David N and Ann Early Foundation
The David N and Ann Early Foundation is a private foundation based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It made 19 grants totaling $241,120 in 2024 to charitable organizations in Ohio and Kentucky.
David N and Ann Early Foundation at a glance
In short: David N and Ann Early Foundation gave $241K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), mostly in Ohio. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $241,120
- +16.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- +11.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $12,691
- +3.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $2,941,487
- -6.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (4 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (66% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to David N and Ann Early Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 7455 Algonuin Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45243
Phone: (513) 509-1598
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who David N and Ann Early Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was League for Animal Welfare Batavia Ohio ($45K). Together the top 10 received $211K.
Grant Size Distribution
63 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 63 grants of 63 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 66% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio and 34% to recipients in Kentucky.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
Cities
Is David N and Ann Early Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 19 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $15K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 79% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 31% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 97% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $184K (2021) to $241K (2024). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $241K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| League for Animal Welfare Batavia Ohio Batavia, OH | In Support of Its Mission | $44,960 |
| Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Cincinnati, OH | In Support of Its Mission | $44,960 |
| Thomas More University Crestview Hills, KY | In Support of Its Mission | $30,000 |
| University of Kentucky Family Sciences Dept Lexington, KY | In Support of Its Mission | $25,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | In Support of Its Mission | $21,000 |
| Alliance of Catholic Urban Education Covington, KY | In Support of Its Mission | $10,000 |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cincinnati, OH | In Support of Its Mission | $10,000 |
| Matthew 25 Ministries Blue Ash, OH | In Support of Its Mission | $10,000 |
| Notre Dame of Northern Kentucky Urban Education Covington, KY | In Support of Its Mission | $10,000 |
| Brighten Center Newport, KY | In Support of Its Mission | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with David N and Ann Early Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,941,487 | $119,391 | $323,910 | $241,120 | 19 | $268,351 | $69,811 | $276,069 |
| 2023 | $3,151,727 | $144,395 | $267,387 | $207,678 | 17 | $207,678 | $109,147 | $224,825 |
| 2022 | $3,007,605 | $107,048 | $245,308 | $215,778 | 15 | $215,778 | $106,445 | $207,652 |
| 2021 | $3,145,865 | $261,573 | $207,018 | $183,890 | 12 | $183,890 | $260,979 | $215,943 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, David N and Ann Early Foundation reported a distributable amount of $276K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants went to organizations including an animal-welfare organization, a library foundation, universities, a children’s hospital, and humanitarian and social-service organizations.
Among the grantees described in their own words, Thomas More University says it is a Catholic liberal arts university that challenges students to consider life’s meaning and their responsibilities to others. Matthew 25 Ministries describes work providing food, clean water, clothing, shelter, medical care, and humanitarian supplies to people in need. ProKids says it advocates for abused and neglected children, and the Save the Animals Foundation says it provides shelter, medical care, and adoption services for animals.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave 19 grants totaling $241,120. Grant amounts ranged from $1,200 to $44,960, with a median of $5,000. Notable grants included $44,960 each to the League for Animal Welfare and the Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County; $30,000 to Thomas More University; $25,000 to the University of Kentucky Family Sciences Department; and $21,000 to Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati. Other 2024 recipients included Matthew 25 Ministries ($10,000), ProKids ($4,000), and the Save the Animals Foundation ($2,000).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists D Bruce Ross Jr as managing trustee and James A Dressman III as trustee.
David N and Ann Early Foundation is led by D. Bruce Ross Jr., Managing Trustee on every filing since 2021; all 2 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
D. Bruce Ross Jr.
Managing Trustee
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$16K (2021) → $28K (2024)
James A. Dressman III
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$5K (2021) → $14K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $28K, to D Bruce Ross Jr (Managing Trustee). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about David N and Ann Early Foundation
How much does David N and Ann Early Foundation give each year?
David N and Ann Early Foundation gave $241K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $208K across 17 grants.
What is David N and Ann Early Foundation's typical grant size?
David N and Ann Early Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $12,691, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from David N and Ann Early Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does David N and Ann Early Foundation give grants?
David N and Ann Early Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 66% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Kentucky (34%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cincinnati, OH (11 grants) and Covington, KY (2 grants).
Does David N and Ann Early Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on David N and Ann Early Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "In Support of Its Mission" (19 grants).
Who are David N and Ann Early Foundation's largest grantees?
David N and Ann Early Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include League for Animal Welfare Batavia Ohio ($44,960), Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County ($44,960) and Thomas More University ($30,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is David N and Ann Early Foundation?
David N and Ann Early Foundation reported $2.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $268K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $276K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does David N and Ann Early Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants went to organizations including an animal-welfare organization, a library foundation, universities, a children’s hospital, and humanitarian and social-service organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from David N and Ann Early Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is David N and Ann Early Foundation's EIN?
David N and Ann Early Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1848071. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Does David N and Ann Early Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Live grants for the work David N and Ann Early Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in David N and Ann Early Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funds nonprofits working on education, housing, community and cultural vibrancy, and related regional needs, with responsive grants focused on its eight-county Greater Cincinnati service area. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000, though amounts vary widely; specific opportunities include awards of up to $35,000 for Resilient Communities and up to $450,000 through the Neighborhood Development Fund. It lists RFP and letter-of-intent opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,408
Total Given
$184.4M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
American Modern Foundation
Amelia, OH
The American Modern Foundation funds fundraising efforts for preselected charitable organizations, with 2025 grants ranging from $3,021 to $10,000 (median $4,750). Its listed 2025 grants all went to organizations in Ohio, and it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8K
Grants
4
Total Given
$23K
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation supports journalism education and related programs that foster informed, engaged communities, including journalism fellowships and environmental and technology-focused journalism initiatives. In 2024, grants ranged from $25 to $675,706, with a median of $1,250; funding was concentrated in Maryland and Washington, D.C., followed by Arizona, Ohio, and Colorado. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$69.4M
Grants
819
Total Given
$7.4M
The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation CO
Cincinnati, OH
The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation supported a range of charitable organizations, including arts and culture, education, housing, hunger relief, and animal welfare, primarily in the greater Cincinnati area. In 2022, it made 126 grants totaling about $1.03 million, typically $5,000 (with awards from $1,000 to $40,000). Its 2022 filing said it accepted letters and did not limit grants to preselected organizations; this is historical information, and no later filing is reported.
Assets
$11.7M
Grants
126
Total Given
$1.0M
L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation Inc
Blue Ash, OH
The L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation supports 501(c)(3) public charities serving the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, with grants for cultural arts, education, the environment, and health. In 2025, grants ranged from $7,500 to $300,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts applications through an online portal during its annual June 1–August 1 application period.
Assets
$62.7M
Grants
81
Total Given
$5.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in Ohio
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). David N and Ann Early Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/david-n-and-ann-early-foundation-morg_91bc1723d65747298c0d1f66feee3849
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_831848071_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{David N and Ann Early Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/david-n-and-ann-early-foundation-morg_91bc1723d65747298c0d1f66feee3849},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
} The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from David N and Ann Early Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
David N and Ann Early Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?