The Reinberger Foundation’s Human Services Grant

The Reinberger Foundation is a private foundation committed to helping underserved individuals move toward self-sufficiency while providing enrichment opportunities within the communities it serves. Established by Clarence T. Reinberger and Louise Fischer Reinberger in 1966, the foundation has distributed over $138 million to the nonprofit community since its inception. Its philanthropic focus lies primarily within Northeast and Central Ohio, specifically emphasizing Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties. The foundation concentrates its grantmaking efforts across three program areas: Education, Human Service, and Arts, Culture & Humanities. Within Education, the foundation funds initiatives supporting underserved school-age populations both during and outside of school hours, adult education, literacy, and workforce development. In the Human Service category, grants are directed towards housing stability, food insecurity, and family violence. The Arts, Culture & Humanities program supports museums, visual and performing arts, media and communication, arts education, zoos, and public recreation. Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be a nonprofit organization with a valid 501(c)(3) status. In special circumstances, religious organizations and public entities may qualify. Organizations must provide services within Ohio, primarily in Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties. Priority is given to organizations that have received Reinberger Foundation funding within the past five years. New applicants or those not funded within five years are required to schedule a conversation with Karen Hooser before applying. Generally, organizations are limited to receiving one grant per calendar year. The application process begins with a required online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) following a brief eligibility quiz. LOI deadlines vary by program area: Education LOIs for 2025 support are accepted from December 16, 2024, to March 14, 2025; Human Services LOIs for 2026 support are accepted from April 15, 2025, to July 15, 2025; and Arts & Culture LOIs for 2026 support are accepted from August 15, 2025, to November 17, 2025. Following the LOI, applicants may be invited to submit a Full Proposal within one month, with funding decisions communicated approximately 45 days after the proposal submission deadline. Questions and correspondence should be directed to Karen R. Hooser, President of The Reinberger Foundation, at 30000 Chagrin Blvd., #300, Cleveland, OH 44124. She can be reached by phone at (216) 292-2790 or via email at info@reinbergerfoundation.org.