Investing in the Next Generation Through Grant Funding
HIGHER Fund Grants
The HIGHER Fund, established in 2023 by the Neil Cohen family, supports primarily youth-focused programs that foster character and social-emotional growth. In partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, grants are guided by a local committee committed to the fund’s mission. The fund honors the Cohen family’s legacy of giving and is designed to carry that impact forward for generations to come.
Support The HIGHER Fund
Your support helps sustain this vital work and these grants to our community—join us in advancing opportunities by making a gift to The HIGHER Fund today.
Funding Priorities
Funding priorities include new programs, existing or expanded initiatives, or innovative approaches that promote personal growth and reflect one or more of the HIGHER values—honesty, integrity, gratitude, humility, empathy, and respect (see application for value descriptions). Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their work fosters individual transformation and strengthens community well-being.
Grant Details
- Purpose of the HIGHER Fund Grant: Promote programs that guide individuals, particularly youth, with the tools to grow into compassionate, responsible, and resilient members of society.
- Geographic Area: Butler County, Ohio
- Award Amount: Up to $50,000, may consider multiyear funding
- Due Date: April 1
- Vision Statement: The vision of the HIGHER Fund is to provide resources for programs that build character to achieve positive behavioral change and personal growth that will transform the quality of life in our communities.
- Mission Statement: The mission of the HIGHER Fund is to inspire individual behavioral growth in Honesty, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, Empathy, and Respect.
- Reporting: Successful grant recipients will be expected to provide a clear outline of their SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) success metrics for the proposed initiatives. For projects spanning multiple years, an annual report detailing the progress against these metrics will be mandatory.
Apply Now
The Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) makes it easy for you to apply for a grant online. All HCF grant applications are accepted through our online application only.
Click here to access the online grant application system to create your account.
If you have any questions, please contact Jill Roy, HIGHER Fund Impact Coordinator, at the Foundation by calling our office line 513-863-1717 or sending an email to [email protected].
