Grant Application Guidelines

All applicants must demonstrate their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) and classification as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Geographic Focus

The Louise Taft Semple Foundation supports programs that benefit the people of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Funding Priorities

The overwhelming majority of the Foundation’s awards sustain the region’s vibrant arts community. The Trustees also consider requests from select Elementary and Secondary Private Education institutions, usually with an eye for promoting arts education and cultural enrichment. Remaining funding, when available, promotes Civic and Community Projects and Environmental Initiatives.

Types of Awards

In addition to project and program funding, The Louise Taft Semple Foundation accepts capital improvement proposals and, in some rare cases, endowment requests. The Foundation does not support:

• general operating expenses

• individuals, including scholarships for specified individuals

• advocacy and community organizing

• grantees with outstanding requirements from previous awards

• organizations who have submitted a proposal within the past two years

• projects that have already been completed

Application Process

The Trustees review up to twelve proposals at each quarterly meeting. Ignite Philanthropy manages access to the application portal. To apply, please contact Daniel Tonozzi at dtonozzi@ignitephilanthropy.com to confirm your eligibility, discuss your proposal, and determine your application deadline.

• February 15 for review at the April Board Meeting

• May 15 for review at the July Board Meeting

• August 15 for review at the October Board Meeting

• October 15 for review at the December Board Meeting

Applicants must wait at least two years before submitting another proposal, regardless of decision.

Final Reports

All awards require a grant evaluation report. The Grant Agreement will specify the report’s due date.

If you have questions about The Louise Taft Semple Foundation or the grantmaking process, please email Ignite Program Officer Daniel Tonozzi at dtonozzi@igitephilanthropy.com.

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)