Millstone Fund work in Greater Cincinnati

What are Millstone Fund priorities? First and foremost, our work is focused on improving the lives of people in Greater Cincinnati. We strive to secure a better future for Greater Cincinnati within the pillars of health, education, and the arts. We believe these areas are foundational to a healthy and vibrant community: the physical and mental health of people, the reach and quality of education, and the beauty and diversity of creative expression. An important theme across each pillar is a commitment to equity by addressing disparities in opportunities and outcomes in our community.

Through an analysis of grants made since 2021, we have identified key characteristics that define our funding priorities. Some of the notable initiatives supported by Millstone Fund include access to health care and reduction in health disparities, child development and behavioral health, educational equity and enhancement of best educational practices, children and adults with learning disabilities, professional development programs that support trauma-responsive practices, art education or employment for people with limited access to artistic experiences, artistic and cultural opportunities for under-resourced communities and/or people with disabilities, and more.

In our Health pillar, we prioritize initiatives that focus on preventing and addressing mental health issues, as well as unique developmental needs of children and young adults.

In our Education and Arts pillars, which often overlap and can be tied to mental health, we emphasize providing creative and high-quality educational and learning opportunities. We understand the importance of supporting families and children and building strong community partnerships.

Equity is a fundamental aspect of our engagement as we actively work to address disparities within our community. Furthermore, we embrace innovation and are willing to take calculated risks to implement strategies that foster positive change.

Grants

As of September 2023, 68 grants totaling $3,085,500 had been made to organizations since the inception of Millstone Fund. Grantmaking has occurred within each Millstone Fund pillar with an emphasis on programs and projects that overlap focus areas (see the figures below).

Millstone Fund also granted $100,000 to support a new regional initiative to develop a 10-year strategic plan to address youth mental health needs in Greater Cincinnati.