As part of GCF’s new strategic vision, Learning Innovation Grants will launch in 2026 and is designed to better support educators and the many students they support during a time of significant changes in education funding and resources.  

The grant program will prioritize incentives offered year-round  in classrooms, out of school programs, or summer learning opportunities that promote the learning and development of children and young adults.  Applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding.

Grants made in January:

Cincinnati Arts Association, $30,000.  In-person SchoolTime performances at the Aronoff Center and the Artists on Tour classroom outreach performances bring the arts to 30,000 youth and supervising adults.

Comprehensive Community Child Care, $20,000.  The Quality Child Care Access Project features 4C for Children’s comprehensive training programs that help support the local early childhood workforce by providing ongoing education, leadership development, and skill enhancement opportunities.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation, $250,000.  See above.

Parachute Special Advocates for Children of Butler County, $35,000.  Community volunteers go through rigorous training to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), and then advocate for foster children, ages birth to 18, who are often abused, neglected, abandoned, or lost in the child protective system.

UpSpring, $30,000.  Summer 360°, the organization’s successful summer education program, is a free, six-week academic and enrichment program that aims to help 180 homeless children ages 5-15 gain needed math and literacy skills.  

The Dater Foundation makes grants to non-profit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area to carry out programs that benefit young people and focus in the areas of arts/culture, education, healthcare, social services and other community needs.  Information about the grantmaking process and guidelines and links to an online grant application website are available at www.DaterFoundation.org.

The private foundation was established by fourth-generation Cincinnatian, businessman and philanthropist Charles Dater (1912-1993) to ensure that his resources would continue to fund worthwhile community programs after his death.  The foundation has made more than 3,900 grants totaling over $84 million since its inception in 1985.

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For additional information regarding this news release, contact Roger Ruhl (513/598-1141).

The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. is located at 700 Walnut Street, Suite 301, Cincinnati, OH 45202.