Michael And Stephanie Besl Foundation

Restricted Access
Private Foundation
CINCINNATI, OhioMicroEIN: 824997604
Education NonprofitsHuman Services

This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and providing financial assistance to children and families. Its mission reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing human service needs within the community. The foundation primarily serves educational institutions and organizations that focus on family support. It operates within Ohio, where it has made grants to local entities such as Xavier University and CISE, emphasizing its focus on regional impact.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

An Ohio-based education or child/family services organization with local ties or an existing relationship to the trustees, seeking modest one-time or annual grants in the low-to-mid five-figure range.

Good Fit

  • Located in Ohio (in-state recipients received all recorded funding).
  • Work focused on education or direct support for children and families.
  • Capacity to receive grants in the $1,000–$15,000 range.
  • Existing relationship, referral, or prior contact with foundation trustees or local networks.

Geography

Restrictive

All observed grants in the latest year went to recipients in Ohio, with in-state recipients receiving 100% of the reported dollars.

Recipient Variety

Moderate

The latest year shows three distinct grantees (appearing independent and focused on education and children's services); this is a small but not obviously affiliated set, and conclusions are limited by a single year of data.

New Applicants

Restrictive

The foundation's materials explicitly indicate it funds only preselected applicants rather than accepting open proposals, and the one-year giving record offers no evidence of an open selection pathway.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026