/western-and-southern-financial-fund,311259670/. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  8. Western & Southern Financial Group - Community Impact. https://www.westernsouthern.com/about/community-impact. Accessed January 12, 2026.

  9. Cincinnati Open - About the Tournament. https://cincinnatiopen.com/about/about-the-tournament/. Accessed January 12, 2026.

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