Our Impact
Hamilton Hometown Heroes
- Honoree must be on active duty, honorably discharged or have died in the line of duty while a member of the United States Armed Forces.
- Honoree must be a resident or former resident of the City of Hamilton.
- Submission of the Hometown Hero Banner Program application required documentation and payment of fee by applicant or sponsor.
The cost per banner will be $180.00 for the production, installation, and removal of the banner. Sponsorships and donations will be accepted to assist individuals or families who would like to participate in this program but need financial assistance. Available space is determined on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified applicants. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of banner spaces, they will be placed on a waiting list for display in the following year or a future date. The banners will hang from Memorial Day to Veteran’s Day on Main Street, High Street and B Street in Hamilton.
Women Inspiring Philanthropy
The Women's Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation is establishing a new program called Women Inspiring Philanthropy (WIP). The program will bring local women together to meet regularly regarding issues facing women, how to encourage female leadership in local organizations and ultimately to award grants to organizations who serve women and girls.
The 2023 program will begin in September and end in August of 2024 - meetings will take place monthly with the exception of July and December.
"Our Women's Fund committee is actively moving to promote female representation in leadership roles here locally," says Katie Braswell, Hamilton Community Foundation Vice President. "Through this initiative we hope to empower women to become leaders in all walks of life."
The program will run annually with approximately 20 women participating each year.
Women's Fund Committee Chair Niki Motley says, "This community is fortunate to have some incredible organizations working diligently and passionately day in and day out to provide a ladder of support on which women can climb out of their circumstances. We need to ensure that women are participating in leadership roles on the boards of those organizations."
The Women's Fund Committee:
Niki Motley, Chair
Liz Hayden
Nancy O'Neill
Joan Witt
Carrie Zancan
Foundation Impact - A Drive Around Town
Consider those coming into our city for the first time and exploring -- the Foundation's impact can be seen throughout the community.
Those entering the city on westbound Route 129 are welcomed by the large Hamilton sign and the substantial landscaping, a gift the Foundation made to the community when it celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Travelers crossing route 4 into the City experience improved aesthetics and smoother traffic flow, thanks to our City’s new East High corridor. This City of Hamilton project was started after a study funded by a Foundation donor identified the need and a solution to the look and functionality of City’s main entrance.
In Hamilton’s downtown business district, there is more evidence of the Foundation’s impactful projects:
- The Mercantile Lofts
- Artspace
- Miami University Center for Civic Engagement
- Historic gazebo on the Courthouse lawn
- Former Elder Beerman building at 150 High Street
On the left, visitors see:
- Hamilton Visitors Center
- Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument
- Restoration of the Historic Log Cabin
- The Fitton Center for Creative Arts
On the right, visitors see:
- Lentil Park
- The Courtyard by Marriott
- The Bikeway extension
- RiversEdge Amphitheater
- Marcum Park
Armstead Park is just across the bridge. A little further north you will find Fort Hamilton Hospital, Hamilton High School, West Side Little League and Jim Grimm Park – these have all benefited from the Hamilton Community Foundation’s strategic planning and resources.
However, the initiatives that cannot be easily seen may actually make the most impact on Hamilton residents:
- The young person beginning preschool because of our Start Ready program.
- The family receiving emergency assistance because of the Foundation’s support of the Open Door Food Pantry or the Emergency Money Fund.
- Someone experiencing art for the first time because of our support for the Fitton Center and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.
- The many people who enjoy a concert because of our support for the Hamilton Fairfield Symphony Orchestra and for the RiversEdge Concert Series.
- A young person realizing her dream of attending college because of a Foundation scholarship.
The Foundation makes these impactful experiences possible due to the generosity of donors, the leadership of the Board, the hard work of our staff and volunteers and spirit of our community.
