John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,270,700 (2023)
• Total Assets: $25.5 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Data not publicly available
• Decision Time: Contact foundation for typical timeline
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $80,000
• Geographic Focus: Northwest Ohio + Rural Libraries (29 states)
• Registered Charity Number: 45-3987947

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 351959, Toledo, OH 43635
Phone: (419) 574-9801
Email: jhef@jhefoundation.org
Website: https://www.jhefoundation.org/

Overview

The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, established in 2012 as the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation and renamed in 2022 following founder John Henry Eldred Jr.'s death in 2021, is a private grantmaking foundation based in Toledo, Ohio. With total assets of $25.5 million (2023) and annual giving of approximately $1.3 million, the foundation invests in initiatives to strengthen families and communities across Northwest Ohio and rural libraries nationwide.

Founded by John Henry Eldred Jr., entrepreneur and founder of Midwest Tape (a media distribution company serving 8,000+ libraries) and hoopla Digital, the foundation reflects his lifelong commitment to libraries and community betterment. Since inception, the foundation has distributed over $5 million to more than 100 nonprofit organisations and 210 rural libraries across 29 states. In 2024, the foundation received the Outstanding Foundation award at National Philanthropy Day, recognising its significant impact on the Northwest Ohio region.

The foundation operates under the leadership of Executive Director Mike Deetsch (appointed April 2024), who brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including senior roles at the Toledo Museum of Art. The foundation emphasises collaborative partnerships and addresses root causes of community challenges rather than surface-level solutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

1. Capacity Building (Northwest Ohio Nonprofits)

• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000
• Duration: One-year grants
• Purpose: Internal capacity improvements, consultant fees, professional development, technology upgrades
• Application: Open application during spring cycle

2. Growth and Resilience (Northwest Ohio Nonprofits)

• Grant Amount: Up to $30,000
• Duration: One-year grants
• Purpose: Programme operations, programme expansion, organisational resilience
• Application: Open application during spring cycle

3. Operational Sustainability (Northwest Ohio Nonprofits)

• Grant Amount: Varies (grants up to $80,000 documented)
• Duration: Multi-year grants
• Eligibility: By invitation only for returning grantees with demonstrated impact
• Application: Invitation-only

4. Rural Public Library Fund

• Grant Amount: Up to $5,000
• Duration: One-year grants
• Purpose: Collection development (children's e-books and digital audiobooks), programming, equipment/supplies
• Eligibility: Small, rural public libraries in Western U.S. regions
• Application: Invitation-only (opens August annually)

Priority Areas

Core Focus Areas (Northwest Ohio):

• Food Security: Programmes addressing hunger, meal provision, food access for vulnerable populations
• Housing Stability: Initiatives supporting affordable housing, homelessness prevention, housing services
• Youth Education: Educational programmes, school support, literacy initiatives, scholarship programmes for low-income youth

Additional Focus:

• Rural Libraries: Children's literacy, circulation growth, digital access in low-income rural communities
• Veterans Support: Programmes serving military veterans (historical focus area)

Geographic Scope

• Northwest Ohio: Service area including Lucas County (Toledo) and surrounding counties
• Rural Libraries: 29 states across the United States, primarily Western regions

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus on Northwest Ohio nonprofits and invitation-only rural libraries means organisations outside these geographic parameters would not be eligible. The foundation prioritises 501(c)(3) organisations exclusively.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Kate Blake - President
• Sue Bascuk - Vice President
• Margaret Eldred - Board Member (widow of founder)
• Lee Wunschel - Treasurer
• Mary Jacobs - Secretary
• John Eldred III - Board Member (founder's son)
• Erica Messinger - Board Member
• Michael Olah - Board Member

All board positions are unpaid, demonstrating commitment to maximising grant resources.

Executive Leadership

Mike Deetsch, Executive Director (Appointed April 2024)

• 25+ years of nonprofit leadership experience
• Former Director of Education and Engagement at Toledo Museum of Art (2013-2024)
• Expertise in audience engagement, strategic planning, and partnership development

Key Leadership Quotes:

Mike Deetsch on the foundation's collaborative approach:

"We're really interested in being at the table, not assuming that we have the answers. We just want to be a part of the conversation and where we feel like we can contribute we want to do that."

On supporting community partners:

"It's a tremendous opportunity for us to engage with these amazing partners and organisations that are doing important work. These are the people on the ground doing the work to improve lives. We are inviting people to the table who can give us a real sense of what's happening in the community. We listen to what their needs are to find out how we can best support them."

On rural libraries:

"We are humbled to play a small part in supporting the essential work of rural libraries. These libraries serve as beacons of hope and opportunity, often in areas with limited resources. By working with them, we aim to help children and families discover the joy of reading and the doors it can open."

On founder John Henry Eldred Jr.'s philosophy:

"He wasn't giving for the sake of credit; he was giving because it was important to him to give back to the community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Northwest Ohio Nonprofits (Capacity Building & Growth and Resilience Programmes):

The foundation operates an open application process during their annual spring grant cycle:

1. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Must be a 501(c)(3) organisation
   • Located in Northwest Ohio
   • Focus on housing stability, food security, or youth education
   • Demonstrate excellence and community impact

2. Application Method:

   • Online application through the foundation's grant platform
   • Applications typically open in late January annually
   • Submission deadline typically in early-to-mid April
   • Questions can be directed to jhef@jhefoundation.org

3. Application Content:

   • The foundation seeks to "champion solutions that get to the root causes of community challenges"
   • Prioritises partnerships that "build shared power and accountability"
   • Flexible funding available for capital projects, programme expenses, general operating costs, or new project development

For Operational Sustainability (Multi-Year) Grants:

• By invitation only
• Reserved for returning grantees with demonstrated impact
• Not currently accepting applications

For Rural Public Libraries:

• Invitation-only programme
• Applications typically open in August for invited libraries
• Must use invitation link provided
• Strict deadlines with no extensions

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: Early-to-mid April (spring cycle)
• Notification Date: Typically late May (approximately 6-8 weeks after deadline based on 2024 historical example)
• Decision Method: All applicants notified by email regardless of outcome
• Grant Distribution: Summer/autumn for successful applicants

Historical Timeline Example:

• 2024: April 8 deadline → May 30 notification
• 2025: Similar timeline expected (early April deadline → late May notification)

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, the foundation's grant activity shows:

• 2023: 132 grants awarded from regional applicant pool
• 2024: $1.3 million distributed to 62 Northwest Ohio nonprofits
• Spring 2025: $2,112,800 awarded to 87 organisations

The median grant size is $5,000, with grants ranging from small capacity-building awards to $80,000 for major initiatives. The foundation made 132 awards in 2023, 55 in 2022, and 48 in 2021, showing growth in grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. However, the existence of the "Operational Sustainability" programme for returning grantees with demonstrated impact suggests the foundation values ongoing relationships with successful partners. Organisations interested in reapplying should contact jhef@jhefoundation.org to enquire about their specific situation.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Based on leadership statements and funding patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Root Cause Focus: The foundation explicitly seeks organisations that "champion solutions that get to the root causes of community challenges" rather than addressing surface-level symptoms. Applications should articulate how proposed work creates systemic change.

2. Collaborative Approach: Executive Director Mike Deetsch emphasises the foundation's desire to be "at the table" rather than dictating solutions. Applications should demonstrate:

• Partnership with other community organisations
• Engagement with those served in programme design
• Shared power and accountability with community members

3. Demonstrated Community Need: The foundation listens to "people on the ground doing the work" to understand true community needs. Strong applications:

• Include data demonstrating need in specific communities
• Show direct connection to beneficiaries
• Explain why this work matters now

4. Organisational Excellence: The foundation seeks organisations that "demonstrate excellence." This includes:

• Track record of impact (especially important for multi-year grants)
• Strong organisational capacity
• Clear metrics for success

5. Flexibility and Resilience: The foundation offers "fairly open guidelines" and supports various uses including general operating costs. Applications highlighting organisational sustainability and adaptive capacity resonate.

Recent Funding Examples

2025 Spring Cycle ($2.1+ million to 87 organisations):

• St. John's Jesuit: $25,000 for 20/20 Jesuit Scholars Programme (youth education)
• Northwestern Water & Sewer: $20,000 for Pay It Forward Programme (housing stability)
• The Fair Housing Centre: $100,000 grant (housing stability)

2023 Spring Cycle ($520,900 to 23 organisations):

• Connecting Kids to Meals: $80,000 (food security)
• Compassion Health Toledo: $50,000
• Toledo School of the Arts: $50,000 (youth education)
• After School All-Stars (youth education)
• Cherry Street Mission (food security, housing)
• Lucas Housing Services Corp. (housing stability)
• Lutheran Social Services of Northwest Ohio (multi-service)
• Mom's House Inc. of Toledo (education for single mothers)
• Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (housing stability)
• YWCA of Northwest Ohio (multi-service)
• Boys and Girls Club of Toledo (youth education)
• Toledo Museum of Art (youth education/cultural access)

These examples show the foundation funds:

• Established organisations with clear track records
• Range of organisation sizes (from grassroots to major institutions)
• Direct service providers addressing immediate needs
• Systemic change initiatives
• Both programme-specific and operating support

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While not explicitly stated by the foundation, research suggests:

• Applications outside the three core focus areas likely won't succeed
• Organisations outside the Northwest Ohio region are ineligible
• Projects not demonstrating community engagement may be viewed unfavourably
• Surface-level interventions without systemic change theory may be less competitive

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Alignment is Essential: Your work must genuinely address food security, housing stability, or youth education in Northwest Ohio. The foundation is focused and strategic in these areas.

2. Tell a Collaboration Story: Emphasise partnerships, community engagement, and shared power. This foundation values being part of a conversation, not funding isolated initiatives.

3. Go Deep, Not Shallow: Articulate how your work addresses root causes of community challenges. Surface-level solutions are less likely to resonate than systemic change approaches.

4. Demonstrate Excellence with Evidence: While the foundation values listening and learning, they fund organisations that demonstrate results. Include clear metrics, outcomes data, and evidence of organisational capacity.

5. Be Flexible in Your Ask: The foundation offers multiple funding pathways (capacity building, growth/resilience, operational sustainability) and supports various uses from capital to operating costs. Consider what your organisation truly needs for maximum impact.

6. Build Relationships Proactively: While applications are open, the foundation emphasises collaborative partnerships. Organisations that engage with the foundation throughout the year (not just application season) and demonstrate ongoing commitment to the community may have stronger applications.

7. Consider the Timeline: With only one grant cycle per year (spring), plan ahead. The late January opening requires organisations to have proposals ready early in the calendar year.

8. Don't Overlook Operating Support: Unlike many funders, this foundation explicitly welcomes general operating support requests. If your organisation needs core capacity funding, this is an excellent opportunity.

References

1. John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Official Website. https://www.jhefoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)

2. "For Nonprofits" - John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. https://www.jhefoundation.org/nonprofits/ (Accessed January 2026)

3. "About John Henry Eldred Jr." - John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. https://www.jhefoundation.org/johnhenryeldred/ (Accessed January 2026)

4. "Foundation Staff and Board" - John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. https://www.jhefoundation.org/staff/ (Accessed January 2026)

5. "For Public Libraries" - John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. https://www.jhefoundation.org/publiclibraries/ (Accessed January 2026)

6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - John Henry Eldred Jr Foundation (EIN: 45-3987947). Form 990-PF Data. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/453987947 (Accessed January 2026)

7. Grantmakers.io Profile - John Henry Eldred Jr Foundation. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/453987947-john-henry-eldred-jr-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)

8. "John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Welcomes Mike Deetsch as New Executive Director" - Press Release, March 11, 2024. https://www.jhefoundation.org/news/2024/03/11/press-release/ (Accessed January 2026)

9. "Toledo-based foundation provides $520,900, assists 23 groups" - The Blade, June 19, 2023. https://www.jhefoundation.org/news/2023/06/19/news/ (Accessed January 2026)

10. "Philanthropy Day recognises community leaders" - The Blade, December 18, 2024. https://www.jhefoundation.org/news/2024/12/18/news/ (Accessed January 2026)

11. "MProfile: John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation" - M Living News. https://www.mlivingnews.com/features/mprofile-john-henry-eldred-jr-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)

12. "John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Awards 20/20 Jesuit Scholars Programme at St. John's Jesuit" - St. John's Jesuit. https://sjjtoledo.org/john-henry-eldred-jr-foundation-awards-20-20-jesuit-scholars-program-at-st-johns-jesuit/ (Accessed January 2026)

13. Foundation Directory Online - Candid (formerly Foundation Centre). John Henry Eldred Jr Foundation Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=DORO153 (Accessed January 2026)