Unrestricted Community Grants

Youth Philanthropy Committee Grants

The Harry T. Wilks Educator of Excellence Award 

The Women's Fund 

The Hanover Life Squad, Inc. Fund

Health Services Endowment Fund Grants

Michael J. Colligan Fund Grants

First Financial Bank Grant

The Women’s Fund is a powerful force for women in the Hamilton area! The Fund not only raises money for women’s programs, but seeks to involve as many women as possible.

Vision Statement

The Women’s Fund of the Hamilton Community Foundation is a leader in uniting efforts to bring about social change that improves and transforms the lives of women and girls in our community.

Mission Statement

The Women’s Fund promotes opportunities for philanthropy, collaboration, education, and advocacy ensuring social and economic self sufficiency for all women and girls in Butler County.

The Women's Fund was created in 1997 by Karen Whalen and Joan Witt to create a funding source for organizations in our community serving women and girls. Today the fund has raised more than $450,000 and supported more than $300,000 in grants.  The Women's Fund committee is chaired by Niki Motley and members include Liz Hayden and Nancy O'Neill, Joan Witt, Carrie Zancan. 

To support work of the Women's Fund, please donate today!

First Financial Bank has established a charitable fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation to work together to support the needs in the community.

As your local bank, we’re your neighbors, and we want to partner with the communities we serve to help them grow and prosper. The First Financial Community Fund supports programs and organizations that enhance and develop the communities in which we do business. We particularly focus on low-income communities, prioritizing neighborhood development, workforce development and education, and culture and the arts.

FUNDING FOCUS:  Funding priorities of Neighborhood Development, Workforce Development and Education, and Culture and Arts. Targeting specifically Hamilton based non-profit organizations.

Apply for a grant from the First Financial Bank Fund by applying here. 

Deadline to apply is April 1, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

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.

The Hanover Life Squad fund was established in 1999 as a result of the closing of the Hanover Life Squad. This fund was established by Joseph B. Pater, owner of Kellin, Inc., one of the founding members, and the only founding member serving at the time of closing of the Hanover Life Squad, Inc. The other Board Members who helped establish this fund were Dennis Byrd, Marcia Roemer, Janet Pater and Tim Roemer. This unit served Hanover Township for more than 26 years until it closed in 1998. This fund was created with the goal of providing support to fire and emergency units. 

Grants from this fund support local EMS and fire services, including equipment purchases, staffing, training and supplies. Organizations applying for grants are strongly encouraged to provide matching funds for the amount they are requesting.  

Amount of Awards: Grants range from $500 - $10,000   
 
Timeline: Grant requests are reviewed quarterly and are due - March 31; June 30; September 30,   December 31
                  
Geographic Focus:  Fire Department and Emergency Services serving those primarily in Hanover, Reily, Oxford and Ross Townships.
 
Restrictions: No grants are awarded to individuals.   Recipients must be a tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
   
Organizations must submit a completed Grant Outcome Evaluation Report for a grant previously awarded before a new grant application will be considered.    

Harry T. Wilks created a legacy of honoring education, and we are proud to recognize deserving educators once again.  Mr. Wilks passed away in March 2014, but his tremendous generosity toward the community he loved truly lives on.  That support continues through the generosity of the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation.

Educators of Excellence are chosen by their school in recognition as an outstanding educator. Schools were encouraged to consider these qualities when choosing their Educator of Excellence: 

               ●   The daily impact that he/she has on students within our community

               ●   Ways has he/she shows innovation within their position

               ●   Examples of going above and beyond the call of duty

               ●   Ways has he/she contributes as a leader within the school and community

Nominees from each school receives a $1,000 grant. Thank you to all educators for all you do for the youth in our community!

Eligible schools include the Hamilton City School District and the parochial schools in Hamilton, OH.

Unrestricted community grants are made possible through the generosity and vision of donors who want to empower the Foundation board to meet the needs of today and in the future.

Grants are awarded five times a year and are to support nonprofit organizations serving the greater Hamilton area.

The Health Services Endowment Fund is a charitable fund held at the Hamilton Community Foundation to support health needs in our community.  It was created in 1998 to provide financial assistance to organizations that offer health services or health education to the people of Butler County Ohio.  Please read through these instructions thoroughly and contact the Foundation at 513-863-1717 with any questions.

Eligibility – Geographic Focus
Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents within the greater Hamilton area. Grant seekers outside Butler County must provide information describing how area residents are served. Generally grants will only be awarded to tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities by the Internal Revenue Service. If your program does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS, please complete the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form.   

Restrictions 
Reporting requirements from prior grants must be fulfilled before applying again. Grants will not be made to individuals, for debt reduction, loans, for-profit businesses, tickets for benefits, annual appeals, telephone solicitations, political campaigns or religious activities. Grant seekers may only apply for one project per year.
 
Grant application deadlines: 

    Grant Cycle                                                  Application Deadline                              Board Decision E-Mailed
    Spring                                                                     April 1                                                             May
     Fall                                                                        October 1                                                        November
 

The  Michael J. Colligan fund was created to provide support for various initiatives that support patriotism and  honor veterans. The fund provides financial assistance for bands participating in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July parades. Additionally, it  supports speakers on military and historical subjects. The fund also helps to preserve historical memorabilia related to veterans by providing housing for it. 

Michael J. Colligan was a proud veteran and a native of Hamilton who served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946. He was a successful funeral director who passed away on January 19, 1994. This fund is a tribute to his patriotism and his dedication to serving his country. We believe that the Michael J. Colligan Fund is a valuable resource for the community and helps to honor the sacrifices of our veterans.

Amount of Awards: Grants range vary based on amount available from this endowed fund
 
Timeline:  Grant requests are reviewed on an annual basis in October
                  
Geographic Focus: City of Hamilton, Ohio
 
Restrictions: No grants are awarded to individuals.   Recipients must be a tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
   
 Organizations must submit a completed Grant Outcome Evaluation Report for a grant previously awarded before a new grant application will be considered.    

Apply For a Hanover Life Squad Fund Grant

Click here to create and/or login to your account. 

NOTE:  Make sure you are applying for the correct grant opportunity since we have several awards. (Your email will be your login and you will create a password .  Google Chrome browser works best with this system.)

If you have any questions, please email Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

Apply For A Health Services Endowment Fund Grant

If you would like to view the grant application before you begin, please click here.

You will be taken to a "View Only" version of the Apply page.  Click the "preview" button.  You can review the grant opportunity prior to creating an account in the system.  You do not have the ability to apply from this page.  Go to the log-on page by clicking the "Log On/Create and Account to Apply" button in the top right-hand corner of the screen where you can either sign in, if you have an account, or click the "Create New Account" to complete the registration process.

Click here to create and/or login to your account. 

NOTE:  Make sure you are applying for the correct grant opportunity since we have several awards. (Your email will be your login and you will create a password .  Google Chrome browser works best with this system.)

If you have any questions, please email Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

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.

The deadline to apply  is October 1, 2024

Click here to access the online grant application system to create your account.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

The Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) makes it easy for you to apply for a grant online. All HCF grant applications are accepted through our online application only.

Click here to access the online grant application system to create your account.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

Please mark your calendar! 

The Harry T. Wilks Hamilton Celebrates Education Event is scheduled in October 22, 2025.  We will be holding the event at Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton and formal invitations will follow. 

To nominate an educator, please complete the nomination form and provide the information requested by September 5, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Braswell.

How it works

A grant applicant creates an account in the Online Grants Application, and then logs on and starts a new grant application.  Your application can be saved as a draft, and when you log on again it's easy to return to that draft, make edits, and submit the application.  Each account maintains a record of the application history that you can access at any time.  

Creating your online account

All applicants are required to create an account. We suggest creating your account well in advance of the grant deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.  At the time of registration, you are required to enter the following information:

• A username that is an email address
• Your contact information
• Your organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number (required)
• Contact information for the organization's Executive Director/CEO

 Helpful tips when applying

• For the best user experience when accessing our Online Grants Manager, we suggest using one of the following browsers: Google Chrome 14 or higher, Firefox 9 or higher, or Safari 4 or higher.  Do not use Internet Explorer. 
• Our grants must be paid to a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit or to a public entity, such as a city, public school or state agency.  All others will need to use a fiscal sponsor.  See form below. 

All applications are due by 5:30pm on the date of the deadline.  You will not be able to submit your application after that time.

Apply for a Youth Philanthropy Grant

The deadline to apply for a Youth Philanthropy grant is February 15, 2025.

Ready to apply?

Click here to access the online grant application system to create your account.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Eads, Community Investment Officer

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.

How it works

A grant applicant creates an account in the Online Grants Application, and then logs on and starts a new grant application.  Your application can be saved as a draft, and when you log on again it's easy to return to that draft, make edits, and submit the application.  Each account maintains a record of the application history that you can access at any time.  

NOTE: Users will be logged out of the system after 90 minutes of inactivity, so if you think you will be done working in the system for a while, click "SAVE" to be safe.  

We recommend that you carefully read the instructions and reference materials found on this page before registering and starting your first application.

Creating your online account

All applicants are required to create an account. We suggest creating your account well in advance of the grant deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.  At the time of registration, you are required to enter the following information:

• A username that is an email address
• Your contact information
• Your organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number (required)
• Contact information for the organization's Executive Director/CEO

 Helpful tips when applying

• For the best user experience when accessing our Online Grants Manager, we suggest using one of the following browsers: Google Chrome 14 or higher, Firefox 9 or higher, or Safari 4 or higher.  Do not use Internet Explorer. 
• We encourage you to read our FAQ before beginning the application process. 
• Our grants must be paid to a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit or to a public entity, such as a city, public school or state agency.  All others will need to use a fiscal sponsor.  See form below. 

All applications are due by 5pm on the date of the deadline.  You will not be able to submit your application after that time.

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.

Grant application deadlines: 
    Grant Cycle                                                  Application Deadline                              Board Decision E-Mailed
     February                                                              January 1st                                                 in February
     April                                                                       March 1st                                                  in April
     June –* Capital Requests                                    May 1st                                                      in June
    October                                                                  September 1st                                           in October
    December                                                              November 1st                                           in December
              
 

Capital Grants
In addition to program/project requests at the June meeting, the Foundation will consider capital grants for building construction, renovation and specialized equipment. Decisions are based on Foundation priorities, degree of community need, potential impact, and a determination of whether the Foundation can make a significant difference in the proposed project. Please note: The deadline for submitting your Capital Grant Request is May 1st. Capital grants are reviewed only at the June board meeting.

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

Grant Publicity and Recognition Guidelines

Grant Publicity and Recognition Guidelines