1st Quarter 2026

Greetings!


We made it! The first quarter of 2026 is almost in the books, and this edition of the Nonprofit Newsletter is full of updates we are excited to share.


Inside, we are highlighting recent grantees from the first Hamilton Community Foundation grant cycle of the year, the final Hanover Life Squad grant, this year’s Women’s Fund grantees, and our quarterly Nonprofit Spotlight on the Butler County Historical Society.


You will also want to take a look at our Inspiring Donors section, which explores why examples of giving matter and how they can help encourage support for your mission.


And don’t forget, you can still be part of our Nonprofit Directory. This resource helps potential donors find local nonprofits on our website and connect with causes they care about. Reach out to Tracy if you would like to learn more.

The Final Grant: The Hanover Life Squad


The final Hanover Life Squad grant marks the close of a fund that reflects both generosity and long-term stewardship.


Established in 1999 with a little more than $270,000, the fund was created to continue the Hanover Life Squad’s legacy of supporting emergency services in the community. Through careful stewardship and investment over time, that original gift was able to grow into nearly $450,000 in grants awarded.


While every nonprofit’s situation is different, this fund offers a meaningful example of how charitable dollars, when entrusted for the long term, can continue working for a community well beyond the original gift.

2026 Grant Deadlines


May 1*, Sept 1, Nov 1

-Hamilton Unrestricted Community Grant *Only Capital Grants are considered during the May deadline*


Jun 1

-First Financial Community Grant

-Health Services Endowment Grant

-Butler County St. Vincent de Paul Council Grant


Oct 1

-Michael J. Colligan Grant

New Grant Opportunity


Butler County St. Vincent de Paul Council Grant


The Butler County St. Vincent de Paul Council Grant, made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor, empowers St. Vincent de Paul Hamilton District Councils to respond to the most pressing needs of their communities. The Councils are dedicated to serving neighbors in need responding with compassion, respect, justice, hope, and joy inspired by gospel values, building hope and charity along the way.

 

Congratulations Recent Grantees!

Hamilton Unrestricted Community Grantees

Grantee

Project

Award

American Red Cross Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter

Home Fire Relief

$10,000

Black Heritage & Art Collective of Hamilton

Rhythm & Blues on Bailey

$20,000

Bottom Line

Bottom Line College Access & Success

$50,000

Butler County Educational Service Center-Aspire

2026 Graduation, Hygiene, Team Building Staff Swag

$4,000

Father Your Hood

Father Your Hood 2026-2027 Events and Program

$34,000

Fernside: A Center for Grieving Children

Free, Evidence-Based Grief Support for Butler County Children, Teens, and Families

$5,000

Hamilton Living Waters Ministry, Inc.

Innovation Station

$30,000

Hope's Closet

Hope's Closet Boutique for Foster Children

$6,000


Miami University

Miami University Regionals: STEAM Studio

$10,000

Middletown Area Neediest Youth

School Clothing for Students in Need

$3,000

MidPointe Library System

Dolly Parton Imagination Library of OH - Butler County

$34,861

New Life Furniture Bank

Providing Access to Furnished Housing for Low-Income Families

$15,000

One Village of New Miami

One Village Youth Summer Camp

$12,000

Reach Me, Inc.

Community Inclusion Program

$5,000

Women's Fund Grant

Grantee

Project

Award

Girls on the Run Greater Cincinnati

Girls on the Rub Builds Stronger Girls and Stronger communities

$5,000

LEAD Training

Career Quest (New Miami, Madison, and Monroe)

$3,500

Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton, Inc.

Dream Center Transitional Housing

$10,000

Pause for Parents, Play for Kids, Inc

The Trauma Informed Self-Care Experience for Special Needs Moms

$5,000

Pink Ribbon Good

Simply Fight™ and No Age, No Stage™

$10,000

Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region

Care Continues: Safeguarding Access to Reproductive Health Care & Education in Butler County

$5,000

Hanover Life Squad Grant

Grantee

Project

Award

Reilly Township Volunteer Fire Department

Reilly EMS General Support

$25,278

 
 

1st Quarter 2026

Inspiring Donors: Examples Matter! 


Big gifts may capture attention, but their greatest value may be in how they inspire others. Here is how nonprofits can use examples of generosity to reinforce that every donor matters and every gift makes a difference.


 
 

1st Quarter 2026

Nonprofit Spotlight – Butler County Historical Society

Founded in 1934, the Butler County Historical Society (BCHS) is the steward of Hamilton and Butler County’s rich historical legacy. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the artifacts, records, and stories that define the area’s identity, ensuring that Butler County’s history remains accessible and meaningful for future generations.


Through its extensive archives—containing genealogy resources, business records, historic maps, photographs, and other primary documents—the society serves as an essential resource for researchers, students, and families seeking to better understand their personal and local histories. By transforming historical facts into engaging narratives, the BCHS connects residents to their communities, their neighbors, and the shared experiences that shape the region.


Community outreach is a cornerstone of the society’s work. Educational tours and programs are offered at the Benninghofen Museum for public and private schools, homeschool groups, youth organizations, and social service agencies. The BCHS also hosts a regular speaker series exploring topics such as local folklore, significant events, influential individuals, and the area’s role in broader national history. Many of these presentations are available both onsite and as traveling programs for clubs, civic organizations, service groups, and professional associations.


In addition, the BCHS operates the McCloskey Wonder Works Museum and curates the Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument for Butler County.


Through these initiatives, the Butler County Historical Society ensures local history is not merely preserved, but actively shared, explored, and used to educate and inspire the community.

 

1st Quarter 2026

REMINDER- Nonprofit Directory

Our Nonprofit Directory highlights the nonprofit organizations making an impact in our community and helps connect donors and community members with the causes they care about most. Visitors can explore organizations by category or browse the full list, click on any listing to learn more about an organization’s mission, the people they serve, and the difference they’re making, and find direct links to support their work through online giving.

How to be included

If you would like to be featured in the Nonprofit Directory, or have any questions contact Tracy Eads.

Community Investment in Action with Tracy Eads


Tracy visited the Butler County Historical Society for a tour led by Brian Smith, offering a closer look at the organization’s work to preserve and share the region’s history. The visit highlighted the importance of this community resource and the people who make its mission possible. Most recently, the Foundation was proud to award a grant supporting the curator’s salary, helping sustain the leadership and care needed to steward these collections and stories for the community.

Whether she's learning about a new initiative or helping match resources to needs, Tracy is committed to helping communities thrive. If she hasn't had a chance to meet your organization yet, she's looking forward to it!


Want to connect? Reach out to Tracy at teads@hamiltonfoundation.org.

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