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The Schiewetz Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.9M
Grant Range
$18K - $1.8M

The Schiewetz Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,947,500 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $86.2 million
  • Number of Grants: 15 grants annually
  • Grant Range: $18,000 - $1,800,000
  • Median Grant: $120,000
  • Geographic Focus: Miami Valley Region, Ohio (primarily)
  • Application Method: Invitation only - no public application process

Contact Details

Overview

The Schiewetz Foundation Inc was established in 2001-2002 as a private foundation to honor the vision and legacy of Richard F. Schiewetz, a successful entrepreneur and founder of WinWholesale Inc., one of Ohio's largest companies. With assets of approximately $86.2 million and annual giving of nearly $4 million, the foundation supports charitable organizations in Ohio's Miami Valley Region. The foundation's mission reflects Richard Schiewetz's entrepreneurial spirit and his belief that "strong local business and entrepreneurs are vital to the continued prosperity of America." The foundation emphasizes creating opportunities for others to experience the journey of success through hard work, rather than simply providing handouts. Operating on an invitation-only basis, the foundation makes strategic investments in organizations that align with its values of entrepreneurship, education, and community development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate distinct grant programs but awards grants for both programs and capital projects. Based on recent data:

  • Grant Range: $18,000 - $1,800,000
  • Median Grant: $120,000
  • Total Annual Distribution: Approximately $3.9 million through 15 grants
  • Application Method: Invitation only - the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations

Priority Areas

The foundation supports charitable organizations whose programs work to further:

  • Economic Development and Entrepreneurship: Supporting initiatives that create business opportunities and foster entrepreneurial growth in the Miami Valley region
  • Higher Education: Funding academic institutions and programs, particularly those aligned with free enterprise principles (e.g., $1 million grant to Cedarville University for business center construction)
  • Leadership Training: Programs that develop future leaders in business and community service
  • Historical Preservation: Projects that preserve the history and heritage of the Miami Valley region
  • Performing Arts: Support for arts organizations and cultural programming (e.g., Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Memorial Day Concert)

Geographic Focus

Primary focus is the Miami Valley Region of Ohio, though the foundation has occasionally provided funding to organizations in Nevada, New York, and Virginia. The foundation is deeply committed to improving quality of life for residents in the greater Dayton area.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's invitation-only approach and specific focus areas suggest they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their priority areas
  • Unsolicited requests from any organization
  • Projects outside the Miami Valley region (with rare exceptions)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Richard W. Schwartz - President
  • Amy C. Kress - Vice President
  • Jennifer L. Schmidt - Secretary/Treasurer
  • Jane E. Schwartz - Director

All officers serve without compensation.

Founder's Philosophy

Richard F. Schiewetz (1913-2011) founded WinWholesale Inc., which grew to become one of the largest distributors of residential, commercial, and industrial supplies in the United States with revenues of $1.65 billion. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1936, he worked at Servel Corporation (later Trane Company) before co-founding Primus Inc. in 1956 (which became WinWholesale Inc.). He served as president from 1956 to 1998 and chairman until his retirement in 2002.

Key Quote from Foundation President Rick Schwartz: "We believe this new facility, along with Cedarville's academic commitment to free enterprise, aligns perfectly with our values and mission." (Regarding the $1 million grant to Cedarville University)

Richard Schiewetz was "a true believer that all people, regardless of background, gained more value from experiencing the journey of life than from simply asking and receiving."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Schiewetz Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations identified by the trustees.

Organizations cannot submit applications or proposals. All funding decisions are made at the discretion of the foundation's board of directors, who proactively identify organizations that align with the foundation's mission and values.

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on its own internal timeline for identifying and approving grants. There are no published deadlines or decision schedules since all grants are trustee-initiated.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications from the public.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications. However, the foundation has demonstrated willingness to support organizations for the first time (e.g., Cedarville University received its first grant in 2022), suggesting the board continuously evaluates new potential grant recipients.

Application Success Factors

For Organizations Seeking to Get on the Foundation's Radar

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly apply. However, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations position themselves strategically:

Alignment with Founder's Values: The foundation prioritizes organizations that embody:

  • Commitment to entrepreneurship and free enterprise
  • Focus on helping people through their own journey rather than creating dependency
  • Strong connection to the Miami Valley region
  • Programs that create opportunities for personal growth and development

Recent Funding Example: The $1 million grant to Cedarville University demonstrates the foundation's interest in supporting substantial capital projects at educational institutions that promote free enterprise and align with the foundation's entrepreneurial values.

Foundation's Stated Philosophy: Organizations that share the values of "hard work, opportunity, and community development" are most likely to align with the foundation's mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: The Schiewetz Foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited proposals.
  • Significant grant capacity: With nearly $4 million in annual giving through just 15 grants, the foundation makes substantial investments when it chooses to fund an organization (median $120,000).
  • Focus on entrepreneurship and free enterprise: The foundation's mission reflects founder Richard Schiewetz's business success and belief in entrepreneurial opportunity as a path to prosperity.
  • Regional commitment: Strong preference for Miami Valley Region organizations, particularly those serving the greater Dayton area.
  • Capital and program funding: The foundation supports both capital projects (like the $1 million business center grant) and ongoing programs.
  • Values-driven grantmaking: Alignment with the foundation's philosophy of "journey over handouts" and commitment to entrepreneurship is essential.
  • Board-driven selection: All funding decisions are made proactively by trustees; there is no way to petition for consideration through formal channels.

References

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