John Henry Eldred Jr Foundation
The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Toledo, Ohio that funds regional nonprofits with priorities including housing stability, food security, youth education, and support for rural public libraries. The foundation publishes staff and board information, annual reports, and grantmaking information on its site.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-medium regional nonprofit (especially Ohio-based or serving Ohio communities) working in housing stability, food security, youth education, or rural public libraries and seeking grants in the small- to mid‑range ($1k–$100k) for program or capacity support.
Good Fit
- • Clear program fit with housing, food security, youth education, or rural library support
- • Demonstrated service to Ohio communities or a defined program benefiting Ohio residents
- • Request size aligned with past awards (many awards clustered under $50k, median near $5k)
- • Ability to apply through an online portal and meet posted deadlines
- • New or time-limited projects or scaling operational programs that can be described succinctly
Geography
Grants in 2023 reached recipients in seven states, but roughly 71% of dollars stayed in Ohio, indicating a regional footprint with some out-of-state giving rather than truly national reach.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 132 distinct grantees with 130 new recipients in 2023 and only two repeat grantees across three years, demonstrating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant turnover is strong (98% new recipients in 2023) and a public online application portal and published deadlines exist, although certain rounds are noted as preselected so applicants should check program rules.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
