Education
Philanthropy Ohio and its members strive for a just and vibrant Ohio through policywork to ensure every Ohio student is actively engaged in their learning; has access to high-quality education opportunities in early childhood, K-12 and post-secondary education; and is prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in life. When advocacy work and public policy aligns with funding priorities, Philanthropy Ohio members can have an even greater impact. By leveraging our collective expertise, authority and resources, we can scale advocacy solutions more effectively.

Philanthropy Ohio supports education policy reform that seeks to enhance student learning opportunities and equity across P-20
Created in 2006, the Education Initiative is a member-driven coalition focused on helping funders better understand and address education reform in Ohio. This member collaborative supports policies that advance anti-racist and anti-discriminatory policies and practices in education; improve access to whole-child comprehensive supports in schools; invest in high-quality early childhood education; ensure students have access to high-quality educators; anchor the state's school funding system in adequacy, predictability and equity; make significant investments in K-12 education, particularly for students of color, low-income households or rural areas; and boost college affordability.
Join the Education Initiative to convene with your peers who support education, and:
- Build relationships with policymakers, including the Governor’s Office, the Ohio General Assembly, external stakeholders and key state agencies;
- Be informed on the most current research, trends and education policy issues in Ohio; and
- Advocate for policies to align Ohio’s education system and improve early childhood, K-12 and higher education systems.
Education Policy Briefings, Resources & Recordings
March 2023 Education Initiative Meeting Recording & Materials
Publication date: March 15, 2023
December 2022 Education Initiative Meeting Recording & Materials
Publication date: December 8, 2022
Lame Duck Legislative Update Recording
Publication date: December 5, 2022
September 2022 Education Initiative Meeting Recording & Materials
Publication date: September 29, 2022
August 2022 Education Initiative Meeting Recording & Materials
Publication date: August 18, 2022
April 2022 Education Initiative Meeting Recording & Materials
Publication date: April 14, 2022
Image"Philanthropy Ohio's Education Initiative enhances student learning opportunities and equity across P-20 education. The initiative's work is shaped by a plan that includes leadership activities, student and family advocacy and the implementation of policy priorities critical to improving student achievement, early childhood literacy, college and career readiness and college completion."
-Dan Keenan, Executive Director, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
Wednesday, May 10, Education Summit, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (in-person)
Thursday, August 17, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Steering Committee Meetings
Tuesday, April 11 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
When you become a member of Philanthropy Ohio, you join a community of funder organizations 200+ members strong who are working to improve our communities! Already a member? Make sure your annual membership is up to date and you have access to all the benefits – from members-only peer convenings to public policy initiatives to the latest resources and networking events.
- Ohio Department of Education
- Ohio Department of Higher Education
- State Board of Education

Learn more about Philanthropy Ohio’s advocacy work and how you can get involved! Contact Adrienne Wells.