Siemer Family Foundation

David, Barbara, Al, and Elizabeth Siemer

Background

Al and Barb Siemer own Desco Corporation, a holding corporation for several manufacturing companies in the United States and Europe. Desco also includes Desco Capital Partners, which makes venture capital investments. A graduate of Muskingum College, Mrs. Siemer began her career as a high school English teacher. She is an active board member with I KNOW I CAN and the Columbus Museum of Art. Mr. Siemer is a graduate of John Carroll University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign trade from the University of Arizona (Thunderbird) and a juris doctor degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School. The Siemers are the parents of Elizabeth and David, who are both graduates of Lehigh University. The Siemer Family Foundation was established in 1997 and has focused the majority of its grantmaking in the area of education.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Siemer Family Foundation is to provide funding for those institutions and organizations whose purpose is to affect continuing and long-term benefits for societal, educational, and cultural needs of the community.

The Foundation’s goal is to support those organizations which provide solutions for social problems, education and/or training to enable young people to be self-supporting, and support for civic and cultural organizations which enhance the quality of life in this or other communities.

Six years ago the Siemers established the Siemer Family Stability Initiative, an initiative that focuses on reducing student mobility, which directly affects the ability of schools to deliver quality education. The program, which offers counseling and financial support to families in transition and need, is now rolling out to targeted areas in Florida and Ohio.

Grantmaking

Since its inception, the Foundation has approved grants totaling more than $9.5 million. The Foundation uses a competitive grant application process with one deadline per year.

Board

Barbara J. Siemer, chairperson; Elizabeth M. Siemer, Esq., president; Thekla R. Shackelford, vice president; Russell M. Gertmenian, Esq., secretary; and Tanny Crane, treasurer. Arnold B. Siemer and David Siemer are honorary trustees.

Staff Contact

Interested in more information about the Siemer Family Foundation? Contact Stacey Morris by e-mail or at 614/251-4000.