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Carol Ann And Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.3M
Grant Range
$1K - $3.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,350,000 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $270+ million
  • Grant Range: $500 - $3,000,000
  • Most Common Grant: $25,000
  • Geographic Focus: 10 counties in Greater Cincinnati (OH, KY, IN)
  • Application Type: Rolling
  • Total Grants Made: 163 grants (2023)
  • Cumulative Grantmaking: $200 million milestone reached (2025)

Contact Details

Address: 2060 Reading Road, Suite 250, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513-632-4385

Email: info@hailefoundation.org

Website: www.hailefoundation.org

General Questions: chad.mccarter@haileusb.org

Overview

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation was established in 2003 as a private family foundation to steward the wealth of Carol Ann (1924-2004) and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. (1923-2006). Ralph was CEO of People's Liberty Bank and Trust Company before its acquisition by First National Bank of Cincinnati (later U.S. Bank) in 1988. The foundation began active grantmaking in 2006 following Ralph's death. With over $270 million in assets, the foundation reached a milestone of $200 million in cumulative grantmaking in January 2025. Under President & CEO Bernie McKay's leadership since 2023, the foundation has expanded to a full programming staff and increased its 2025 grants budget to $13 million, including a $1 million boost to support nonprofits amid government uncertainty. Previously known as the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation until 2021, the foundation is returning to its Covington roots with new headquarters opening in fall 2025 at the historic Ralph Haile Square (former People's Liberty Bank building).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation supports four core areas through a rolling application process:

  • Arts and Culture: Performance art organizations, public art installations, music halls, arts education, and community arts centers (largest focus area)
  • Civic and Community Development: Creative placemaking in urban neighborhoods, talent attraction and retention, local entrepreneurship ecosystem
  • Education: Initiatives bringing systemic change along the cradle-to-career continuum, educational outreach to underserved students, regional impact projects
  • Human Services: Basic needs support, services for women, children, elderly, and veterans

The foundation provides both project-specific and multi-year grants. Examples include a $120,000 three-year grant to Whole Again ($40,000 annually for Executive Director salary) and a $50,000 grant to Cincinnati ToolBank for their training center.

Priority Areas

  • Systemic change initiatives
  • Urban neighborhood revitalization and strengthening
  • Educational opportunities for underserved students
  • Meeting basic human needs
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Creative placemaking
  • Workforce development

Geographic Eligibility

Ohio: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont, Brown counties
Kentucky: Campbell, Kenton, Boone counties
Indiana: Dearborn, Franklin counties

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Organizations outside the 10-county region are ineligible. Applicants must be IRS-classified tax-exempt organizations or have fiscal sponsorship through a tax-exempt organization.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership

Bernard L. McKay - President & Chief Executive Officer
Former attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLC for 28 years, specializing in trusts and estates. Fellow of American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, named to Best Lawyers in America. McKay views his role as "a sacred position" and leads with focus on "driving systemic change and improving lives in our community."

Christine Bochenek - Vice President & Senior Program Manager
28 years at U.S. Bank, previously in Institutional Trust and Custody Services. Joined foundation in 2007.

Program Managers

Cal Cullen - Program Manager
20-year nonprofit veteran, co-founded Wave Pool Arts Center. Expertise in community arts, social engagement, and collaborative development. Joined May 2023.

John Yung - Program Manager
Urban planner with experience in development, zoning, and community engagement. Joined January 2024 to complete the programming staff.

Operations Staff

Scott Getz - Finance Manager
25-year career at Fidelity Investments. Joined 2022.

Jason W. Pompilio - Grants and Office Administrator
Background in economics, legislative affairs, and nonprofit sectors. Joined August 2023.

Alondra Sotelo - Executive Assistant
Marketing degree from Mount St. Joseph University. Joined December 2025.

Advisory Committee

  • Jenny Powell
  • Vickie Buyniski Gluckman
  • Jennie Carlson
  • Wijdan Jreisat (added January 2025)
  • Albert Smitherman (added January 2025)

Key Quote from Leadership

Bernie McKay: "These have been challenging months, yet the resilience, empathy and perseverance of our nonprofit partners continue to inspire. We deeply value their commitment to their missions and are honored to stand beside them, providing financial relief and strategic resources to safeguard and sustain their vital work."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation has a rolling application process with no fixed deadlines. Interested organizations can begin the inquiry process through:

  1. Online application form at hailefoundation.org/inquiry
  2. Contact via email: info@hailefoundation.org
  3. Phone inquiry: 513-632-4385
  4. "Contact Us" page on website

Process Steps:

  • Review funding priorities and geographic eligibility
  • Download and complete the preparation worksheet (available on website)
  • Submit initial inquiry via online form
  • If accepted, invited to submit full application
  • Foundation staff may request meetings or site visits

The foundation aims to make the application process "as simple as possible" for qualifying organizations. The inquiry form is the initial connection, not the full extent of the application.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. As a rolling application process, review times may vary based on application volume and complexity.

Success Rates

The foundation made 163 grants in 2023 and 224 grants in 2021. Specific data on total applications received or acceptance percentages is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Contact foundation staff directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Foundation Values and Philosophy

The foundation values relationship-building with grantees before awarding grants or supporting projects. Both Carol and Ralph believed strongly that "giving back to our community, either in time or financial resources" was essential, and lived modestly while making significant community impact.

Strategic Alignment

  • Urban focus: Ralph was known as "a cheerleader for revitalization and growth, especially in Northern Kentucky," having played crucial roles in Old Town Plaza, MainStrasse, and Licking Riverside neighborhood development
  • Education emphasis: "Both Carol and Ralph felt strongly that education was the key to ensuring quality of life"
  • Systemic change: The foundation prioritizes initiatives that create transformational change rather than short-term fixes
  • Collaborative approach: McKay emphasizes that staff "work collaboratively to model the very type of partnerships and synergy that can bring about the greatest impact in our community"

Recent Grantee Examples

  • Cincinnati ToolBank: $50,000 for training center (presenting sponsor, supporter since before 2012 opening)
  • Whole Again: $120,000 over three years for Executive Director salary support
  • Brighton Center: $57,710 for Opportunity Youth Case Manager position
  • World Affairs Council: Increased support for global education programs

Past grantees include Cincinnati Development Fund, Over-the-Rhine Revitalization Corporation, Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, Comprehensive Community Child Care Organization, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Tristate Veterans Community Alliance, and Freestore-Foodbank.

Contact for Guidance

Before applying, organizations unsure about fit or with questions are encouraged to email or call the foundation first to discuss potential alignment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Relationship matters: The foundation values establishing relationships first—consider reaching out to discuss your project before submitting a formal application
  • Geographic specificity: Ensure your organization serves one or more of the 10 eligible counties (5 in OH, 3 in KY, 2 in IN)
  • Systemic change focus: Frame proposals around transformational impact and systemic change rather than short-term band-aid solutions
  • Urban revitalization alignment: Projects involving creative placemaking, neighborhood strengthening, or urban development align strongly with the foundation's legacy
  • Education as catalyst: Emphasize how your work provides educational opportunities, especially for underserved populations
  • Multi-year support available: The foundation provides multi-year grants—don't hesitate to request longer-term commitments if appropriate
  • Rolling process advantage: No deadline pressure allows time to develop a strong application and establish initial contact with staff

References

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