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L And L Nippert Charitable Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.8M
Grant Range
$20K - $0.4M
Decision Time
5mo
Success Rate
11%

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L And L Nippert Charitable Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,753,813 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Approximately 11% (68 awards from estimated ~600 Greater Cincinnati nonprofits)
  • Decision Time: Applications June 1 - August 1; decisions announced before year-end holidays
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - $400,000 (special one-time grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana)

Contact Details

Carter F. Randolph, Ph.D., Chair
The Randolph Company
10653 Techwood Circle Suite #101
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Email: RCOinfo@therandolphcompany.com
Phone: (513) 891-7144
Website: https://lnlcharitable.org/

Overview

The L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation was established by Louis and Louise Nippert in 1981 to provide financial assistance to worthy organisations throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Louis Nippert was the great-grandson of James Gamble, co-founder of Procter & Gamble, while Mary Louise Dieterle Nippert was a fourth-generation Cincinnatian and University of Cincinnati graduate. The foundation was formally incorporated in Ohio in 1992 as a successor entity. Over their lifetimes, the Nipperts' legacy of giving would total hundreds of millions of dollars to organisations locally, usually quietly, and often anonymously. Both Louis (1975) and Louise (1995) were honoured as Great Living Cincinnatians. The foundation continues their mission by supporting organisations in cultural arts, education, environment, and health—the areas the Nipperts championed during their lifetimes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

General Grantmaking: Variable amounts based on organisational need and project scope

  • Application window: June 1 - August 1 annually via online portal
  • Recent awards range from $20,000 to $150,000 for standard grants
  • Special one-time grants of $400,000 have been awarded to major institutions (Cincinnati Zoo, Museum Centre, Freestore Foodbank, Easter Seals)

Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund: Separate stream for musical arts organisations

  • Application window: June 1 - August 1 (parallel to general grantmaking)
  • In 2022, this fund awarded $7,217,160 to Cincinnati-based musical arts organisations
  • Strong preference for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on organisations the Nipperts supported during their lifetimes:

  • Cultural Arts: Performing arts organisations, museums, cultural institutions
  • Education: Universities, educational programmes, scholarships
  • Environment: Conservation, regenerative agriculture, ecological research
  • Health: Medical services, hospice care, social services supporting health outcomes
  • Youth Services: Programmes serving children and families in need
  • Social Services: Organisations addressing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity

Recent grant recipients include 4C for Children ($100,000), Beech Acres Parenting Centre ($150,000), CYC ($20,000), Bethany House Services, BLOC Ministries, Brighton Centre, Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, Cincinnati Public Radio, Cincinnati Works, Community Matters Cincinnati, Comprehensive Community Child Care, Fernside (Centre for Grieving Children), Hospice of Cincinnati, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, La Soupe, Lighthouse Youth Services, Matthew 25 Ministries, New Life Furniture, and Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges.

What They Don't Fund

Whilst not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus on continuing the Nipperts' legacy suggests:

  • Organisations outside the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area
  • Organisations in areas the Nipperts did not historically support
  • For-profit entities
  • Individual requests or scholarships (handled separately through other Nippert entities)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Carter F. Randolph, PhD (Chair) - President and Chief Investment Officer of The Randolph Company since 1996; manages investments for multiple Nippert legacy foundations totalling hundreds of millions of dollars; grew up near the Nipperts' Greenacres Farm and learnt about philanthropy directly from them
  • Martin Cooper
  • Lawrence Kyte, Jr.
  • Brad Lindner
  • Meredith Leslie (Executive Director)
  • Louie Randolph

Leadership Philosophy:

Dr Carter Randolph has stated: "The impact of the Nippert legacy on Cincinnati can be felt in everything from medical and social services to the arts and education."

Meredith Leslie, Executive Director, notes: "These funds make a real difference in the ability of these organisations to tackle the challenges facing our communities."

The trustees operate with the guiding principle "What would the Nipperts do?" and are described as "patient investors" who think in terms of decades, not years. A foundation profile notes that "a foundation should reflect the wishes of its creators," and the trustees emphasise the value of due diligence in funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Review Requirements: Before applying, applicants must read the "Grant Information & Timeline" document available on the foundation's website, as procedures have changed from previous years
  2. Application Window: June 1 to August 1, 11:59 PM EST (annually)
  3. Submission Method: Online application portal at https://lnlcharitable.org/
  4. Required Documentation: Organisations must be qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in the Greater Cincinnati region
  5. FAQs Available: The foundation provides Frequently Asked Questions on their website
  6. Application Support: Assistance available at RCOinfo@therandolphcompany.com

Note: There are separate portals for the general L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation and the Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, though both have the same application window.

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: August 1, 11:59 PM EST
  • Review Period: August through November
  • Notification: The foundation states they are "thrilled to have our grant selection process completed for the year and looking forward to the recipients receiving their funds before the holidays"
  • Typical Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from application deadline to notification
  • Funding Distribution: Grants are distributed before the December holidays

Success Rates

Based on available data:

  • Applications: Estimated 600+ eligible nonprofits in Greater Cincinnati region
  • Awards Made: Approximately 65-80 grants awarded annually
  • Estimated Success Rate: Approximately 11%
  • 2023 Comparison: 79 grants awarded totalling $4,753,813
  • 2022 Comparison: 69 grants awarded totalling $4,367,879

The foundation consistently awards grants to 65-80 organisations annually, suggesting a competitive but accessible process for organisations aligned with the Nipperts' historical interests.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish specific reapplication policies. However, the annual application cycle (June 1 - August 1) suggests that unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years. Many organisations appear as repeat recipients across multiple years, indicating that multi-year relationships are valued.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented priorities and grant patterns, successful applications typically demonstrate:

Alignment with Nippert Legacy: The Board "awards grants to organisations that the Nipperts supported during their lifetimes." Organisations with historical connections to Louis and Louise Nippert, or operating in sectors they championed, have a significant advantage. The guiding question "What would the Nipperts do?" drives decision-making.

Greater Cincinnati Focus: The mission explicitly states support for "residents of the Tri-State Area." Organisations must demonstrate clear benefit to the Greater Cincinnati region (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana).

Long-Term Sustainability: The trustees are described as "patient investors" who think in decades, not years. Applications should emphasise sustainable, lasting impact rather than short-term fixes.

Established Track Record: Grant recipients include established organisations like Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, May Festival, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Zoo, Museum Centre, and long-standing social service agencies. New organisations may face greater competition.

Multi-Year Partnerships: Many organisations receive funding repeatedly, suggesting the foundation values ongoing relationships. 4C for Children received multiple grants, and Beech Acres received increasing support ($150,000 grant that "tripled its funding" for their programme).

Clear Community Impact: Meredith Leslie emphasises that grants "make a real difference in the ability of these organisations to tackle the challenges facing our communities." Applications should articulate specific, measurable community outcomes.

Due Diligence: The foundation emphasises "the value of due diligence in funding." Applications should provide comprehensive financial information, clear programme descriptions, and evidence of organisational capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Research the Nippert connection: Investigate whether your organisation has historical ties to Louis and Louise Nippert or operates in sectors they supported. This legacy connection is central to funding decisions.

  • Apply during the narrow window: The June 1 - August 1 deadline is strictly enforced. Review the "Grant Information & Timeline" document before starting your application, as procedures change.

  • Think long-term impact: Frame your request around sustainable, multi-year outcomes rather than one-time needs. The trustees value decade-long thinking.

  • Document Cincinnati impact: Clearly articulate how your work benefits Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area residents. Regional focus is non-negotiable.

  • Consider the Musical Arts Fund separately: If your organisation supports musical arts, investigate whether the Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund might be a better fit than the general foundation.

  • Build relationships before applying: The foundation values established organisations and multi-year partnerships. Consider attending Cincinnati nonprofit events or finding board connections before your first application.

  • Be patient with timeline: With decisions announced before year-end holidays, expect 4-5 months between your August submission and notification. Plan your organisational budget accordingly.

References

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