History

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

Ms. Taft delighted in supporting organizations that made a special difference in the quality of life in the communities of interest to the Foundation. Ms. Taft’s brother, Dudley S. Taft, Sr. of Cincinnati, and a beloved friend, Lucy Rosborough of Boston, served on the board during the founder’s lifetime.

During its first 20 years of grantmaking, from 1998-2018, the Foundation supported 198 projects that promoted the arts and protected the environment in Boston, Cincinnati, and Mid-Coast Maine. Over $1,266,278 was distributed during those years to support creative efforts to increase access to the arts and to promote the role of artists in their communities. The Foundation also supported efforts to protect environmental resources in urban and rural communities.

In 2013, the board was reconstituted to elect four of the next generation of Taft family members. Mr. Taft and Ms. Rosborough continue to serve on the board. The Foundation continues to focus on making modest grants which achieve results extending well beyond both the amount of the award and the duration of the award period.