Who We Are. OGF was established in 2000 as the result of two organizations joining together –
the Donors Forum of Ohio (established in 1984) and Grantmakers Forum (established in 1985). 

1975 First “Ohio Foundations Conference”
1984 Donors Forum of Ohio (DFO) is established in Columbus
1985 Grantmakers Forum is established in Cleveland
1986 Marjorie Carlson begins as program coordinator of Grantmakers Forum, later becomes executive director
1988 Lynn Helbling Sirinek becomes first executive director of DFO •
DFO’s First Annual Conference 
1990 Dorothy Weiss becomes executive director of Grantmakers Forum
1997 DFO launches Ohio’s Promotion of Philanthropy Initiative
1998 DFO releases first report on philanthropy in the state: Ohio: The State of Philanthropy 1998
1999 DFO helps to create The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
2000 DFO and Grantmakers Forum merge to form Ohio Grantmakers Forum
2002 George Espy becomes president of OGF 
2004 OGF presents first Ohio Philanthropy Award to Steven A. Minter •
OGF Board of Trustees adopts Guiding Principles
2006 OGF launches Education Initiative
2008 OGF adopts Diversity Principles • Forms a CEO Diversity Leadership Circle.
2009 OGF testifies to Senate Education Committee about consensus recommendations contained in “Beyond Tinkering” report and selected provisions in House Bill 1.

         37 W. Broad St. Suite 800 • Columbus, Ohio 43215 • 614.224.1344