What We Fund
We fund organizations and entities that seek to improve the health and well-being of people in Highland County, the Cincinnati area, and the world with a focus on causes that mattered most to our parents. These causes include but are not limited to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, education, and missionary work that focuses on healthcare services for the less privileged among us.
We are brothers Eric and Daron Fender, sons of the late Donald E. and Ann Elizabeth Fender.
Growing up at our home in Hillsboro, Ohio, we discovered very early in our childhood that giving back to our community was an essential part of our parents' life mission. Both mom and dad were involved in many different activities and organizations to support families, education and health programs, and research. Their commitment to change lives inspired us and our families to be involved as well.
Before he died in July 2023, our dad asked us to use a substantial part of his assets to start a foundation that would continue supporting the work of caring for others. In the midst of grief, we have worked to make his wish a reality.
With the dedicated help of our spouses, Connie and Patricia, The Fender Family Foundation will continue supporting the causes that our parents faithfully supported. We will also support other worthy organizations in line with their value of love for their community and neighbors.
About Us
The Fender Family
Our Dad
Our dad, Donald E. Fender, was born in 1938 and died in July of 2023. A native of Hillsboro, he attended Ohio State University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Finance and an MBA in Business Administration.
After serving in the Air Force Reserve in both the Berlin and Cuban conflicts, Dad started his real estate career in 1963, joining Donald E Fender Realty, a firm established by his father Donald E Fender Sr. in 1948. He became a member of the Merchants National Bank Board of Directors in 1972, serving on the board for 46 years and Chairman of the Board for 36 of those years.
He was a Paul Harris Fellow member of the Hillsboro Rotary Club and belonged to the Hillsboro Elks Organization. He served as a member of the Highland County Hospital Foundation Board, The Highland County Community Improvement Board, the Y.M.C.A. Governing Board, and the Highland County Children's Home Corporation.
Our Mom
Our mom, Ann Elizabeth Fender, was born in 1940 and died in 2018 of Alzheimer’s Disease.
She graduated with a B.A. from The Ohio State University and an M.A. from The University of Dayton. While raising us, she worked as a group and individual counselor for drug, alcohol, and physical abuse. She was a founding member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation and served on its board of directors. She founded the "Diabetes and You" program after being diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes. She was an active and tireless volunteer for the hospital and a longtime volunteer grief counselor for Hospice of Cincinnati.
She loved traveling, shopping, gardening, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.
Funding Application Form