The Kaplan Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission appears to focus on enhancing community welfare through grants that primarily support education, health, animal welfare, and cultural institutions. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including food banks, animal shelters, and arts organizations, reflecting a commitment to both social services and cultural heritage. While it operates primarily in the Greater Cincinnati area, it also extends support to organizations beyond this region. The foundation emphasizes unrestricted contributions, allowing recipients flexibility in how they utilize the funds.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A tax-exempt nonprofit (509(a)) with activities in the Greater Cincinnati/Ohio area or a clear local presence, working in arts, animal welfare, food security, education, health, or community services.
Good Fit
- • Organization is a 509(a) tax-exempt charity and can provide an IRS determination letter.
- • Demonstrable programs or service activity in Greater Cincinnati or elsewhere in Ohio.
- • Project or general operating needs aligned with arts, animal welfare, food banks, community projects, education, or medical causes.
- • Capacity to accept typical awards (median grants around $6–7K, occasional larger awards up to $100K+).
- • Willingness to submit a written application and follow filing instructions.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Ohio, which received about 76% of award dollars despite grants appearing in eight states; the foundation states a preference for organizations active in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 62 distinct recipients (62 grants), and across three years the foundation funds many independent nonprofits rather than a single small circle, even though some larger local organizations receive bigger awards.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists (7 new recipients in 2023 and 8 in 2024) and the foundation explicitly accepts written applications at any time with eligibility and documentation requirements, so unfamiliar but eligible nonprofits plausibly can enter the portfolio, though selection appears selective and locally focused.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
