The mission of The Kettering Fund is to support scientific, medical, social and educational studies and research conducted by nonprofit, charitable organizations that are located and/or provide service in Ohio. The Distribution Committee meets on a semi-annual basis to make funding decisions, generally in May and November.

The committee will consider support for the following purposes:
• Capital needs such as the purchase of land, new construction, renovations and equipment
• Seed grants for new organizations or programs
• Project support
• Endowments
• Research
• Scholarship funds

The committee will not consider support for the following purposes:
• Religious organizations for religious purposes
• Activities of specific individuals
• Public elementary or secondary schools
• Loans
• Travel
• Deficit reduction
• Benefit events
• Efforts to carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation

Generally, The Kettering Fund seeks unduplicated opportunities that will affect a substantial number of individuals.

Non-profit organizations located outside the Greater Dayton/Montgomery County area must have a statewide or broad regional focus, affecting or serving a substantial number of individuals.

Organizations that are not units of government or affiliated with a religious organization must have a current 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS.