Louise Taft Semple Foundation
The Louise Taft Semple Foundation is a private foundation based in Cincinnati, Ohio, established in 1941 and tax-exempt since April 1945. The foundation honors the legacy of Louise Taft Semple (1879-1961), daughter of Charles Phelps Taft and a major patron of Cincinnati's cultural institutions. With approximately $24 million in assets, the foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Cincinnati region through strategic philanthropic support.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$25.3M
+4.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.8M
-5.8% YoY
Grant Count
56
-5.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$33K
-0.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary mission is to support programs that benefit the people of Cincinnati, Ohio. Funding priorities, in order of emphasis, include:
- Arts and cultural organizations (overwhelming majority of awards), including performing arts
- Private elementary and secondary education, particularly institutions emphasizing arts education and cultural enrichment
- Civic and community projects
- Environmental initiatives
The foundation does not support general operating expenses, individuals (including scholarships for specified individuals), advocacy and community organizing, or projects that have already been completed.
Grantmaking
The foundation accepts proposals for:
Grant Range
of approximately $32,928. Recent notable grants include:
Average Grant
of approximately $32,928. Recent notable grants include:
Review Cycle
**:
Grant Types
How to Apply
The foundation manages applications through Ignite Philanthropy. Key requirements and procedures include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Louise Taft Semple Foundation supports programs that benefit the people of Cincinnati, Ohio, with primary geographic focus on the Cincinnati region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending December 2023:
- Total Assets: $24,086,826
- Total Revenue: $2,692,757
- Total Expenses: $2,216,109
- Investment Income and Dividends: $844,994
- Net Gain from Sale of Non-Inventory Assets: $1,846,982
- Total Liabilities: $0
Annual Giving (2024): $1,830,750 across 56 grants
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $25,257,406 | $24,086,826 | $23,608,131 |
| Revenue | $3,372,721 | $2,692,757 | $2,656,540 |
| Expenses | $2,202,326 | $2,216,109 | $2,310,837 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,919,553 | $2,019,265 | $2,016,059 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,151,277 | $2,511,565 | $2,436,812 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,947,058 | $1,576,238 | $1,729,435 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Louise Taft Semple Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key trustees and contacts include:
- Dudley S. Taft
- Mrs. Robert A. Taft II
- John T. Lawrence III
- Annemarie Henkel (contact person)
- Jamie Markle (Grant Inquiries)
Grant administration is professionally managed through Ignite Philanthropy.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR DUDLEY S TAFT | CHAIRMAN, TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MRS ROBERT A TAFT II | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR JOHN T LAWRENCE III | TREASURER, TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR MICHAEL S MCGRAW | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR ROBERT LAWRENCE | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR THOMAS W TAFT | SECRETARY, TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation continues its 83-year tradition of supporting Cincinnati's cultural and educational institutions. In 2024, the foundation awarded $1,830,750 across 56 grants, demonstrating consistent commitment to its funding priorities. The foundation's grant administration through Ignite Philanthropy ensures professional management of the application process and consistent standards across all funding decisions.
Funding Alert: Regional - Society for NonprofitsData last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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