The Berry Family Foundation
The Berry Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Dayton, Ohio. Established in 1960, it provides grants to organizations aligned with its mission to perpetuate Loren and John Berry Sr.’s passion for free enterprise and a strong Dayton community.
The Berry Family Foundation at a glance
In short: The Berry Family Foundation gave $1.6M across 92 grants in 2024 (avg $18K), mostly in Ohio. 35% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,637,700
- +22.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 92
- +21.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $17,801
- +0.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $22,429,622
- +4.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (32 of 92, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (94% 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 The Berry Family Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website directs interested organizations to submit a grant inquiry; if the project meets its criteria, the foundation may invite the organization to complete a full application. The 2024 filing lists a letter as the application form and states no restrictions on awards. The website says applicants must describe how their organization supports the foundation’s goals and address organizational sustainability. It excludes, among others, organizations without IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status, private foundations, churches, individuals, and requests for travel, political causes, or school and civic sports teams, events, or supplies.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists grant submission deadlines of May 14, 2026, and October 22, 2026. The 2024 filing lists no deadlines.
- Deadline
- The website lists grant submission deadlines of May 14, 2026, and October 22, 2026.
- Contact
Application contact: David Ray
Mailing address: 3055 S Kettering Blvd Suite 418, Dayton, OH 45439
Phone: (937) 293-0398
Website: https://berryfamilyfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Berry Family Foundation
Who The Berry Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Dayton Art Institute ($205K). Together the top 10 received $1.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
369 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 318 grants of 369 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website identifies support for the Dayton community as central to its mission. In 2024, 94% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio; the remaining shares went to Florida (2%), California (1%), North Carolina (1%), and Michigan (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 92 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Berry Family Foundation open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 32 of 92 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $19K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 59% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+2%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 103% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2020) to $1.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 92 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton Art Institute Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $205,000 |
| Dayton Live Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $200,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Dayton Dayton, OH | YOUTH | $102,500 |
| Sicsa Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $101,750 |
| Dayton Christian Schools Dayton, OH | Education | $100,000 |
| East End Community Services Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $100,000 |
| Omega Community Development Corp Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $100,000 |
| University of Notre Dame Dayton, OH | Education | $100,000 |
| Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $80,000 |
| Dayton History at Carillon Historic Dayton, OH | Social/Human Services | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Berry Family 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 | $22,429,622 | $3,032,576 | $2,142,073 | $1,637,700 | 92 | $1,637,700 | $1,095,385 | $1,582,901 |
| 2023 | $21,539,119 | $955,408 | $1,828,710 | $1,341,850 | 76 | $1,341,850 | $887,325 | $1,460,165 |
| 2022 | $22,412,421 | $1,096,108 | $2,004,966 | $1,460,405 | 73 | $1,460,405 | $790,150 | $1,497,377 |
| 2021 | $23,321,279 | $2,668,335 | $2,081,751 | $1,598,650 | 63 | $1,598,650 | $1,427,428 | $1,643,171 |
| 2020 | $22,734,695 | $1,160,959 | $1,637,974 | $1,110,900 | 65 | — | $647,688 | $1,364,065 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Berry Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.6M 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
The foundation’s mission is to perpetuate Loren and John Berry Sr.’s passion for free enterprise and a strong Dayton community. Its stated core beliefs include encouraging entrepreneurialism, personal goals and responsibility, and supporting Dayton, youth programs, education, and a strong healthcare system.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work. The Boys & Girls Club of Dayton says its mission is to help young people reach their full potential. Omega Community Development Corporation says it focuses on youth, family, and economic development services. Family Service Association says it works to strengthen families and communities through counseling and education, while Miami Valley Meals describes preparing donated food for distribution to people experiencing food insecurity. These are the organizations’ own descriptions of their work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 92 grants totaling $1,637,700. Grants ranged from $250 to $205,000, with a median of $5,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $205,000 to Dayton Art Institute and $200,000 to Dayton Live, both listed under social/human services; $102,500 to Boys & Girls Club of Dayton for youth; and $101,750 to SICSA for social/human services. Other large grants included $100,000 each to Dayton Christian Schools for education, East End Community Services for social/human services, Omega Community Development Corp for social/human services, and University of Notre Dame for education. The filing also lists $80,000 to Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, $50,000 to Dayton History at Carillon Historic, $37,800 to The Salvation Army, and $30,000 to Teach for America.
The foundation’s website describes a grant inquiry followed by an invitation to submit a full application if the project meets its criteria. Its filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists John W. Berry Jr. as president and trustee; William T. Lincoln as treasurer and trustee; David K. Ray as secretary and trustee; and Charles D. Berry, David L. Berry, William L. Fraim, and Paige R. Henry as trustees. The foundation’s website identifies John Berry Jr. as chairman.
The Berry Family Foundation is led by John W. Berry Jr., President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); none of the 7 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
John W. Berry Jr.
President
President An → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Charles D. Berry
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
David L. Berry
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
William L. Fraim
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Paige R. Henry
Trustee
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
William T. Lincoln
Treasurer
Treasurer An → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
David K. Ray
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary An, 2022
Secretary An → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: James O. Payne (2020–2021) — Secretary An
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Berry Family Foundation
How much does The Berry Family Foundation give each year?
The Berry Family Foundation gave $1.6M across 92 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.3M across 76 grants.
What is The Berry Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Berry Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $17,801, across 92 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Berry Family Foundation that year got $15K on average.
Where does The Berry Family Foundation give grants?
The Berry Family Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 94% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Dayton, OH (46 grants), Naples, FL (7 grants), Columbus, OH (5 grants) and Asheville, NC (2 grants).
Does The Berry Family Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 92 grants with a stated purpose on The Berry Family Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Social/Human Services" (40 grants), "Education" (21 grants) and "Youth" (12 grants).
Who are The Berry Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Berry Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Dayton Art Institute ($205,000), Dayton Live ($200,000) and Boys & Girls Club of Dayton ($102,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Berry Family Foundation?
The Berry Family Foundation reported $22.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Berry Family Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to perpetuate Loren and John Berry Sr.’s passion for free enterprise and a strong Dayton community. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Berry Family Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Berry Family Foundation's EIN?
The Berry Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-6026144. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Berry Family 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 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Ohio
Ohio Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Berry Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Ohio
The Dayton Foundation
Dayton, OH
The Dayton Foundation funds nonprofit projects in arts and culture, health, education, human services, and community development, primarily benefiting the Greater Dayton region. Its Greenlight Grants are $500–$7,500, while discretionary grants are more than $7,500 and up to $75,000; it accepts applications through its grants portal.
Assets
$771.2M
Grants
589
Total Given
$32.6M
Dayton Foundation Depository
Dayton, OH
The Dayton Foundation Depository funds charitable, educational, civic, religious, and community activities, including arts and culture, health, education, and human services, primarily in the Greater Dayton region. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $12,000; the Foundation’s discretionary program accepts requests of more than $7,500 and up to $75,000, and Greenlight Grants offer $500 to $7,500.
Assets
$42.3M
Grants
677
Total Given
$22.7M
Mathile Family Foundation
Dayton, OH
The Mathile Family Foundation supports basic needs, education, mental health, and positive youth development, with highest priority for organizations serving Montgomery County and the Greater Dayton area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $20,000, though amounts ranged from $250 to over $5 million.
Assets
$291.9M
Grants
143
Total Given
$16.6M
Columbus Foundation
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Foundation supports a broad range of nonprofit work, including arts, education, health, basic needs, neighborhoods, and capacity building, primarily in central Ohio. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,471, though amounts varied widely. Most grants are directed by donors and aren’t made through an application process, but some specific programs accept applications.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
1,747
Total Given
$242.7M
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
The Cleveland Foundation
Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Foundation funds education, human services, neighborhoods and housing, health, arts and culture, the environment, economic development, and other community priorities, primarily through grants to nonprofits in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Its 2024 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $17.5 million, with a median of about $30,700. It accepts applications year-round through its standard grant process, with deadlines determining which cycle an application enters.
Assets
$3.3B
Grants
1,016
Total Given
$184.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Ohio
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Berry Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-berry-family-foundation-morg_8318ae8fcc954e538ac4d7f73fa597b7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_316026144_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Berry Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-berry-family-foundation-morg_8318ae8fcc954e538ac4d7f73fa597b7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. 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 The Berry Family 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.
The Berry Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?