How to apply
The trust accepts written applications from organizations exempt from tax under i.r.c. 509(a)(1), (2), or (3). Applications received from other organizations or from any individual(s) will not be considered. The application must be accompanied by a copy of the exempted organization's internal revenue service determination letter regarding its classification. Contact: Steven Kaplan, 9435 Waterstone Blvd Suite 390, Cincinnati, Oh, 5137215086 Deadlines: Applications accepted at any time. Restrictions: In awarding grants, the trust gives preferences to organizations with activities in the greater cincinnati area. Grants are generally restricted to the fields of religion, education, medical and community projects. However, to the extent funds are available, grants may be made for other projects.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2025
Top 60 of 67 grants by amount · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Taft Museum of ArtCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $75K |
| Cincinnati BalletCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $60K |
| Cleveland Museum of ArtCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $50K |
| University of Notre DameNotre Dame, IN | Unrestricted contribution | $50K |
| CetCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $45K |
| Shoe4africaNew York, NY | Unrestricted contribution | $40K |
| People for Ethical Treatment of AnimalsNorfolk, VA | Unrestricted contribution | $35K |
| International Fund for Animal WelfareYarmouth Port, MA | Unrestricted contribution | $30K |
| Mercy for AnimalsLos Angeles, CA | Unrestricted contribution | $30K |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater ColumbusColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $22K |
| Freestore FoodbankCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| God's Pantry Food BankLexington, KY | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| Greater Cleveland Food BankCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| Mid Ohio FoodbankGrove City, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| Ohio Wildlife CenterPowell, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| Ohio Pet FundColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $20K |
| Columbus Zoo & AquariumPowell, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $15K |
| Jewish Federation of ColumbusColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $15K |
| Lexington Humane SocietyLexington, KY | Unrestricted contribution | $15K |
| SPCA CincinnatiCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $15K |
| Animal Friends Humane SocietyHamilton, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| Geauga Humane Society - Rescue VillageNovelty, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| River Cities HarvestAshland, KY | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| United Way of Central OhioColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| United Way of Greater CincinnatiCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| Whhs Alumni FoundationCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $12K |
| Brown County Humane SocietyGeorgetown, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $11K |
| Cincinnati Animal Care Humane SocietyCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Cleveland Clinic FoundationCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Crohns & Colitis FoundationNew York, NY | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Freeman Center Capital Fund - UC FoundationCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Ken Anderson AllianceCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| National Veterans Memorial and MuseumColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Ronald McDonald House of ClevelandCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| The Salvation ArmyCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Blood Cancer United Eatern Great LakesNew York, NY | Unrestricted contribution | $10K |
| Habitat for Humanity - Mid OhioColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $8,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Greater CincinnatiCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $8,000 |
| Athens County Food PantryMillfield, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Athens County Humane SocietyAthens, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Christ's TableZanesville, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Clinton County Humane SocietyWilmington, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Fayette Humane SocietyWashington Ch, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Homeless Families FoundationColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Humane Association of Warren CountyLebanon, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social CenterCincinnati, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Shared Harvest FoodbankFairfield, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Sierra's HavenPortsmouth, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| St Stephan's Community HouseColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Homes for FamiliesColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $7,000 |
| Central Ohio Pit SaversColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $6,000 |
| Life TownNew Albany, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $6,000 |
| Paws of Muskingum CountyZanesville, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $6,000 |
| Sunrise SanctuaryMarysville, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $6,000 |
| PelotoniaColumbus, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $5,500 |
| Big Dog Ranch RescueLoxahatchee Groves, FL | Unrestricted contribution | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Animal Protective LeagueCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $5,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers FoundationStaten Island, NY | Unrestricted contribution | $5,000 |
| United Way of Greater ClevelandCleveland, OH | Unrestricted contribution | $5,000 |
| Clark County Animal ShelterWinchester, KY | Unrestricted contribution | $5,000 |
By state: Ohio 53 · New York 4 · Kentucky 4 · Indiana 1 · Virginia 1 · Massachusetts 1
About this foundation
Kaplan Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio, administered in care of Steve Kaplan, tax-exempt since 1995. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does Kaplan Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. c. 509(a)(1), (2), or (3). Applications received from other organizations or from any individual(s) will not be considered. Deadlines: Applications accepted at any time..
How much does Kaplan Foundation give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $967K across 67 grants, a median of $10K.
Where does Kaplan Foundation give?
Ohio (53 grants), New York (4 grants), Kentucky (4 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.
More foundations near Cincinnati that accept applications
All in Ohio| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jewish Foundation of Cincinnatisince 1996 | Cincinnati, OH | $23M37 grants · 2024 | $58K | Yes | $370M |
| Austin E Knowlton Foundation Incsince 1982 | Cincinnati, OH | $12M46 grants · 2024 | $30K | Yes | $267M |
| Farmer Family Foundationsince 1990 | Cincinnati, OH | $50M181 grants · 2024 | $15K | Yes | $242M |
| Millstone Fundsince 2019 | Cincinnati, OH | $7.0M95 grants · 2024 | $35K | Yes | $235M |
| Rea Charitable Trustsince 2009 | Cincinnati, OH | $5.3M208 grants · 2024 | $15K | Yes | $119M |