(November 10, 2026) The Dayton Foundation is pleased to announce that the Louise Kramer Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to strengthening families and improving opportunities for children, has joined The Dayton Foundation.
Established in 1964 by the late philanthropist Louise Kramer, the Louise Kramer Foundation has supported Greater Dayton nonprofit organizations through grants to charitable, religious and educational organizations, including Catholic and Christian ministries that help children and families thrive.
Louise Kramer was the daughter of George Kramer, one of the founders of the Kramer Brothers Foundry in Dayton, and his wife, Elizabeth. Guided by Louise Kramer’s values and charitable intent, the foundation has remained committed to addressing basic human needs, advancing education, supporting youth development and strengthening faith-based community programs. Successive trustees have carried forward Kramer’s vision, most recently under the leadership of longtime foundation President William T. Lincoln, who passed away in 2026.
“As private foundation rules and regulations continue to evolve, we recognized that partnering with The Dayton Foundation would provide the Louise Kramer Foundation with the fiscal and administrative support needed for the future,” said Louise Kramer Foundation Trustee Sam Warwar, shareholder in the Tax Department of Coolidge Wall.
Jeanne Glennon, foundation trustee, added, “Moving the Louise Kramer Foundation to The Dayton Foundation will help us preserve Bill Lincoln’s personal, relationship-based stewardship. With decades of Bill’s insightful management, the foundation grew to $8.8 million in assets while remaining deeply committed to Louise’s original vision and the organizations and causes she cared about. As we looked to the future, we wanted to build upon what Bill established while putting the support in place to ensure the foundation’s continued success.”
The Louise Kramer Foundation will continue its work under the governance of The Dayton Foundation while maintaining a three-member advisory committee responsible for recommending grant recipients.
“The Louise Kramer Foundation has a remarkable history of supporting children, families and faith-based organizations throughout our community,” said Michael M. Parks, CFRE, president of The Dayton Foundation. “We are honored to help steward this legacy and provide the resources necessary to ensure Louise Kramer’s vision continues to benefit future generations.”
The Louise Kramer Foundation trustees feel strongly that the partnership guarantees the foundation remains focused on its mission while benefiting from The Dayton Foundation’s administrative, investment and philanthropic expertise.
“The Louise Kramer Foundation has been part of this community for more than 60 years, and it’s incredibly important to us that we continue to honor Louise’s original intentions,” said Annie Nelson, trustee. “This transition will help ensure that current and future committee members have the support they need to thoughtfully carry on her legacy and the Foundation’s work for generations to come. While the structure of the Louise Kramer Foundation is changing, its mission, priorities and commitment to the community remain the same.”
About The Dayton Foundation
The Dayton Foundation has been the Greater Dayton region’s trusted charitable giving partner for individuals, families and organizations since 1921. Ranked among the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants since its founding and currently manages assets totaling $1.4 billion across nearly 4,400 charitable funds. For more information about how The Dayton Foundation can help you help others, visit daytonfoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or Instagram.