Frank M. Tait
Industrialist. Philanthropist. Innovator. Well-known as a protégé of Thomas Edison, Frank M. Tait played many roles in the growth and development of Dayton, Ohio. With his great desire to help his community, he founded the Frank M. Tait Foundation. In his words: “It gives me a deep personal satisfaction to create this continuing instrument of goodwill and progress. Humanity goes ever forward through the sincere dedication to cultural ideals of all of us, to the best of our ability.” Find Frank’s story in “A Story of Accomplishment.”
The Tait Foundation
The Tait Foundation funds tax-exempt non-profit organizations in Montgomery County to support their work to improve the health, well-being, and education of children aged 0-8. Through funding and measurable impact, we enable community organizations to develop innovative approaches capable of advancing children’s prosperity. As a heritage foundation, we aspire to develop new partnerships and continue granting funds to those committed to significant progress.
Since our inception in 1955, we have donated approximately $14.5 million to 285 Montgomery County organizations.
Vision
All children in Montgomery County, Ohio will thrive and succeed.
Mission
Seek and fund high quality, innovative and evidence-based early childhood intervention, and education programs that:
Serve under resourced families and children who are 0 – 8 years of age in Montgomery County, Ohio.
Demonstrate the potential to make measurable improvements in early childhood and education outcomes.
History
Chartered in December 1955, Frank M. Tait made the first donation to create the Foundation through 41,406 shares of stock from the Dayton Pump and Manufacturing Company, which is where Tait produced the first completely automatic electric water pump. As a protégé of Thomas Edison, Tait was given the honorary title of “Dean of the Public Utilities Industry” by his colleagues, and he was the first President and later Board Chair for the Dayton Power and Light Company. Although from Pennsylvania, Tait created his Foundation in Dayton because much of his life’s work had happened in the Miami Valley. Tait had a deep love of Dayton, which started when first visited in 1904, and he continued to help the region grow throughout his career. Few people can match what Tait has deliberately done for his fellow citizen and home community in their actions and desires.
Goals
01
Execute high quality grant making, linking funding priorities to focused and measurable outcomes that align with and support The Tait Foundation’s mission.
02
Ensure The Tait Foundation’s ongoing financial and operational viability.
03
Collaborate and leverage resources to improve opportunities for young children in Montgomery County, Ohio.
Board Members
At the heart of the Tait Foundation is a dedicated team of board members prepared to guide our efforts in the right direction.
James M. Woodhull, II, Board Chair
Development Consultant
Cassie B. Barlow, PhD
President, Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education
Tom Breitenbach
Retired CEO of Premier Health Partners (now Premier Health)
Allen M. Hill
Retired President and CEO of Dayton Power and Light (now AES Ohio)
Jonathan Hollingsworth
President, Hollingsworth and Washington, LLC
R. Daniel Sadlier
Retired President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Western Ohio Division)
Christopher Prokes, PhD
Director of Strategy and Innovation, Sinclair Community College
Grants
As an active but discreet community advocate with multiple community partners, we fulfill our mission through awarding grants that support a measurable approach to advancing the wellness and education of local children. Find more information on our grant application process and qualifications to discern if your program would be eligible for support.
Have Questions?
Whether you want to learn more about our mission, discuss community impact, or have an interest in grants, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with us today!
