Erma A. Bantz Foundation Grant

The Erma A. Bantz Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations serving individuals with visual impairments in Greater Cincinnati. The Foundation was established in honor of Erma A. Bantz, who lived in Cincinnati for 95 years and personally experienced the challenges of severe hearing and visual impairments. Upon her death in 2006, the Foundation was created to reflect her desire to help those facing similar challenges. Initially, the Foundation’s assets were divided—60% allocated for aiding individuals with visual impairments and 40% for those with hearing impairments. By 2022, the hearing impairment funds were fully distributed, totaling over $580,000 to fifteen nonprofits. Consequently, all future grantmaking now focuses exclusively on visual impairment support. The Foundation is managed in partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), which assists in grantmaking. Organizations interested in applying must include support for visually impaired individuals in their mission statements. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS designation and must primarily operate within the Ohio counties of Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren. The Foundation does not support individuals, taxing authorities, or political subdivisions, and discourages applications for ongoing operational support or repeated annual funding. It recommends that previous grantees wait at least one year after their last grant payment before reapplying, while applicants whose proposals were declined may reapply after six months. The grant cycle includes two rounds per year, each with clearly defined deadlines. For the first cycle, Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are due May 1, full proposals by June 1, and funding decisions are announced by July 31. The second cycle has LOIs due October 1, proposals by November 1, and notifications sent by December 31. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the next business day. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal. Awarded grantees are required to submit an evaluation report at the end of the grant period via the online system. The Foundation sends a reminder two weeks before the report is due. This follow-up process ensures accountability and helps the Foundation assess the impact of its funding. Grant oversight is provided by the Foundation’s directors, C. Gregory Schmidt, Esq., and Nicholas Shaffer. The Foundation’s offices are located at 600 Vine Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, OH 45202. General inquiries can be made via phone at 513-721-4450. This funding opportunity represents a valuable resource for nonprofits in the region committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments.