Louise Taft Semple Foundation

Funding Priorities

The Foundation provides project, capital, and endowment support for the following areas, in order of priority:

  • Arts and Culture

  • Elementary and Secondary Private Education

  • Civic and Community Projects

  • Youth

  • Environment

Geographic Focus

The Foundation makes grants that benefit citizens of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio.

Board Members

  • Dudley S. Taft, Sr., Chair President, Taft Broadcasting; Son of Hulbert Taft, Jr.; Grandson of Hulbert Taft, Sr.; Great-grandson of Peter Rawson Taft II (brother of Charles Phelps Taft); Great great-grandson of Alphonso Taft

  • Robert Lawrence, Trustee CEO, Local TV LLC; Great-grandson of Jane Taft Ingalls; Great great-grandson of Charles Phelps Taft

  • Michael S. McGraw, Trustee, President & CEO, R.G. McGraw Insurance Agency

  • Hope R. Taft, Trustee, Community & International Non-Profit Volunteer; Wife of Bob Taft (Governor of Ohio, 1999-2007, and great-grandson of President William Howard Taft)

  • Thomas Woodall Taft, Trustee; Director of Development, Taft Broadcasting; Son of Dudley S. Taft, Sr.; Grandson of Hulbert Taft, Jr.; Great-grandson of Hulbert Taft. Sr.; Great great-grandson of Peter Rawson Taft II (brother of Charles Phelps Taft)

The Application Process

If your organization previously has received funding from the Foundation, please observe the required two-year waiting period before applying again.

In order to apply, contact Jamie Markle at jmarkle@ignitephilanthropy.com to confirm your eligibility and receive instructions for the online application process.

Final Reports

The Foundation requires all successful applicants to submit a grant evaluation report. The due date for this report is indicated on the original grant agreement.

If you have questions about The Louise Taft Semple Foundation or the grantmaking process, please email Jamie Markle at jmarkle@ignitephilanthropy.com.

Application Deadlines

  • February 15: For April Board Meeting

  • May 15: For July Board Meeting

  • August 15: For August Board Meeting

  • October 15: For December Board Meeting

Louise Taft Semple Foundation History

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