History of The Thomas J. Emery Memorial (the Memorial) The Emery Memorial was founded by Mary M. Emery on April 20, 1925 as a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Ohio.
Thomas J. Emery (1830-1906) and his wife Mary M. Emery (1844-1927) were prominent Cincinnati philanthropists who generously supported local cultural and educational institutions. Thomas Emery was an industrialist and real estate developer who made significant contributions both literally and figuratively to the building of Cincinnati. Mary Emery, whose generosity earned her the title “Cincinnati’s Lady Bountiful,” provided the inspiration and capital to build the model Village of Mariemont.
Purpose of the Memorial The Last Will and Testament of Mrs. Emery states that “[T]he general purpose of this Memorial shall be to secure a citizenry which shall be more sane, sound and effective because of more satisfactory initial conditions of environment and education.” The Memorial will be used for the “physical, social, civic and educational betterment” of individuals.
Policies and Restrictions:
Applicant must have an IRS determination as a 501(c)(3) organization. The Memorial makes grants which enhance the lives of Greater Cincinnati citizens by improving their social, cultural, educational, civic and physical conditions.
The Greater Cincinnati area includes Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio, and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.
The Memorial generally supports capital and program needs. A limited number of grants are made for operating support, endowments, and selected federated campaigns.
The Memorial will not provide continuing operational support to a grantee.
An organization must wait 24 months after final payment of a grant or decline of a request before it is eligible to reapply.
Ordinarily, grants are not awarded to individuals, taxing authorities or political subdivisions, or for conferences, or as loans.
The Memorial prefers to participate with other donors in the support of a project.
As a grantseeker, if you believe that your organization qualifies for applying to the Memorial, please complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) as found on the link below.
The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Letter of Inquiry
LOI Deadline
Proposal Deadline
Notice of Decision
December 15
February 1
April 30
June 15
August 2
November 30
Grant Evaluation Form
The Foundation Trustees require a report at the end of a grant period. Click on the Word icon on the left to access the Grant Evaluation Form. Please complete this form and mail to Jennie Geisheimer at 200 West Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or e-mail the form to geisheimerj@gcfdn.org.
