For over 100 years, Fifth Third Bank has been managing private foundations, helping individuals, families, and institutions bring their visions to life and leave a lasting impact on their communities. This legacy began in 1903 when Jacob G. Schmidlapp, then president of the bank, established the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust.
Today, the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank continues this work, ensuring that these foundations support meaningful charitable initiatives. From October 1 to November 22, 2024, organizations in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Piqua regions can apply for grants, which will be awarded by April 1, 2025.
“Our Foundation Office is dedicated to building healthy, strong, and thriving communities,” said Heidi B. Jark, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank. “We aim to make the grant application process transparent and straightforward so that organizations can access the resources they need.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Piqua that qualify under section 501(c)(3) and subsections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), and 509(a)(3) Types I and II of the IRS code. Churches and religious organizations can also apply if their programs serve a broader community (e.g., food pantries, after-school programs, or housing initiatives).
The following are not eligible for Foundation Office grants: individuals, government entities, public or private K-12 schools, booster clubs, or fundraising events like walks, runs, dinners, and galas.
For complete guidelines, visit our Grantseeker Guidelines page.
This year, there are two separate application links. Organizations may apply to both if relevant:
Regional Application: For those applying for grants from multiple foundations managed by Fifth Third Bank. Ohio Valley Foundation Application: For organizations in the Ohio Valley seeking up to $25,000 for small equipment, technology, or capital improvement projects. Today, the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank continues this work, ensuring that these foundations support meaningful charitable initiatives. From October 1 to November 22, 2024, organizations in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Piqua regions can apply for grants, which will be awarded by April 1, 2025.
“Our Foundation Office is dedicated to building healthy, strong, and thriving communities,” said Heidi B. Jark, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank. “We aim to make the grant application process transparent and straightforward so that organizations can access the resources they need.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Piqua that qualify under section 501(c)(3) and subsections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), and 509(a)(3) Types I and II of the IRS code. Churches and religious organizations can also apply if their programs serve a broader community (e.g., food pantries, after-school programs, or housing initiatives).
The following are not eligible for Foundation Office grants: individuals, government entities, public or private K-12 schools, booster clubs, or fundraising events like walks, runs, dinners, and galas.
For complete guidelines, visit our Grantseeker Guidelines page.
This year, there are two separate application links. Organizations may apply to both if relevant: