Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $735,535 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $215,000 (estimated)
• Average Grant Size: ~$46,000 (based on 16 awards in 2023)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Toledo, OH and Northwest Ohio
• Application Status: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address:
Four Seagate, 9th Floor
Toledo, OH 43604-2608

EIN: 32-6474435

Note: The foundation does not have a public website or published contact information for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation was established to continue the philanthropic legacy of Herbert Metzger (1923-2013) and Carolyn Metzger (1927-2022), prominent Toledo philanthropists dedicated to education, children's healthcare, and the arts. The foundation received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in January 2018. With total assets of $21.6 million and annual giving of approximately $735,000, this private independent foundation distributes 15-21 grants annually to support organizations in education, human services, theater operations, and children's programs primarily in the Toledo area. The foundation operates with a preselected grantmaking approach, working exclusively with organizations the trustees have identified. Herbert was an educator and founding board chairman of Toledo Children's Hospital, while Carolyn was a founding board member of Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio and served as president of Toledo Hospital Auxiliary.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with application cycles. Trustees identify and select beneficiary organizations based on alignment with the founders' philanthropic interests. Grants are distributed throughout the year to preselected organizations.

Recent Grant Activity:

• 2023: 16 awards totaling $735,535
• 2022: 17 awards totaling $595,000
• 2021-2020: 18-21 awards annually

Priority Areas

Based on the founders' lifetime philanthropic interests and documented giving patterns:

• Children's Healthcare: Child life programs, pediatric hospital support, children's wellness initiatives
• Arts and Culture: Theater operations, performing arts organizations, museum support
• Education: Educational institutions and programs in Northwest Ohio
• Human Services: General charitable purposes supporting community well-being
• Environmental Initiatives: Eco centers and environmental education
• Healthcare Organizations: Hospital auxiliaries and healthcare advocacy

Known Beneficiaries:

• Live Arts Toledo - Platinum level support ($10,000-$24,999)
• Toledo Museum of Art - Director's Circle: Diamond level ($5,000-$9,999)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly documented, the foundation's focused giving suggests exclusion of:

• Organizations outside their established geographic areas without compelling connections
• Projects unrelated to education, children's services, healthcare, arts, or human services
• Political or lobbying activities
• Organizations the trustees have not previously identified or vetted

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is governed by three trustees, all family members:

• Susan M. Metzger - Daughter of founders
• Sally M. Friend - Daughter of founders
• Holly E. Metzger - Daughter of founders

The trustees maintain the founders' philanthropic vision and continue supporting organizations that Herbert and Carolyn championed during their lifetimes.

About the Founders

Herbert Metzger (1923-2013):

• Educator with degrees in physics, counseling, guidance, and psychology from University of Toledo
• Taught science in Springfield and Anthony Wayne school districts
• Director of pupil personnel at Washington Local Schools for 15 years
• Founding board chairman of Toledo Children's Hospital
• Board member of Toledo Zoo, Toledo Symphony, and Toledo Hospital

Carolyn Marlys Metzger (1927-2022):

• Michigan State College graduate with business degree
• Founding board member of Ronald McDonald House in Northwest Ohio
• President and treasurer of Toledo Hospital Auxiliary
• Delta Gamma Sorority member for 75 years
• Known for "service and stewardship" throughout her life

Joint Recognition:

• Distinguished Fellows, Toledo Children's Hospital Fellows Society (2001)
• ProMedica Health Systems Health Advocate of the Year Award (2005)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or proposals. The foundation operates with a preselected grantmaking model, meaning the trustees identify and approve grant recipients based on their own research, relationships, and alignment with the founders' philanthropic vision.

There is no application form, online portal, or formal inquiry process available to the public.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a preselected grantmaking foundation, decisions are made at trustees' discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable. The foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no formal application process.

Application Success Factors

While there is no application process, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations assess potential alignment:

What the Foundation Values:

1. Direct impact on children: Both founders were deeply committed to children's welfare
2. Arts and cultural enrichment: Active supporters of theater and museums
3. Educational excellence: Herbert's career as an educator reflects lifelong commitment to learning
4. Institutional stability and governance: Founders served on boards of major institutions
5. Community connection: Organizations rooted in Toledo serving local residents
6. Volunteerism and engagement: Carolyn's extensive volunteer work suggests appreciation for community engagement

The Founders' Philosophy:

From Carolyn's obituary: "Her life was one of service and stewardship." This suggests the foundation values organizations that demonstrate responsible resource management and long-term commitment to mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No unsolicited applications accepted: This foundation is not accessible through traditional grant application processes • Toledo-area focus: Primary geographic focus is Toledo and Northwest Ohio • Mission alignment critical: Organizations in children's services, education, healthcare, arts most aligned with giving patterns • Long-term relationships matter: As a family foundation, trustees likely fund organizations they know well • Average grant size substantial: ~$46,000 average makes meaningful investments in selected organizations • Consider alternative funders: Focus energy on foundations with open application processes if not already connected

References

• Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation profile, Instrumentl. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/carolyn-and-herbert-metzger-foundation (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation profile, Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/carolyn-and-herbert-metzger-foundation,326474435/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/326474435 (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• "Obituary for Carolyn Marlys Metzger," Reeb Funeral Home. https://www.reebfuneralhome.com/obituary/Carolyn-Metzger (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• "Herbert Metzger Obituary (1923-2013)," The Blade/Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/toledoblade/name/herbert-metzger-obituary?pid=167490873 (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• "Donor Honor Roll," Live Arts Toledo. https://www.artstoledo.com/donor-honor-roll/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• "Donors," Toledo Museum of Art 2021 Annual Report. https://annualreport21.toledomuseum.org/donors (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation (EIN 32-6474435), tax years 2021-2023