The Springfield Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,069,083 (2024 discretionary grants)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 3-4 months (August deadline, November/December decisions)
• Grant Range: Varies by program and need
• Geographic Focus: Clark County, Ohio and surrounding region
• Total Assets: $116+ million (2021)

Contact Details

Address: 333 North Limestone Street, Suite 201, Springfield, Ohio 45503

Website: www.springfieldfoundation.org

Phone: 937-324-8773

Email: lori@springfieldfoundation.org

Grants Manager: Lori Boegershausen, Director of Grants

Executive Director: Susan Carey

Overview

Founded in 1948 and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, The Springfield Foundation is a community foundation serving Clark County, Ohio with over $116 million in assets. The foundation's mission is "raising and distributing permanent funds to improve the quality of life for residents of Clark County." Over its history, the foundation has awarded $69.5 million in grants and awards, including $7.5 million in scholarships. In 2024, the foundation awarded a record $1,069,083 in discretionary grants to 106 proposals—the first time it crossed the $1 million threshold in a single grant cycle. The foundation operates with a strategic focus on "expanding access, promoting equity, and ensuring decisions reflect the various experiences within Clark County," supporting organizations that "remove systemic barriers, elevate underserved voices, and promote well-being."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Competitive Grant Program (Annual cycle)

• Amount: Varies by project (2024 grants ranged across 106 awards totaling $1,069,083)
• Application method: Online via GoApply portal
• Deadline: One annual cycle (typically opens late June, closes mid-August)
• Maximum 3 applications per organization

Priority Areas

The foundation invests in nonprofits working across six fields:

Arts & Culture ($175,491 awarded in 2024)

• Increase diversity and attendance at cultural events
• Provide opportunities for art creation and artist engagement
• Recent example: Springfield Museum of Art accessibility upgrades

Civic Affairs ($40,500 awarded in 2024)

• Educate and engage active citizens of all ages

Education ($122,000 awarded in 2024)

• Increase kindergarten readiness
• Improve college and career preparation

Environment, Conservation, & Animal Welfare ($45,000 awarded in 2024)

• Increase community awareness of conservation
• Reduce homeless and unwanted pets

Health ($264,776 awarded in 2024)

• Decrease unintended pregnancies and STIs
• Improve mental health services
• Manage chronic diseases
• 75th anniversary initiative: $75,000 annually for five years to Rocking Horse Community Health Center for mental health services at Springfield High School

Human Services ($421,316 awarded in 2024)

• Help families become financially stable
• Support at-risk youth and seniors
• Provide crisis intervention and support services

What They Don't Fund

• Individual awards
• Political candidates or campaigns
• Annual operating campaigns
• Endowments
• Religious instruction
• Fundraising activities or events

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (21 volunteers serving three-year terms)

Officers:

• Amanda Lantz - President
• Nettie Carter-Smith - Vice President
• Jennifer Rousculp Miller - Treasurer
• Andy Barlow - Secretary

Board Members:

• Sharon Evans
• Basil Fett
• Andy Fox
• Kim Griffith
• Kevin Loftis
• Pam Meermans
• Greg Rogers
• Anthony Scruse
• Humera Umerani
• Chris Wells

The board is comprised of "experienced civic leaders chosen for their knowledge of and involvement in community issues and activities," operating through ten working committees including Distribution, Investment, and Scholarship Committees.

Staff

• Susan Carey - Executive Director (appointed 2022, previously Director of Grants and Scholarships since 2014)
• Sarah McPherson - Director of Marketing and Development
• Raphael Allen, PhD - Director of Community Outreach
• Lori Boegershausen - Director of Grants
• Joyce Dawson - Financial Officer
• Teresa Brumfield - Scholarship Manager
• Wendy Voorhees - Executive Assistant/Office Manager
• Jenna Hurst-Bluemlein - Communications and Donor Services Associate
• Haylee Davis - Accounting Intern

Quote from Executive Director Susan Carey: "Grant funding is essential for community progress, transforming ideas into action and empowering local initiatives to create lasting, positive change for all. For us, it is finding out where that gap is. Where we can direct our funding that will be the most beneficial. Where money can't be pulled from other sources."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the GoApply online platform at www.springfieldfoundation.org

Eligibility Requirements:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, churches, or government units (including public schools and municipalities)
• Must have a governing board
• Must serve the Clark County, Ohio community
• Conduct business without discrimination
• Maximum 3 applications per organization per cycle

Pre-Application Support:

• Grant Information Session held in early summer (recommended for first-time applicants)
• Recorded video available online after the session
• Contact Lori Boegershausen for questions: 937-324-8773 or lori@springfieldfoundation.org

Decision Timeline

Annual Grant Cycle:

• Opens: Late June (2026 cycle opens June 29)
• Closes: Mid-August at 4:30pm (2026 cycle closes August 10)
• IMPORTANT: Late submissions are not accepted
• Decision announcement: End of November/early December
• Total timeline: Approximately 3-4 months from submission to decision

Reporting Requirements:

• Discretionary grant reporting: December 1
• Designated grant reporting: December 15

Success Rates

In 2024, the foundation selected 106 proposals for funding totaling $1,069,083. The foundation does not publicly disclose the total number of applications received or success rate percentages.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that did not complete previous grant reporting requirements are not eligible to reapply. Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed—contact the grants office for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Springfield Foundation's published guidance, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Strategic Alignment "First consideration is given to applicants whose programs, projects, and services are closely aligned with the Foundation's grantmaking strategy." Research the foundation's specific goals within your focus area and explicitly connect your project to these priorities.

2. Understanding the Funder's Strategy The foundation emphasizes: "Understanding the funder's grantmaking strategy is crucial for tailoring your application. Research the foundation's mission, funding priorities, and past grants. Align your project with their strategic goals and emphasize how your work supports their objectives."

3. Strong, Data-Driven Applications "Support your grant request with relevant demographic information and data. This evidence helps to demonstrate the need for your project and its potential impact. Use credible sources and ensure your data is up-to-date and accurate."

4. Clear, Measurable Outcomes Applications should "demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes" and "show potential for positive community impact."

5. Budget-Project Alignment "Your budget should align with your project description and objectives. Be thorough and ensure all figures add up correctly. A well-prepared budget reflects your organization's capacity to manage funds and execute the project successfully."

6. Professional Presentation "Errors in grammar and typos can undermine the professionalism of your application." Proofread thoroughly and "avoid jargon"—write clearly and concisely.

7. Relationship Building For first-time applicants: "Don't hesitate to reach out to our Director of Grants. They can provide you with detailed information about the process and answer any questions you might have. Building a relationship with the grant's office can also be beneficial for future applications."

8. Meeting Deadlines "Late submissions are not accepted." Mark calendars and set reminders.

9. Focus on Filling Gaps Executive Director Susan Carey emphasized the foundation looks for "where that gap is. Where we can direct our funding that will be the most beneficial. Where money can't be pulled from other sources."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Attend the pre-application session: The foundation strongly recommends first-time applicants attend the Grant Information Session held in early summer; a recording is available for those who cannot attend
• Align with specific strategic goals: Review the detailed strategic priorities within your focus area—the foundation gives first consideration to programs closely aligned with their strategy
• One cycle only: With just one annual grant cycle, missing the August deadline means waiting a full year—plan accordingly and submit early
• Build relationships early: Contact Lori Boegershausen well before the deadline to discuss your project and ensure alignment
• Demonstrate gap-filling: Show how your project addresses needs where funding cannot be obtained from other sources
• Focus on equity and access: The foundation's strategic commitment emphasizes "expanding access, promoting equity, and ensuring decisions reflect the various experiences within Clark County"
• Quality over quantity: Organizations can submit a maximum of 3 applications, so prioritize your strongest, most strategically aligned projects

References

• The Springfield Foundation official website: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Grant Application Information: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/grants/grant-applications.html (Accessed January 2026)
• Tips for Writing Grants: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/grants/tips-for-writing-grants.html (Accessed January 2026)
• Grantmaking Strategy: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/grants/grantmaking-strategy.html (Accessed January 2026)
• Our Story/History: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/about/history.html (Accessed January 2026)
• Board & Staff: https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/about/board-staff.html (Accessed January 2026)
• Springfield News-Sun, "Springfield Foundation awards record $1.06M; Rocking Horse school site a key recipient" (2024)
• Springfield News-Sun, "Susan Carey named Springfield Foundation Executive Director" (June 2022)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/316030764 (Accessed January 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=SPRI014 (Accessed January 2026)