The Ariel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ariel Foundation is a private foundation in Mount Vernon, Ohio. In tax year 2024 it gave $7.8 million in 36 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $2.8 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$7.8 million
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$2.8 million
- Assets$38.6 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2024 was up from $3.9 million the year before.
25% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.9 million | 62 | $43.2 million |
| 2024 | $7.8 million | 36 | $38.6 million |
How to apply
The Ariel Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Ariel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 34 | $7.8 million |
| Illinois | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Park Development Company | Heartland commerce park (hcp) corridor improvement project | $2.8 million |
| Knox County Land Reutilization Corporation | Various projects | $775,811 |
| City of Mount Vernon | Various projects | $750,964 |
| Alcohol and Drug Freedom Center of Knox County | Capital expansion project | $500,000 |
| Knox County Foundation | Economic development support | $500,000 |
| The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon | Childcare center capital campaign match | $500,000 |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | Various projects | $285,165 |
| Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio | Knox county behavioral health crisis center | $250,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity International Inc | Affiliate operations center acquisition support | $250,000 |
| Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Inc | Amplifying arts and entertainment in mount vernon 2024 | $200,000 |
| Ohio Eastern Star Home | Pine hill independent senior housing | $175,000 |
| Knox County Head Start Inc | Various projects | $162,510 |
| Woodward Development Corporation | Opera house and annex construction management and project support | $90,430 |
| Knox County Career Center | Knox technical center program support fy2023-2024 | $64,890 |
| Woodward Opera House Conservancy | Capacity building grant 2024 | $57,750 |
| Science Play-Space Initiative (Spi) Inc | Operations support for discovery play 2024 | $51,000 |
| Mount Vernon City School District | Various projects | $50,792 |
| Ashland Parenting Plus | Growing casa services in knox county 2024 | $50,000 |
| Foundation Park Conservancy | Various projects | $50,000 |
| Graham Grand Gallery DBA (The Gund) | Engagement & public programs coordination - gund gallery annex | $40,000 |
| YMCA of Mount Vernon | Scholarships, programming, outreach and operations support 2024 | $40,000 |
| Board of Knox County Commissioners | Jfs youth summer employment training program expansion 2024 | $39,159 |
| Winter Sanctuary Inc | Shelter services 2023-2024 | $35,000 |
| United Way of Knox County Ohio Inc | Various projects | $17,600 |
| Hopenow Furniture Bank of Knox County | Administration and service capacity building grant 2023 - 2024 | $13,100 |
| American Red Cross of Knox County | Red cross preparedness and resiliency in knox county 2024 | $12,000 |
| Knox County Educational Service Center | New hope preschool playground equipment | $10,000 |
| Experience Mount Vernon Fka Main Street Mount Vernon | Various projects | $8,525 |
| Calvin University | Netsanet waal scholarship 2024 - 2025 | $5,000 |
| Miami University | Ryan j. Morrison scholarship 2024 - 2025 | $5,000 |
| The Ohio State University | Andrew j. White scholarship 2024 - 2025 | $5,000 |
| Trine University | Samuel t. Whitney scholarship 2024 - 2025 | $5,000 |
| University of Akron | Braden j. Sapp scholarship 2024 - 2025 | $5,000 |
| Kokosing Gap Trail | Semaphore restoration | $3,000 |
| University of Toledo | Terry lee glaze fearn scholarship 2024 | $2,500 |
| Knox County Special Olympics | Special olympics equipment support | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Karen Buchwald Wright
- Kurt Schisler
- Thomas Rastin
- Jen Odenweller
Questions people ask
Does The Ariel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ariel Foundation give?
$7.8 million in tax year 2024, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs The Ariel Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Karen Buchwald Wright (Superv.dir., Chairman,pres), Kurt Schisler (Current Director, Secretary, Treasurer), Thomas Rastin (Director) and Jen Odenweller (Executive Director).
What does The Ariel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, human services and community development.