About the HIGHER Fund

The HIGHER Fund, through the Hamilton Community Foundation, seeks visionary proposals aimed at fostering initiatives that bolster our community, with a keen emphasis on uplifting our youth. Proposals for new programing, supporting and enhancing existing programing, or developing innovative new approaches to promoting the key values of the HIGHER Fund will be considered. 

This endeavor invites change-makers to submit their proposals by March 15, 2024. Grant decisions will be unveiled in April 2024.

Mission of the HIGHER Fund
The mission of the HIGHER Fund is to inspire individual behavioral growth in Honesty, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, Empathy, and Respect.

Vision of the HIGHER Fund:
The vision of the HIGHER Fund is to provide resources for programs that build character to achieve positive behavioral change and personal growth that will transform the quality of life in our communities.

HIGHER Key Values:
Honesty: The foundational cornerstone of trust, honesty is crucial for the establishment of genuine relationships and integral communities. In the purview of the HIGHER Fund, initiatives that emphasize truthful communication, ethical behavior, and integrity are held in high regard. Upholding honesty means valuing transparency and open dialogue, fostering environments where individuals feel safe to express their true selves and where deceptive practices are dissuaded.

Integrity: A reflection of strong moral principles, integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It encapsulates the essence of steadfastness and ethical consistency. Projects that encourage personal accountability, stand by their commitments, and demonstrate consistency in actions and values resonate deeply with the principles of the HIGHER Fund.

Generosity: Beyond mere acts of giving, generosity encompasses the spirit of sharing — be it time, resources, or knowledge. It's the willingness to go above and beyond for the welfare of others, making sacrifices for the greater good. Proposals that cultivate a sense of altruism, encourage acts of kindness, and promote selfless service are synonymous with the HIGHER Fund's objectives.

Humility: Recognizing and accepting one's limitations and imperfections is at the heart of humility. It's about acknowledging the contributions of others and understanding that collective efforts often overshadow individual achievements. Projects that instill a sense of groundedness, promote teamwork, and encourage acknowledging and learning from mistakes are in harmony with the HIGHER Fund's ethos.

Empathy: Walking in someone else's shoes, empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of another. It bridges gaps and fosters human connection. Initiatives that aim to enhance emotional intelligence, encourage active listening, and build bridges between diverse groups are key to the HIGHER Fund's mission.

Respect: A mutual appreciation and understanding, respect lays the groundwork for harmonious interactions and relationships. It's about valuing differences, honoring boundaries, and acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual. Proposals that champion inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and prioritize the dignity of every individual are central to the HIGHER Fund's vision.

Funding Details: A total grant amount of $50,000 is available for allocation through the HIGHER Fund. We will entertain grant requests ranging anywhere from $5,000 to the full grant amount of $50,000. Any proposal that has the potential to leverage matching funds or has access to outside funding should provide detailed information about such funding sources within their proposal.

Area of Impact: The HIGHER Fund is primarily focused on projects and service providers that serve Butler County, Ohio. While we remain open to supporting initiatives aimed at all age demographics, our core area of interest remains with the youth segment. Proposals targeting this age group will be given primary consideration.

Program Timing: While drafting your proposal, please ensure that your program's schedule is limited to a single calendar year. However, for those interested in multi-year funding, the HIGHER Fund may consider your proposal provided there is clear articulation of key performance indicators and success metrics that need to be met annually.

Reporting: Successful grant recipients will be expected to provide a clear outline of their SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) success metrics for the proposed initiatives. For projects spanning multiple years, an annual report detailing the progress against these metrics will be mandatory.

Ready to apply?

Apply for a grant from the HIGHER Fund by clicking here.  Deadline to apply is March 15, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer