Leonard C & Mildred F Ferguson Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on youth development, education, mental health, and environmental conservation. It provides grants to organizations that focus on improving the lives of underserved populations, particularly children and families, through programs such as scholarships, after-school initiatives, and environmental education. The foundation also addresses food insecurity by funding food banks and related services. While it primarily operates in Ohio, its funding extends to various states, including Maine and California, reflecting a broad commitment to community support and enhancement.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A nonprofit working on youth betterment, environmental education/conservation, food security, mental health, or education; typically requesting program or operating support and able to submit via the foundation's listed mailing/contact route.
Good Fit
- • Project primarily benefits youth or supports education and youth development.
- • Work in environmental education, food access, or community mental-health initiatives.
- • Request size in the small-to-mid grant range ($5K–$100K), with occasional larger capital awards possible.
- • Presence in or clear service to the foundation's named geographies (Maine, parts of California, Florida) or demonstrated regional partnerships.
- • Ability to submit materials through a mailed/phone contact and to respond to a rolling review process.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached organizations across eight states, with major shares to Illinois, California and Maine, and only about 7% going to the foundation's home state, indicating a multi-state footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 59 distinct recipients across multiple sectors and showed a mix of returning and new grantees (32 returning, 27 new), indicating a broad and diverse recipient set despite some dollar concentration among the largest awards.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of entry exists: 27 new recipients in the latest year and explicit application information plus a mailed submission contact; multi-year data shows recurring turnover so unfamiliar applicants have a realistic path into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
